At Restorative Therapy Co., we’re dedicated to helping our patients overcome pain and return to their everyday lives stronger and more capable than ever. Today, we want to share an inspiring story about a friend, patient, and local fitness entrepreneur, Andy Gallego. Andy’s journey from chronic shoulder pain to competing in CrossFit competitions is a testament to the power of physical therapy and the supportive fitness community at Takeover Athletics in Virginia Beach.
Andy’s Story: A Personal Account of Rehabilitation and Recovery
Andy Gallego, the dynamic owner of Takeover Athletics, has always been a beacon of strength and motivation for many in our community. However, a years-long battle with chronic shoulder pain put his fitness goals and professional life on hold. The pain and
decreased range of motion were so severe that Andy started to contemplate surgery as his last resort. It was during this challenging period that Andy decided to give physical therapy a try, with Restorative Therapy Co. being his final hope before surgical intervention.
"I started working with Andrew a few months back to help rehabilitate my injured right shoulder. To be honest, when we started, I wasn’t very optimistic. The pain and decreased range of motion had been present for about a year and was only getting worse. Andrew was really my last option before exploring surgery," Andy shared.
From the very first session, Andy began to see improvements. The tailored stretching and stability exercise protocol coupled with dry needling and manual therapy provided noticeable progress, helping Andy regain mobility and reduce pain gradually. Over the course of a few months, Andy’s dedication and our collaborative approach to his rehabilitation led to remarkable results.
"After a few months, I’m close to 100 percent. I have better range of motion in both shoulders, considerably less pain, and most importantly, I’m no longer concerned with the possibility of surgery. A big thanks to Andrew and his team at Restorative for keeping me in the game!" Andy expressed.
Empowering Recovery and Encouraging Community Fitness
Andy’s journey from chronic pain to peak performance is not just a personal victory; it’s a story that resonates with many of our patients at Restorative Therapy Co. Our goal is to help individuals recover from injury and pain, empowering them to reclaim their lives and pursue their passions. Andy’s experience highlights the importance of perseverance, professional guidance, and the supportive environment that physical therapy provides.
We are excited to share that Andy will be opening a new gym in the Shadowlawn area of Virginia Beach in addition to their three other Virginia Beach locations. The grand opening workout and social event is scheduled for June 29th (see image below), and we encourage our patients who have seen improvements with physical therapy to check out what Takeover Athletics has to offer. The full class schedule will start Monday, July 8th. Takeover welcomes individuals of all fitness levels and ages, providing a community where everyone can thrive and achieve their fitness goals.
Join the Takeover Athletics Community
If you’ve experienced the benefits of physical therapy at Restorative Therapy Co., consider taking the next step in your fitness journey with Takeover Athletics. Engaging in a supportive and dynamic fitness community can be incredibly empowering, helping you maintain the gains you’ve achieved and pushing you towards new milestones.
Andy’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, and with the right support, you can return to doing what you love, stronger than before. Join us in celebrating Andy’s success and the grand opening of Takeover Athletics in Shadowlawn on June 29th. We look
forward to seeing you there!
Your Path to Better Health
At Restorative Therapy Co., we’re committed to your health and wellness journey. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or striving to improve your physical function, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Let Andy’s story inspire you to take control of your health and explore the possibilities that physical therapy and a vibrant fitness community can offer.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 757-578-2958, visit www.restorativetherapyco.com or email us at info@restorativetherapyco.com. We look forward to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Contributed by Andrew Lantz, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CMTPT
Co-owner Restorative Therapy Co.
Andrew has been practicing as a Doctor of Physical Therapy since 2013 working with a range of patients in orthopedics, post-surgical cases, sports medicine and chronic pain management. He specializes in dry needling and manual therapy and integrates mindfulness practices into treatment for chronic pain management. He partnered with Becca Ellis at RTC in 2019. He recently wrote a book entitled 'The Purposeful Present' under the pen name LM Andrews. Andrew enjoys spending time in the surf or anywhere on the water with his two boys and wife. To the left he can be seen holding the catch of the day on a recent trip to Lake Gaston with one of his sons looking thoroughly impressed.