Finding Confidence and Healing Close to Home

For Scott Sonnkalb, a 77-year-old Ripon resident, the decision to seek care at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital has never been a difficult one. Over the past decade, he has turned to the hospital for a variety of health care needs, including two knee replacements and, most recently, treatment for debilitating back pain.

Each experience reinforced his confidence in the hospital's therapy team and the care they provide. "I've had such positive experiences here over the years," Scott shares. "Once you start getting that positive feeling about the hospital you're using, you build confidence in the people caring for you. I'm going to stick with what I know and what I like."

Most recently, Scott sought help after a long-standing back issue suddenly became much more painful, making everyday activities difficult and interfering with sleep. Following a referral from Ewa Paszkiewicz, MD, his family medicine physician, he began working with physical therapist Audra Hazelberg.

"She was my superstar this time," according to Scott. "I described what was hurting and where the pain was. She examined everything, explained what she thought was going on, and developed a plan. She gave me exercises to strengthen my spine and improve my alignment. I'm still doing them today."

After just a few weeks of therapy, Scott began noticing significant improvements. "After five or six visits, we started seeing the change, and that's exactly what I needed," he says. "Now I feel great. No problems, no setbacks. The care gets results."

While Audra helped him overcome his most recent challenge, Scott's appreciation extends across the entire Therapy Services team. In a letter he wrote to the department earlier this year, he thanked therapists who guided him through recovery from his knee replacements, including Kathleen Hones, Greg Frounfelter, and Audra. He described them as "professional, patient, knowledgeable, and focused."

In reflecting on his experiences, Scott believes their consistency is no accident. "They're all kind of the same, because I think it's part of the culture back there," he shares. "They're professionals and caregivers. Every one of the therapists I've worked with has been top-level in what they do."

Scott recalls being nervous when he first began rehabilitation following his initial knee replacement surgery. As challenging as therapy could be at times, he said the staff quickly earned his trust. "The first time was a little scary because I knew some of the exercises were going to be uncomfortable," he says. "But once you start seeing positive results, that changes everything. You realize you're in good hands. These people know what they're doing. They're professional, friendly and very eager to help."

That trust continues the moment he walks through the department's doors. "There are absolutely no apprehensions about walking into that room," Scott says. "The people make the environment. They know what they're doing, and they're very solid about it."

Today, Scott continues to benefit not only from his recent therapy sessions but from the lessons and exercises he's learned throughout the years. "The exercises they gave me years ago for my knees and the exercises Audra gave me for my back still help me today," he says. "If you stick with them, they work. It's not just the current therapy. Those past experiences continue to benefit me."

Looking back, Scott says he felt compelled to share his story because exceptional care deserves recognition. "My whole intent is to tell people when they're doing something right," he says. "The care they provide is proper, focused and personalized. They develop a plan, explain it, and help you succeed. That's exactly what happened with me."

For Scott, the measure of great health care is simple. "You appreciate the people who are working with you and helping you get the job done," he says. "I don't think it gets any better than that."