From: Ng Z
Date: Sat, May 9, 2015 at 11:49 PM
Subject: Testimonial
To: Joan Law
Hi Joan!!!
I was diagnosed with 40% disc degeneration and minor disc herniation in my L5/S1 spinal disc early last year, during my final year of International Baccalaureate Diploma. I was an active athlete; a school team player for my schools’ badminton and squash team in my primary and secondary schools years. In addition to that, I loved running and often joined marathons, in hopes of running a full marathon one day. However, when I got injured, I was in unbearable pain every single day for 7 months. It was to the extent where I could not sit for more than 5 minutes at a time.
I was under extreme stress, which contributed to the pain.
Being able to sit down is a universal relief, but for me, sitting with a slipped disc was pure torture. I lost my freedom to run or sit, and every day was pain-filled. Imagine losing the blessing of being able to enjoy your hobbies and watching your friends running, oblivious to the inner turmoil and deep yearning within you. Imagine your back being wrecked every single day for 7 whole months. Imagine having to lie down on the floor to study till the wee hours, and resisting the urge to fall asleep while lying on your stomach with your notes and papers all over the floor.
It was the toughest period of my life. I even had to take my examinations standing up.
Popping painkillers with extra strength before every examination paper became a norm. Some of my examinations were almost three hours long, and I did them standing for the full three hours. Because of the medication, stress and the pain, I lost my appetite and lost 4kg within that 7 months. Having always dreamt of being a lawyer, I was afraid that I would be unable to sit for my examinations and do badly.
However, by the time my examinations approached, I rarely experienced back pain and had no need for painkillers. With the Anti-Gravity Alter-G Treadmill at Steps & Providence, I was also able to run occasionally, without causing further damage to my back. It might sound dramatic, but I honestly teared the first time I could run again on the treadmill after months of being unable to run without pain.
Thanks to Joan from Steps and Providence, I am now almost pain-free.
Under her care and guidance, I learnt how to take care of my back. She taught me simple exercises I could do at home to strengthen my core muscles, and was always more than willing to give me advice on what could potentially be harmful for my back. While it will be a long time before I can start running marathons again, I have progressed from being unable to sit for more than 5 minutes to working a 9-to-5 office job.
Judging by her strong rapport with her patients, it is my honest opinion that I am not the only patient who would consider Joan as a blessing in my life. I would truly recommend Joan as she is not just friendly and attentive, but also professional and skilled in her expertise. I will also be matriculating into law school in a few months’ time.
Thank you, Joan! (I LOVE YOU HAHA)
Ng Z
Note: Testimonial from patient was not edited for originality purposes.