Manuel’s quality of life lessened after he suffered three strokes last year and lost mobility on his right side. This devoted husband and retired bricklayer found himself relying on a walker to get around. An avid painter and cartoonist, his passion for drawing became a struggle for him to enjoy.
When Manuel’s family realized he wasn’t getting better, his wife and daughter knew where they could find proper care for him. Both are patients of Church Health and knew physical rehabilitation at Church Health could provide him with the right resources.
He began a year-long process of physical therapy with Kevin Gibson, PT, DPT, manager of physical rehabilitation, to recover his strength and mobility. At first, progress was slow, but when Kevin challenged him to focus on drawing and writing, Manuel’s coordination and motivation increased.
Manuel brought new drawings to each therapy visit that gradually became more detailed over time.
“I could tell that he was excited to share his drawings with me,” Kevin said. “I think it helped him engage in his sessions. After a few visits, his wife reported he was more active at home and felt better after physical rehab. Within a few weeks, he progressed to 15 minutes of aerobic activity when initially he could tolerate almost none.”
The blank artist’s canvas sparked Manuel to embrace the exercises to better his own health and well-being. He began to paint familiar subjects like cartoons, landscapes and luchadores (Hispanic wrestlers). He soon painted a series of works that now don the physical rehabilitation clinic’s walls.
“I was pleased with the exercises Kevin had me performing during physical therapy,” said Manuel. “One day he asked if I would paint something for the clinic, for visitors to see and to decorate the walls. That request reignited me to focus on regaining my painting skills.”
Manuel’s progress energized his family to join him in adopting healthy habits including a nutritious diet. They encourage him to eat more fruits and vegetables along with taking walks together. The new diet and exercise routines have helped the whole family with their weight loss goals.
“We try to be very conscious of what we eat in front of him,” his wife says. “We try not to eat snacks in front of him that he can’t enjoy himself.”
His family encourages him to pursue painting as a pastime after his physical therapy at Church Health. Now, he creates art to inspire others who have gone through similar setbacks.
In addition to physical therapy, Manuel’s care plan included behavioral health visits at Church Health. Through all the caring support Manuel received, he feels a new resolve in what is possible with hard work and a loving care team.
Painting has aided in improved mobility in Manuel’s hands and arms. His works now hang in the entryway of the Physical Rehabilitation clinic at Church Health to remind all who come through our doors that healing is possible.
Support from our Memphis community made it possible for Manuel to take hold of his recovery. Help to continue that care here —>
