From Chronic Pain to an Active Life
At a glance:
- Condition: Chronic ankle damage from a childhood car accident, worsened by decades of physically demanding work and resulting in major surgery, reliance on painkillers, cortisone injections, and daily discomfort.
- Treatment history: Keyhole surgery in 2011 provided partial relief. Pain gradually worsened over the years, limiting sports and day-to-day life.
- Referral to MBST: In January 2022, Steve consulted physiotherapist Ann Clare Physiotherapy, who introduced MBST as a non-invasive approach for his ankle injury.
- During MBST: After a few sessions, Steve noticed a significant reduction in pain, decreased reliance on medication, and improved ankle function.
- Post-MBST: Pain almost completely resolved. Steve resumed golf, walking, climbing, and gym activities. Mental well-being improved, and he could live without planning life around medication or pain.
Steve Coultas, a 58-year-old Rutland resident, had spent most of his life suffering from a childhood car accident that severely damaged his ankle, requiring major surgery. Over the years, even simple tasks like climbing stairs required painkillers, and Steve learned to live with intense, daily discomfort.
Years of working long, physical hours in government service further aggravated the injury. By the age of 40, he had become reliant on painkillers and annual cortisone injections just to manage his symptoms. In 2011, Steve underwent keyhole surgery to clean out his ankle joint. While the procedure offered some relief, he never experienced a fully pain-free joint. Medical professionals warned him that continuing his sports activities—golf, walking, and weight training—could result in years of ongoing severe discomfort.
“I have been a keen sportsman all my life. My ankle steadily deteriorated over 15 years, and even minor surgery didn’t fully help. I relied on painkillers and cortisone injections and accepted that this was just how it would be.”
Referral to MBST
In January 2022, Steve consulted physiotherapist Ann Clare at the Ann Clare Physiotherapy clinic in Rutland for an unrelated elbow issue. MBST was considered as a potential intervention for his chronic ankle pain. Given the long-term joint damage and Steve’s difficulty managing daily discomfort, MBST was suggested as a non-invasive option to try to reduce pain and improve function.
During MBST – Recovery and Early Results
Steve began MBST sessions for his ankle, and after only a couple of sessions, he noticed significant improvement. Pain levels dropped substantially, allowing him to reduce his reliance on painkillers.
“After completing only a couple of sessions, the pain was significantly reduced, and I can honestly say I was amazed. I tell all my friends and family about MBST because you really have to try it to believe it.”
Post-MBST – Results, Life Changes, and Long-Term Benefits
Following MBST, Steve speaks of experiencing a transformative improvement in both mobility and quality of life. His ankle was almost pain-free, enabling him to resume sports he had been advised to give up, including golf, walking, climbing, and gym circuit training. Mental health benefits followed, as he no longer had to plan life around pain or medication.
“For me, it has been a life-changer. I have an almost pain-free joint. My mental health has improved because I don’t have to compromise my activities now. The pain has gone from being a seven or eight out of ten to a one or zero.”
Steve is now looking forward to returning to long-distance running and weight training, activities he never thought possible again.
Quote from Steve’s Healthcare Professional
“Chronic ankle injuries like Steve’s are complex to manage because decades of structural damage, surgery, and compensatory movement patterns often leave patients dependent on medication and limit their function. The challenge is to restore joint mobility, reduce pain, and rebuild confidence in movement. Combining targeted regenerative approaches with exercise therapy allows patients to improve joint function safely, regain independence, and return to daily activities without further compromising the joint.”
– Ann Clare, Lead Physiotherapist, Ann Clare Physiotherapy, Rutland
Conclusion
MBST and physiotherapy helped Steve to reclaim his active lifestyle and reduce dependence on pain medication. Thanks to non-invasive management of his chronic ankle pain, Steve can now enjoy sports, daily activities, and a better quality of life without the limitations he endured for decades.
