I write these words after a particularly taxing workout at the Minges Wellness Center’s Rehab facility. I checked in with the facility on Thursday, February 23, for an assessment of the rehab I needed to help me regain strength in my leg after a total hip replacement. I met my Physical Therapist – Victoria.

I felt immediately comfortable working with her. She began with a series of questions about my history to ensure she had the most up-to-date information about the medications I was taking. Then she started the physical part of the assessment – various exercises to find out which muscle groups needed work.

I saw Victoria again on Friday, March 3, for my first therapy session. After an hour of exercises, I left the Wellness Center feeling fatigued and convinced that if I followed Victoria’s instructions, I would one day regain the strength and range of motion that osteoarthritis, bone spurs, and a bone-on-one hip joint stole from me over the months I waited for surgery.

Victoria offers just the right mix of kindness and push. She allowed me a brief rest period, but the exercises she had me do were demanding and sometimes difficult. But the only way to rebuild my lost strength is to be pushed in the right direction. I left today convinced that this young woman – about the age of my oldest granddaughter – knows her field and will help me get to where I need to be.

But I want to widen my commentary. The first time I went to the rehab unit, I was impressed. After I checked in, I took a seat in the waiting room. By the time Victoria called me, the waiting room was packed.

When I entered the rehab room, I saw many people working one-on-one with their therapists. The flow was constant as one group finished and the next group entered. No one needs to rock these therapists to sleep at night. In addition to giving thorough workouts, they also get a comprehensive workout – mentally and physically.

These dedicated physical therapists work with people to make their lives more comfortable and normal. They help people become stronger. They help their patients develop a better range of motion. They help people work toward being genuinely independent.

Since my first visit to the Minges Wellness Center, I have discovered a host of other services the center offers. In addition to rehab – my particular concern, the center offers programs to promote wellness, assist with weight loss, provide cardiac rehabilitation, and promote wellness in the workplace.

The center even has a complete gym equipped with 75 exercise machines and offers packages that allow patrons to work with certified personal trainers. The center also has 25 group exercise classes each week.

Each time I leave the Minges Wellness Center, I thank the Lord that this facility is here to serve the needs of our local community. We are blessed indeed.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.