“The best part of my experience was at physical therapy (PT), when my therapist went to test my BPPV and I no longer felt the intense vertigo that I had been dealing with!
I had never heard of PT for a concussion and was rather hesitant to try it. However, I now credit PT and the concussion program at UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine for drastically improving my symptoms. I still have a way to go, but I am confident that between all these providers, my life will return to normal very soon — a feeling I was not sure I would have again.”
Earlier this year, a patient who wanted to remain anonymous and be referred to as M.S., shared their experience seeking concussion management care and physical therapy at UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.
As a 23-year-old AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician) / CT technologist, seeking expert care after a rollover ambulance accident in November 2024 and returning to an active, normal lifestyle of helping other people was very important to them.
Below, the patient shares their experience receiving care from UB Concussion Management and Research Center Medical Director John J. Leddy, MD, FACSM, FACP, FAMSSM, Athletic Trainer Patrick Sparks, ATC, and Physical Therapist Christian Kyles, DPT, CSCS.
 John J. Leddy, MD, FACSM, FACP, FAMSSM |
 Patrick Sparks, ATC |
 Christian Kyles, DPT, CSCS |
What made you seek UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine for treatment?
The concussion clinic, specifically. I was involved in a rollover accident back in November 2024 while volunteering, which left me with a concussion and vertigo. I was taken to the emergency room for a trauma evaluation, where I was originally diagnosed. I reached out to the UBMD Concussion Management and Research Center for help, and was promptly put on the schedule with Dr. Leddy for evaluation.
What was the diagnosis and recommended treatment?
Concussion, post-concussion syndrome (PCS), Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy.
Can you tell us about the trust you built with your physician and elaborate on the care you received from your whole care team?
Dr. Leddy and his staff go above and beyond when it comes to patient care and getting the appropriate treatment. Dr. Leddy is extremely knowledgeable, is consistently researching to support his clinical judgement, and takes his time to understand his patients, their medical history and other details to get to the root of the problem. He tried many different treatments and is interactive, really making sure that the patient has a say in their care, treatment, medications, etc.
Dr. Leddy is very intelligent and compassionate. He takes his time in the room with patients and has many different research-based ideas that speed up recovery time and can be combined to suit each individual patient. I’ve had several appointments with Dr. Leddy, and he has almost always had a resident, a fellow or a medical student with him. He is an excellent teacher, giving them an opportunity to make clinical decisions and be involved in patient assessment and patient care, while allowing them to observe and participate.
Sally, his medical receptionist, is absolutely amazing. She responds to phone calls and portal messages immediately. Going through workers comp can be challenging, and she will take every measure to assure that patients get approved for the treatment/medications they need, while maintaining stellar communication with patients. Her office is neat, inviting, and you’re greeted with a smile every visit. She has work notes, visit summaries and appointment sheets ready almost immediately. She is supportive, kind and passionate about her job.
I had the pleasure of working with Patrick Sparks, one of the athletic trainers, who worked with me in a clinical study. I saw him for six visits, and every time, he was outgoing, friendly and so easy to talk to and be around. He explained what he was looking for with my progress during the program and what the studies are showing him.
Patrick is extremely knowledgeable, and I thank him for keeping on me, to make sure I complete programs needed to get better. You can tell that he loves his job, loves working with patients and genuinely cares about their progression and success in improving their conditions. I can’t say enough wonderful things about him. Patrick is a lot of fun to work with and made my recovery process a lot more entertaining than it was. Visits with him were always something to look forward to!
I would also recommend Chris Kyles, my physical therapist, to anyone for any condition. He is personable, fun, interactive and very intelligent. He used his knowledge of concussion care and used maneuvers that got rid of the vertigo I thought would never go away following my injury. Chris took his time to create a plan based on how I felt for the day, and assured me that I was progressing and was not pushed too far. He asked about my appointments, which symptom of the head injury was most bothersome, and would change the care plan for the day to help with specific complaints I had.
His PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant), Gabby [Gabrielle Torre], is outgoing, personable and a total sweetheart. She is smart, interactive with Chris to help with patient care, and is very easy to work with. Gabby always has a smile on her face and works hard to help her patients have successful outcomes and feel better walking out of the building.
What was the best part of your experience with UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine?
The best part of my experience was at physical therapy (PT), when my therapist went to test my BPPV and I no longer felt the intense vertigo that I had been dealing with!
I had never heard of PT for a concussion and was rather hesitant to try it. However, I now credit PT and the concussion program at UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine for drastically improving my symptoms. I still have a way to go, but I am confident that between all these providers, my life will return to normal very soon — a feeling I was not sure I would have again.
Can you describe your rehabilitation process? How long after treatment did it take for you to return to your previous lifestyle/activities?
Although I am still recovering, I am at about 80%. I’m hoping recovery will be about five months long. Rehab has been a concussion program and vestibular therapy.
What does feeling better mean to you and your life?
I can almost feel getting back to work, back on the ambulance and being able to continue to treat patients of my own. I strive to be a little part of a big outcome for people like myself.
What advice do you have for those dealing with a similar injury?
Physical therapy is so worth the time and effort. Time is the most valuable asset in recovering.