Bill had worked with Watertown Regional Medical Center Physical Therapist Peter Schuch to recuperate from an injury that included several joints. After his total knee replacement, Bill wanted Peter to guide him through his recovery. And so Peter happily welcomed Bill once again with his signature smile and a firm hand shake.

Bill explains, “Peter gets the maximum effort out of me. He pushes me to perform my best. But, he does it in such a professional and caring way. I never felt like I would be hurt or forced to go too far. I have progressed to where I am today because of him. He made it fun! I am very lucky to have Peter to work with.”

Bill appreciates that Peter kept him informed, guiding him through an exercise and explaining how the movement would help him achieve his goals. Bill laughs, “I even liked the bell!”

“The bell” is a simple cow bell in the Orthopedics & Sports Medicine clinic. The post-operative goal for a knee patient is to achieve 120 degrees of bend. When a patient achieves this goal for the first time, they get to ring the bell. Everyone in the gym cheers! 

Peter’s dedication inspires patients like Bill to achieve their goals. “He told me to continue exercising and keep up my good work,” says Bill. “I am getting better all the time. Peter is one in a million!”