Casey Cottrell (pictured, center) credits her therapy team, Lindsay McNamara and Kalah Ragan, for her continued success as an athlete, despite many injuries along the way.
Casey Cottrell understands the value of teamwork as she grew up playing sports. At the age of 13, after experiencing several injuries on the court and field, she discovered her extended team at Ohio Sports & Spine.
That’s why she didn’t hesitate to turn to them for therapy when she experienced a shoulder injury in May of last year. Casey had resorted to her last option – shoulder surgery, but she was glad she had her therapy team of 11 years to help her get back to her active lifestyle.
From the moment she walked through the door at Ohio Sports & Spine in Boardman, she felt at home because of her caring and supportive team. And it hasn’t changed since. Now 24, Casey credits her success to the active roles of her physical therapy assistants Lindsay McNamara and Kalah Ragan.
“I have been blessed with two wonderful physical therapy assistants that have been there for me from the beginning,” said Casey. “Lindsay and Kalah make the best team by constantly consulting one another, finding the best plan to help you get back to your old self again!
“Throughout middle school and high school Lindsay helped me return to sports in better shape and condition than I was before any injury she was treating me for,” said Casey. “She’s always pushed me. Even when I wanted to cry and give up, she’s always been there to push me through it, especially with my recent shoulder injury.”
The recovery process can be very frustrating, Casey admitted, but her team has gone above and beyond to help.
“I trust and value Lindsay and Kalah’s opinion right up there with orthopedic doctors when it comes to my body and joints,” she said. “Lindsay has been my PTA since Day One and she’s stuck with me ever since! She is very smart and caring and has one of the kindest souls out there. She gives it her absolute all when it comes to helping her patients.
“Kalah has been my PTA for the last 8 years,” Casey said. “She’s worked with me since high school and into adulthood. I’ve always called her small but mighty. She will whip you into shape faster than an NFL personal trainer could!
“She has pushed me when I wanted to give up and when I didn’t think my pain was ever going to get better,” Casey added. “Because of her caring, yet tough-love approach, I kept pushing and pushing until I got better.”
Lindsay and Kalah have been like friends to Casey.
“They have both done so much for me and have helped me more than they’ll ever realize. I can’t thank them enough for always going above and beyond for me.”
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