From Wheelchair to Walking Again: A Patient’s Rehabilitation Journey at Jackson North Medical Center

By Carla Palmer

After experiencing a series of falls that resulted in multiple injuries and surgeries, Juan Carlos Martinez, 68, was beginning to regain his mobility when another accident left him with fractures in both legs.

He was in his kitchen when he took a wrong step, twisted his left leg, and fell. The accident required surgery on both legs at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Following his surgeries, Martinez was transferred to Jackson North Medical Center to begin inpatient rehabilitation. At the time, he used a wheelchair and needed help with basic movements, including standing.

Martinez and his wife have raised three children together. These days, it’s just the two of them and their dog at home. When Martinez was hospitalized, his wife spent much of her time by his side, accompanying him throughout his recovery and rehabilitation.

At Jackson North, he worked with a team of physical, occupational, and recreational therapists to regain strength, mobility, and independence.

Recreational therapist Andres Yanez remembers Martinez arriving with a positive attitude.

“The first time I met Juan Carlos, he was motivated to start his therapy,” Yanez said. “He had an amazing personality, and a smile that gave a good outlook on his recovery.”

Despite the challenges he faced, Martinez made significant progress during his inpatient rehabilitation stay.

“He went from needing two-person assistance to being able to stand on his own towards the end of his rehab stay,” Yanez said.

While physical therapy helped Martinez build strength and mobility, and occupational therapy focused on everyday tasks, recreational therapy gave him opportunities to participate in activities he enjoyed.

One of Martinez’s favorite rehabilitation memories was making coffee with his wife during a recreational therapy session. Other activities included playing with Harmony, the therapy dog, and relaxing outside in the garden.

“Making coffee with him, providing that familiar environment with his supportive wife and having them share a moment as if they were home again, was one of my favorite sessions with Juan Carlos,” Yanez said.

Having gone through rehabilitation for previous injuries, Martinez had other experiences to compare with his time at Jackson North.

“The best therapy I’ve had,” he said.

After about two weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Martinez continued working toward his recovery goals.

He progressed from using a wheelchair to a walker and eventually began walking with little assistance.

Today, Martinez continues outpatient therapy at Jackson North. Although Yanez primarily works with inpatient rehabilitation patients, he occasionally sees Martinez during his outpatient visits and gets to hear about his progress.

“Now seeing him in outpatient therapy, keeping that same smile as he continues to improve, makes me so proud of him,” Yanez said.

Martinez remembers being told it could take up to a year before he would walk again. But he’s already surpassed those expectations.

“I feel very confident,” he said.

Although he continues working toward his rehabilitation goals, Martinez is grateful for the care he received and how far he’s come.

“It was the best decision,” he said.

For Yanez, Martinez’s recovery has been rewarding to witness.

“It was a pleasure working with Juan Carlos, and the Jackson North rehab team is proud of him,” Yanez said.

With continued support from his wife and rehabilitation team, Martinez is looking ahead to the next steps in his recovery, having regained mobility that once seemed out of reach.