Woman Finds “Best” Care for Torn Rotator Cuff at St. Luke’s Orthopedic Hospital

Esther Mwichabe’s journey from pain to healing began halfway across the world and ended here at St. Luke’s University Health Network.

In December 2024, while on vacation in Africa, Esther slipped and fell in her bathroom. The next morning, her left shoulder was in severe pain. Esther sought care at Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu, one of Kenya’s leading private hospitals. X-rays showed no fracture. She was given medication for the pain, but the discomfort never fully went away.

When Esther returned to her home in Macungie in January, she was still in pain. So, she saw an orthopedist, underwent another X-ray, and began physical therapy. After four sessions, she noticed some improvement — but by June, the pain returned even worse than before, she says.

Esther was unsure what to do next. That’s when a good friend and neighbor recommended that she visit St. Luke’s, where the neighbor had experienced excellent care herself. Following that advice, Esther made an appointment and was referred to Matthew Best, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at St. Luke's Orthopedic Care who specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery.

Dr. Best ordered an X-ray and MRI, which revealed the real problem: a torn rotator cuff. Dr. Best carefully explained her options: more therapy, injections or surgery. Esther chose surgery, “confident I was in good hands.”

“Once we diagnosed her injury, we knew exactly what to do to put her on the road to recovery,” Dr. Best said.

On August 20, she underwent outpatient rotator cuff surgery at St. Luke’s Orthopedic Hospital at St. Luke’s West End Campus in Allentown. From the moment she arrived, Esther felt genuinely cared for, she says. “The staff was warm, attentive and professional.” Esther recalls how Dr. Best listened closely, treated her with kindness, and made her feel valued — not just as a patient, but a person.

After surgery, Esther began physical therapy at Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s – West End. Thanks to her physical therapist’s encouragement and patience, she is regaining strength and mobility in her shoulder.

“I am still going for PT to regain my strength in that arm, and each session brings me closer to full recovery,” she says, knowing she will get there eventually.

“Overseeing her rehab, Esther has made excellent progress through every phase of post-operative care,” notes her physical therapist, Sammy Asad, DPT. “Collaboration with the orthopedic team has ensured consistent healing goals. She continues to regain strength, confidence and full functional use of her shoulder, always bringing a positive mindset into the clinic.”

Esther is deeply grateful for the compassion, skill and dedication shown by the entire team at St. Luke’s Orthopedic Hospital. As a bonus, the hospital is only a 10-minute drive from her home — “convenient, caring and close to my heart,” she says.

Esther says what began as a painful fall became a powerful reminder that healing happens best when you’re surrounded by people who truly care. “Dr. Best is the best, and St. Luke's University Health Network truly lives up to its name,” she says.