Patient Testimonials: How Peter Got Back to Pickleball
Peter van Stolk had trips booked, ski season coming up, and a regular pickleball routine he did not want to lose. Then, knee pain started to get in the way. Within weeks, walking hurt, stairs became difficult, and the activities he cared about were suddenly off the table.
The pain came on gradually and did not go away. There was no sudden injury on the court and no fall on a trail. It built slowly, then started affecting everything he had planned.
Like many active people, he needed help faster than the public system could offer.
Timing mattered. Peter needed care on a schedule that matched his life, not months of waiting while trips and activities slipped by.
The Clinical Process at CMI
Peter came to CMI through a referral, which is required before treatment. Once the referral was in place, Dr. Sonny Bhalla reviewed his case. Peter’s knee pain was affecting daily movement and putting his travel and sports plans at risk.
Dr. Bhalla recommended an image-guided joint injection. Using ultrasound helps the physician see where the treatment is going, which makes the approach more precise.
“Dr. Sonny Bhalla understood the urgency,” Peter said. “He explained the procedure clearly and was precise and confident.”
Reclaiming an Active Lifestyle
After the treatment, Peter went to Mexico. He played pickleball, hiked, and snorkelled.
“Just a week earlier, those activities were impossible,” Peter said. “Hiking, snorkeling, and pickleball were all off the table.”
The injection helped settle the pain enough for Peter to move more comfortably again. That gave him a chance to stay active, rebuild strength, and head into winter in much better shape.
An injection is not a cure, but for some patients, it can create enough relief to get back to normal routines and activities and that’s why we love shring our Patient Testimonials.
Common Questions About Knee Pain Injections
1. Can I fly on a plane immediately after my joint injection?
Most patients can fly shortly after a peripheral joint injection. However, we usually recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours before a long-haul flight. This allows any initial soreness to settle and ensures you are comfortable during your travels. If you have a trip planned, please mention this during your assessment.
2. Can I have an injection if I am currently taking antibiotics?
If you have an active infection or are taking antibiotics for an illness, we generally recommend rescheduling your injection. It is important that your immune system is not fighting an active infection during a medical procedure. Contact our team to find a new date once you have finished your medication.
3. Will my private insurance cover the cost of the injection?
Many extended health plans in Canada cover interventional procedures or the medications used during treatment. Because every plan is different, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly. We provide a detailed receipt that you can submit for reimbursement.
4. Is there a limit to how many injections I can receive in a year?
The frequency of treatments depends on the medication used and your specific diagnosis. For corticosteroid injections, physicians usually limit treatments to three or four times per year in the same area. During your consultation, we will discuss a long-term plan that prioritizes your joint health.
Immediate Access to Specialty Care
Peter needed care on a timeline that matched his life, we are thankful for his Patient Testimonial and we are glad we could be part of his recovery.
Through CMI’s private referral process, he was able to move from assessment to treatment faster than he expected. For him, that meant keeping his travel plans and getting back to the activities he cared about.
The team at CMI includes board-certified specialists who focus on efficiency. We use advanced imaging to deliver treatments with medical legitimacy. If joint pain is threatening your lifestyle, you do not have to wait months for an answer.
If joint pain is affecting how you move or what you are able to do, the next step is to get clear on what treatment options may be appropriate.
Download the referral and questionnaire forms, then ask your physician or physiotherapist to complete the referral so your case can be reviewed.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient is unique, and individual results will vary. Please do not use this information to diagnose yourself. Always consult a qualified physician regarding your specific medical condition.
