My name is Myron, and staying active has always been important to me. I have played golf, biked extensively, and taken cycling trips with my wife to places like British Columbia, Europe, and Utah. Even now, when the weather cooperates, I still ride 10 to 20 miles a day. Over the years, pain in both knees and both shoulders started limiting what I was willing to do. I had seen several physicians and tried different treatments, but I wanted another option before making a major decision about joint replacement. About six months ago, I came to SmartLife Medicine and became one of the first members of the Executive Momentum program. I wanted less pain, better function, and a way to stay active.
Why I Chose SmartLife Medicine
Before coming to SmartLife, I had already tried steroid injections and hyaluronic acid gel injections for my knees. They gave me some relief at first, but the benefit did not last. I also had significant issues with both shoulders and had been told replacement was an option. What mattered most to me was staying active and continuing to travel with my wife, and I did not want to give that up if there was another reasonable option to explore first. After speaking with my personal physician and doing my own research, I decided to learn more about SmartLife. What interested me was the broader approach to addressing my joint pain while also building strength, balance, mobility, and overall function.
Why Executive Momentum Was Right for Me
Over the past six months, Dr. Vogt and the team have treated both of my knees and both shoulders with PRP. My care has also included PelviPower, Accufit, shockwave, Limfa, strengthening work, and exercises I continue at home. I usually go to SmartLife twice a week for about an hour and a half, as I understood from the beginning that improvement would take time and that I would need to stay involved. Dr. Vogt helped me set realistic expectations: less pain, better function, and easier staying active. Six months later, my progress has matched those expectations. I never expected a miracle, but I wanted meaningful improvement in how I felt and moved, and I have experienced it.
Results That Changed My Daily Life
When I started, I would regularly rate my knee pain at a seven or higher on a 10-point scale, with 10 being severe pain. Today, I would usually rate it at a four or less, and that difference matters. Before treatment, there were activities I chose not to do because I knew they were going to hurt. I still have limitations, but I am much more comfortable walking and moving around. Dr. Vogt has noticed that I walk faster and get up more easily than I did when I first started, and I think that is accurate. I am still cautious when I stand up and start moving, but it is easier than it used to be. My shoulders are more complicated, and I knew coming in that there was a lot going on structurally. Dr. Vogt has been treating them with Limfa and shockwave therapy (ESWT). I still have limited mobility, which has not changed dramatically, but the pain has improved. For me, this is progress. I have also noticed changes beyond pain. My balance is much better, and I feel stronger and notice more muscle tone; I also feel a difference from the Accufit and the exercises I am doing at home. I was also fitted with inserts, which helped with walking. What I have learned is that my improvement has come from several pieces working together.
A Partner for Health & Wellness
What I like most is that we are looking beyond one joint or one procedure. My knees brought me in, but we have also worked on my shoulders, strength, balance, core, and overall function. I also like the consistency, as I come in regularly, the team sees how I am doing, and we keep working toward the same goals. For me, this is about maintaining what I have and improving what I can. I want to stay active, travel comfortably, and remain independent.
Message to Others
I would recommend the Momentum program at SmartLife Medicine to someone dealing with similar problems. I appreciated having a comprehensive care plan and ongoing support. Dr. Vogt explained what to expect from each treatment, including allowing time to assess my response to PRP, and I also understood my role in following the plan and staying involved in my own progress. That worked for me because I was looking for a plan, not a quick answer, and six months into it, I feel I made the right decision.
Moving Forward
I still have work to do, especially with my shoulders, but I am pleased with the progress I have made. My goal has never been perfection, but I want to stay active, travel with my wife, move comfortably, and maintain as much independence as possible. The Momentum program gives me a structured way to keep working toward those goals while addressing both the joint problems I came in with and the strength and function I need going forward. For me, that approach has made a meaningful difference.