Getting Back to Life: Amber Dinkens’ Journey Through Physical Th

When Amber Dinkens of Edwardsport, Indiana, first began experiencing serious knee pain, she had no idea it would lead to a full knee replacement. But after multiple prior knee surgeries and a sudden injury one evening at home, her path became clear and it ultimately led her to healing through the expert care at Good Samaritan’s Center for Therapy and Sports Performance.

“I had just finished working for the day and was walking through my bedroom when I felt a pop in my knee,” Amber recalled. “My leg froze in place. It was alarming.”

Amber quickly contacted Molly Weiss, MD, the orthopedic surgeon who had performed her previous surgery. During a follow-up procedure, Dr. Weiss discovered extensive damage. “She told my husband that my meniscus was falling apart like wet toilet paper,” Amber said. “It was clear then that a knee replacement was going to be my next step.”

Following her surgery in November, Amber began physical therapy at Good Samaritan, where she met her primary therapist, Matt Sievers.

“The care I received was phenomenal,” Amber said. “Matt didn’t just treat me like a patient. He saw me as a person. We connected over being parents of 4-year-olds, and he was always in tune with how I was feeling each day.”

That connection made a difficult recovery feel more manageable. Matt tailored each session to Amber’s needs, often adjusting his plans based on her swelling, pain, or stiffness. “One day I’d come in, and he’d say, ‘This was the plan, but based on what you're telling me, let’s pivot,’” Amber shared. “He listened, and that made all the difference.”

Amber also appreciated how Matt advocated for her behind the scenes. When her insurance coverage for therapy visits was about to run out, he worked with her provider to ensure she could continue uninterrupted. “I never even missed a beat,” she said. “He took care of it all without me having to worry.”

Her journey wasn’t without setbacks. At one point, Amber’s knee wasn't bending properly due to scar tissue buildup. After undergoing a manipulation procedure, her surgeon recommended immediate physical therapy. Matt ensured she got a same-day appointment, even if it meant seeing another therapist.

“That moment in March was a big turning point,” Amber recalled. “After that procedure, Matt pushed me harder because we knew the scar tissue was no longer in the way. My flexibility really took off.”

Through consistent therapy and personalized care, Amber regained her mobility. “Before my surgery, I couldn’t even go upstairs to tuck in my kids,” she said. “Now I’m walking two to three miles every day, lifting at the gym, and living a full, active life again.”

She credits her recovery to the supportive and compassionate care she received at Good Samaritan. “I would absolutely recommend their therapy services,” Amber said. “They helped me get back to doing the things I love - being a mom, staying active, and feeling like myself again.”

For Amber, physical therapy wasn’t just about healing a knee, it was about reclaiming her life. And with the guidance of therapists like Matt Sievers, her life is now stronger and more mobile than ever.

To learn more about physical therapy services at Good Samaritan, visit https://www.gshvin.org/health-services/physical-therapy/.