Sandra Vann

I am so grateful to Dr. Ellis, his awesome team, and Erin Corbo Boyle, physical therapist, for fixing my toe (hallux rigidus) and returning me to my previously active lifestyle!

Despite my successful foot surgery (cheilectomy), which significantly improved my quality of life, I was still in pain and limited 9 months post-surgery. This bought me back to Dr. Ellis for a follow up visit, which was scheduled at the beginning of the pandemic! I was set up on the HSS App, which seamlessly brought the doc and his PA, Steve Costigliola, into my home via Zoom! Dr. Ellis suggested physical therapy over telehealth! Honestly, I was very skeptical! I was scheduled to be “seen” by foot specialist, Erin Corbo Boyle, whose expertise was apparent from the very first session. She listened to me, and evaluated my foot and gait over Zoom! She recommended appropriate exercises, and emailed me diagrams and detailed explanations of the exercises. She demonstrated the exercises and had me perform them for her to check that I was doing them correctly. Erin validated my concerns and motivated me to complete the exercises daily, and to ice 3 times a day! Eventually she motivated me to begin a walking regimen, which I can now complete on a daily basis pain free! Because of telehealth I had access to a physical therapist who is an expert in the field, from the comfort of my home in Rockland County, NY during the lockdown.

After 3 months of PT from Erin (a year post-surgery) my foot pain was gone! It is now 18 months post-surgery and I can walk at least 3-4 miles easily, and exercise on a regular basis! I have the option to wear regular shoes again rather than sneakers. I totally recommend Dr. Scott Ellis and the awesome team at HSS.