5 Stars are not Enough!!!…read more
I am forever thankful and grateful to Arlen and his incredible team at the Disability Rehabilitation Center! Arlen truly facilitated a miracle for me, thank God--no exaggeration. Three top LA orthopedic surgeons gave me a bleak prognosis: even with diligent physical therapy, I'd likely lose at least 50% of the range of motion (ROM) in my left arm and shoulder. But under Arlen's expert care--and with the wonderful support from his team: Diana, Daniella, and Masa--I've regained 100% ROM. If not for them, I'd be facing permanent, severe limitations.
In May 2021, I shattered my left humerus in three places: one clean break about 1" above my elbow, another parallel break 1" below my shoulder, and a 1cm displaced fracture at the apex (a shard of bone sticking out, with the bone smashed at the base). I consulted three top sports orthopedic surgeons. The first said surgery was needed immediately but admitted he lacked the expertise for such complexity and referred me to his associate. She couldn't do it either--it would require a full surgical team and facility she didn't have. Finally, Dr. Patterson, the leading arm and shoulder specialist at USC Keck, evaluated me. Five weeks post-injury, he strongly advised against surgery due to high risks: potential rejection of repair materials could lead to bone death and possible amputation, given the poor blood supply to the area. He was blunt: even if I did physical therapy diligently, I'd still lose at least 50% ROM.
I refused to accept that. I told him I planned to have children someday and would lift them over my head. He interrupted, insisting I needed "realistic expectations!" I let it go in one ear and out the other, vowing to prove him wrong. Arlen's hands-on approach made all the difference. From the start, he massaged and gently manipulated my arm to retrain it into proper alignment. He created very specific, tailored exercises for me to do between our two weekly sessions. His technique was precise and intuitive--I could feel in real time how crucial each movement was.
Arlen is kind, warm, attentive, never rushes me, and always encourages me like a world-class coach cheering from the sidelines.The entire team--Diana, Daniella, and Masa--are so wonderful. Diana is Arlen's second in command, the most experienced, and truly amazing but a shout out to Daniella and Masa too! They are always professional, supportive, and make every visit positive and motivating. Even now, almost 5 years later, I'm still going once per week to maintain my full ROM and manage ongoing pain--that's how serious and life-altering this injury was and still is. Arlen and his team continue to provide the guidance and care I need to stay strong and active.
The highlight? My final appointment with Dr. Patterson. I demonstrated full overhead motion by pretending to scoop up and lift a running child. His jaw dropped, and he said, "That is miraculous." Arlen and his team didn't just help me recover--they gave me back my future and keep supporting it. If you're facing a serious injury or mobility challenge, the Disability Rehabilitation Center (with Arlen, Diana, Daniella, and Masa) is exceptional. Highly recommend--Again, 5 stars aren't enough!