Thanks to a new knee replacement, Camanche pilot and retired Clinton County Sheriff’s Deputy, Tom Paarmann, 59, has his wings.
“I fell in love with flying as a boy when my dad took me up in his plane and it’s been a joy for more than 40 years,” affirms, Tom, who eagerly shows off his 1980 Piper Warrior 4-seat propeller aircraft.
“I began flying lessons at age 15, got my pilot’s license in my 30’s, an instrument rating in my 40’s, and have flown throughout the Midwest ever since.”
However, osteoarthritic pain in his knees kept him grounded for several years. “My cartilage is gone and it’s bone-on-bone.” Tom says ORA Orthopedics’ Total Joint Surgeon, Dr. Matthew Lindaman, treated both knees with therapeutic injections until Tom could retire.
“I decided after I retired, it was time for a knee replacement. It was getting to the point where just daily living like walking and shopping was too painful, even just getting in and out of my car to drive hurt.”
Tom’s Knee Pain was Stopping Him from Flying
If driving was painful, flying was out of the question. “My knee was keeping me out of the plane. Not only was it hard to get in and out of the aircraft, but when you fly, you control the rudders by using your feet on the rudder pedals. It wasn’t safe.”
Nearly three months have passed since Dr. Lindaman successfully performed Tom’s knee replacement surgery, and after completing a 6-week physical therapy program, Tom has been cleared for takeoff.
“Dr. Lindaman was great. I went in that day for the surgery, and afterwards, went to my room and my PT was right there that evening. I was up on my feet, and in the morning, I was walking and doing stairs,” recalls Tom.
ORA Physical Therapist and Clinton Clinic Manager, Jason Tampir, a 24-year PT veteran, says Tom followed his rehab protocols to the letter.
“Tom planned and stuck to his PT regimen with the methodical discipline I would expect from a pilot,” he smiles.
“Like many patients, that first visit after surgery is hard, but Tom knew the journey would take commitment. We want to understand all of our patients’ life goals. I enjoyed working with Tom very much. We established a rapport and it was a joy to see him regain his mobility.
Jason Tampir, ORA PT
Ready to Soar Following Surgery and Physical Therapy
“We understand the physical trauma patients have undergone, and once you get to know someone, as PTs we are invested and concerned about their entire wellbeing, I always ask myself, ‘If I was the patient, what would I need?’ Establishing that personal connection and trust helps patients like Tom succeed.”Jason says Tom finished in under six weeks, which he says is a little ahead of schedule, and is glad to see his patient back at the Clinton Municipal Airport to volunteer and fly.
“Yesterday I went flying for the first time with my new knee. At first, I was nervous as it had been about four months, but it was wonderful. My knee felt normal again, and I am so glad I got it done. It was great to be back in the air.”
Tom is already making plans for the summer including a trip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture, which he says is the biggest airshow in the world.
“I attended it for 20 years straight, but took a few years off. I want to go there, but also see my kids who live in Montana and California. They are active and I want to be able to hike with them. I can’t wait. And I’m already planning to get my second knee done as well.”
Tom has one more important appointment with Jason, however. Says Jason, “I’ve been invited to go up in Tom’s plane!”
And? “Oh yes, I definitely want to go,” he laughs. “Trust goes both ways.”
