Restored Through Release: Physical Therapy Helps Tina Find Relief

A layer of sawdust clings to the shelves in Tina Lile’s workspace—a quiet reminder of the years she has spent building furniture, including a sturdy kitchen island, a solid wooden bench, and a coffee table sanded smooth by steady hands. But months ago, even standing for more than a few minutes felt impossible due to abdomen pain.

The Brookfield, Missouri, resident had complications with her first pregnancy in 2001, which required her to undergo abdominal surgeries. The result of these surgeries was painful abdominal adhesions, or scar tissue, that continuously wrapped around her abdomen and ovaries over the years, causing her immense pain.

“A couple of years ago, I kept getting really sick and had problems with my intestines, so I looked for treatment, but doctors couldn't figure me out,” Tina says. “I started building furniture back in 2010, and I also like sewing and started making rag quilts. But in summer 2025, it got to the point where there was no way I could even cut the fabric to make them because it made me so sick,” she says.

Tina persisted in her search for effective treatment, determined to regain control of her body return to the life she once lived, and read online about myofascial release—a hands-on or tool-assisted therapy that targets the fascia to break up adhesions.  

This therapy gently stretches the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, nerves, and bones, to improve range of motion and relieve pain.

When Tina could not find a provider in her town to perform myofascial release, she found Hedrick Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation, which was just 25 minutes away from her home.

At Hedrick, Tina received life-changing treatment from Rae Fee, a physical therapy assistant. Tina visited Rae a couple times a week for four months.

“Rae would have me do exercises where I would lay either on my back or my stomach, and then she would use kinesiology tape to stretch my stomach,” Tina says.  

Early in her treatment, Tina would linger in her truck after appointments, bracing herself against the pain to drive back home. By her final sessions, she was heading out with confidence and noticeable relief.

Today, Tina is moving with greater ease and less pain. Tasks like a long drive that once required her to push through discomfort now feel natural, allowing her to focus on living rather than managing symptoms.

The success from physical therapy sessions allowed Tina to resume creating special, homemade items right in time for the holidays.

“After I started therapy, I was able to make three rag quilts before Christmas,” Tina says. “I went from not being able to cut the fabric to being able to cut it and sew the quilts to give as gifts to my family for Christmas, so it was a big comeback.”

Hedrick Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation’s dedicated team of physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists are ready to help. Many of our staff members have advanced training and certification in specific areas, including stroke, cardiopulmonary, orthopedic, lymphedema, and complex cases. Learn more about our services.