In the blink of an eye, a career can be cut short or sidetracked due to injury.  That was the case with Jennifer Anderson, orchestra director at Cumberland Valley High School. When she slipped and fell suddenly on an uneven surface last spring, she dislocated her elbow and was unable to use her left arm.  "As a violinist and conductor, my injury put severe limits on my job performance. From April until August, I was unable to play my violin. I had to turn down many free-lance violin jobs for my professional string quartet as well as local symphony and theater productions," states Anderson. She adds, "While in front of the Cumberland Valley High School orchestra, I could only conduct with my right arm.  In order to comfortably conduct our spring concert, I had to sit on a stool, due to the weight of the brace and pain in my arm."

Jennifer attended physical therapy at the Lemoyne office of First Choice Rehab. Stu Basom, PT guided her through 2 months of therapy where she did a lot of strength training and received manual therapy. "When I entered rehab, my arm was stuck at a 90 degree angle," says Anderson. "It was my goal to regain the movement and strength to properly hold my violin, reach all of the required positions and be able to perform and conduct at my pre-injury skill level." With the help of the staff at First Choice, Jennifer was able, at the end of her treatment, to perform the violin just as she could prior to the injury and she now conducts her orchestra with ease.

"From the moment I entered First Choice Rehab, I felt at ease. I was very scared and upset about my injury and how it was going to impact my life. Stu Basom was very knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive.  The atmosphere at First Choice is extremely friendly and caring. When I made progress, not only was I excited, but so was the entire First Choice Office, including the receptionist!" says Anderson. "I was actually sad when my rehab was over because I was going to miss the people that I had come to know so well through my recovery."