Susan Mulligan

For Susan Mulligan, everyday activities that once brought joy had become harder. Weakness, numbness, and shooting pain in her left leg made it difficult to walk and enjoy the activities she loved.

After visiting several other facilities, Susan was referred to San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital’s outpatient center for physical therapy. She had heard good things about the program and was hopeful that therapy could help.

At first, Susan thought the pain might be coming from her knee. However, her therapy team found that the issue was related to her hip and the muscles around it. With a clearer understanding of her symptoms, Susan began a therapy program focused on strength, movement, and function.

Susan started with gentle exercises, including leg lifts and activities to strengthen her left leg. As she improved, her therapists added more challenging exercises and adjusted her program to help her continue progressing safely.

Susan appreciated the support she received from her care team. She shared gratitude for the outpatient team, including Elisa at the front desk and therapists David, Miguel, and Paulo.

“There was such a good environment, like a family,” Susan said. “Everybody was in good humor, and they would encourage me by saying, ‘You can do this. Are you able to do a little bit more?’”

Even after completing therapy, those words continue to motivate her.

“I still hear those words in my mind when I do the exercises at home,” she said.

One of Susan’s most meaningful achievements was returning to long walks with her husband and their dogs, who had missed having her along.

Looking back, Susan said outpatient therapy taught her the importance of advocating for herself, staying consistent, and continuing to use the tools she learned. She described the therapists at SJV Rehab as teachers whose guidance will continue to support her well beyond her therapy sessions.

Today, Susan is walking farther, moving with greater confidence, and returning to the moments that make life meaningful. We are grateful to have been part of her progress and wish her continued success.