Licking Woman Regains Independence Through TCMH Physical Therapy

Texas County Memorial Hospital is proud to share the inspiring recovery journey of Angela (Burgess) Horvath of Licking, who has regained strength, mobility, and independence through the support of the hospital’s physical therapy team.

In 2022, at the age of 38, Angela was seriously injured when a zero-turn lawn mower flipped her while she was loading it onto a trailer. She sustained a broken back that required eight screws, two plates, and a spinal fusion at L1 and L2.

“I was like a walking robot for three years,” Angela recalled. “I waddled, could barely get around, wasn’t able to bend down to pick up anything, and I literally couldn’t be touched due to sensitivity all over my body.”

Angela’s challenges persisted despite previous rehabilitation efforts. After consulting with a neurologist for headaches, hypersensitivity, and MS symptoms, he ordered a spinal tap which resulted in additional issues of numbness and tingling in her legs and feet. The neurologist suggested physical therapy. Hoping for relief, Angela specifically requested therapy at TCMH, where she knew the rehabilitation services department had an aquatic therapy pool.

“When Angela came for her first visit on June 20, I made her cry just by putting my hand on her back,” Mary Maloney, physical therapy assistant, said. “She was hypersensitive and couldn’t be touched anywhere without pain.”

Maloney identified pelvic rotation likely caused by the original accident and introduced Angela to Watsu therapy, a passive form of aquatic treatment designed to reduce pain and sensitivity.

“It is a passive treatment where I do all the work, and Angela just relaxed,” Maloney explained. “Almost instantly she was walking better, had decreased pain, and her symptoms of tingling and pain down her legs started improving.”

After a couple of weeks in the pool, Angela progressed to more active aquatic exercises such as cross-country movements, jumping jacks, and myofascial release techniques. Within two months, her progress was remarkable.

Angela recently celebrated a milestone in her personal life—marrying the man who had stood by her through her accident and recovery. On their honeymoon, she was able to hike to all eleven waterfalls on a tour—an activity that would have been impossible before her therapy.

“The greatest moment for me was at my wedding,” Angela said. “I was able to walk not waddle down the aisle and I was able to be hugged for the first time in three years without pain. I can tell a total difference in every daily thing I do, and it is just amazing.”

Today, with rarely using ibuprofen for pain, lots of prayers, hard work and determination to get back to some normalcy, Angela has embraced life with gratitude. “God must have a purpose for me,” she said. “And then He brought me to Mary. I will be forever grateful for her.”

TCMH proudly celebrates Angela’s strength and resilience and thanks her for trusting the Rehabilitation Services team with her care.

TCMH is honored to have played a role in Angela’s recovery and is proud to offer advanced physical therapy services, including aquatic therapy, to the community.

For more information about TCMH Rehabilitation Services, call 1-417-967-1201 or visit us at www.tcmh.org

Mary Maloney, PTA, left; Angela (Burgess) Horvath, right