Testimonials

A walking miracle

Temple man thanks Dr. Pascale for giving him is life back.

James Smith of Temple, Okla. says he’s a “walking miracle.”

In fact, it’s a miracle that he can walk at all. Diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee in his late 40s, the unbearable pain brought his active lifestyle to a halt.

“The pain was so bad I couldn’t even sleep,” Smith said.

Unable to walk, his work as a body shop owner suffered. He would even find what he could do on the ground so he didn’t have to work standing up. He missed his favorite pastimes, especially playing softball, and his family and friends missed his zest for adventure. Smith was so self- conscience of how his osteoarthritis caused his legs to bow outward that he usually only allowed photographs of himself from the waist up.

At the recommendation of his chiropractor, Smith sought the help of Dr. Mark Pascale at the McBride Clinic. His treatment consisted of two total knee replacements at age 52. Just over a year later, he has finished his physical therapy at McBride and refers to the clinic’s physical therapy department as simply “excellent.”

“They could hardly believe the difference,” Smith said of the reaction his friends and family had of his recovery. “Every time I see Dr. Pascale I thank him for giving me my life back.”

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that causes cartilage to wear away from the bone. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, one in four people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee will need surgery to correct the problem.

To others suffering from his condition, Smith recommends having surgery and completing physical therapy.

“It’s hard, but it’s the only way to get better,” Smith offers. “Continued exercise is also key to being able to live life to its fullest.”

Although he can no longer play softball, he and his wife of 35 years sponsor and coach a championship team in Temple called the Good Ol’ Boys. He can’t wait to meet his first grandchild in May and is looking forward to fishing and riding his four wheelers again this summer.

“Those fish better watch out,” he warns.