September 29, 2020 - TCO

Difference Maker: Brian H.

When we ask patients and their families about their experience with us, we often hear it’s the little things that make all the difference.

Every month we recognize a team member who went above and beyond to make a difference in the life of a patient. Often they did something that, if you asked them, “was no big deal,” or “is just part of their job.” But the truth is, their actions inspired others around them.

As a small token of our appreciation for making our organization a better place, we partnered with local artist Claire Ward to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art featuring an image of the recipient’s choosing.

Today, we’d like to thank Brian H. for being a Difference Maker.

Brian’s Story

At first, Padraig’s parents hesitated to even send him to Training HAUS, powered by TCO.

While they knew it was the best place in the Twin Cities for his physical therapy, they wondered if the energetic, athlete-focused environment would be a good fit for an 18-year-old with autism and cognitive delay. After meeting Brian though, they knew something special was happening at the HAUS.

Part of being a physical therapist is building trust and strong relationships with patients, and few do it better than Brian. On the very first day he met Padraig, Brian spoke to him directly and gave him his undivided attention. Little things to most, but the biggest things to Padraig.

After more than 10 surgeries and a lifetime of dealing with physical challenges, Padraig was no stranger to physical therapy. However, with every attempt, Padraig and his family struggled to find the right fit.

With Brian though, things were different. Not only was he able to meet Padraig’s therapeutic needs, he was able to connect with him in a way that made him feel like a typical teenage guy.

After their initial consultation, Brian handed Padraig his business card and encouraged him to reach out if he had any questions or concerns. For Padraig’s family, this moment meant everything because they’ve had such a difficult time finding someone who recognizes Padraig as his own man.

Often times, Padraig copes with stress by punching his own head and occasionally lashes out at those around him. Rather than allowing those behaviors to derail the goals of therapy, Brian would modify his activities, ignore the behaviors and find ways to make the time they had together a success.

Brian intuitively knew how far he could push Padraig and provided a treatment plan that met Padraig where he was on any given day.

For Padraig, working with Brian and being a part of the “cool” atmosphere at Training HAUS helped him relax, have fun and work hard. The result– by far the best physical therapy experience Padraig and his family have experienced.

Thank you, Brian, for providing such high-quality service, treating Padraig with integrity and making a true difference in the lives of others. You inspire us all!