skip to Main Content
Online Scheduling for TOI’s Express Ortho Urgent Care Clinics Now Available! Book an Appointment

Former Special Agent Finds Lasting Relief with Physical Therapy at TOI

Written By: Jason Shinn, M.D.

As a former special agent with the U.S. Customs Service, James F. Ponder was used to staying active and always being ready for action. But a duty-related knee injury in 2001 changed everything. After years of surgeries, injections, and physical therapy experiences that left him feeling like just another number, James found lasting relief at The Orthopaedic Institute (TOI), where a dedicated team of physical therapists made all the difference.

A Career on His Feet, A Knee Injury That Changed Everything

In the summer of 2001, James was involved in a high-stakes case involving money laundering and child exploitation. As part of his role, he helped move seized desktop computers in the rain when he wrenched his right knee. “A few doctors and Hyalgan injections later, I was ‘OK’ and back at work,” James recalled.

For years, he continued his demanding job, working cybercrime investigations, conducting search warrants, and collecting evidence — all while dealing with an increasingly painful knee. “Active agents cannot use a cane,” he explained. “We have to be ready to move at a moment’s notice.”

After years of temporary fixes, James underwent arthroscopy and another round of physical therapy in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but the experience left much to be desired. “It was clean, professional — but I was a number, not a patient. It was all very by-the-book: ‘Use this device in that manner. Repeat.’”

former-special-agent-finds-lasting-relief-with-physical-therapy-at-toi
James F. Ponder with Christy Yaxley, PT, and the team.

A New Chapter: TOI and a Personalized Approach to Care

In 2009, James made the move to Tampa and met an orthopedic surgeon at TOI in Gainesville, who performed his first knee replacement surgery. It was this surgeon who introduced James to TOI Lake City for post-op physical therapy — a decision that would change the way James viewed rehabilitation.

“To say I was pleased almost misses the point,” James said. “The level of care I received at TOI was unlike anything I’d experienced before.”

At TOI Lake City, James met Christy Yaxley, PT, and her team, who took a highly individualized approach to his recovery. “Christy and the PT assistants didn’t just follow a book — they followed me. They checked in, adjusted my therapy, and made sure I was ready before pushing me further.”

James has undergone three knee surgeries at TOI, including two knee replacements and a patella repair. Each time, he returned to TOI Lake City for rehabilitation. “I could always count on them to modify my therapy based on what I needed at that moment — not just what a chart said I should be doing.”

The Difference TOI Made

For James, the impact of physical therapy at TOI goes beyond just strengthening his knees — it drastically reduces his pain and improves his quality of life.

“Each time I finish PT at TOI, my pain level drops to zero, and it takes months before it starts creeping back,” he shared. With PT appointments every two to three years, James makes the most of every session. “When I leave, I feel as good as they can possibly get me.”

Even now, at age 70, James continues to rely on Dr. Jason Shinn at TOI Gainesville, who advocates for his therapy and helps him navigate insurance and worker’s compensation.

Why James Recommends TOI Without Reservation

Looking back on his journey, James says the difference between TOI and other physical therapy centers is clear: they treat the person, not just the injury.

“I don’t feel like I’m just another patient there, and that’s kind of a big deal. If I’m in therapy for my right knee, but I’m having problems with my left, they adjust my exercises to protect the rest of my body. They make sure I get the full workout that will benefit me as a whole.”

For anyone considering TOI, James says: “I recommend them highly and without reservation.”

Get Expert Orthopaedic Care at TOI

The Orthopaedic Institute offers advanced treatments, physical therapy and orthopaedic services to help patients like James regain mobility and reduce pain. If you or a loved one needs expert orthopaedic care, TOI has 14 convenient locations across Florida.

Click here to request an appointment online today!

Back To Top