Matti’s Recovery: From Shifting Sands to Helping Hands

After retiring to Maui 14 years ago, Mathys “Matti” Christensen was enjoying life with her visiting son when an unexpected fall at the beach changed everything. As the sand gave way beneath her, Matti collapsed, injuring her left hip. In pain and unable to move, she called out for help. A kind stranger came to her aid and helped her to her car, where she remarkably drove herself to the hospital. There, she underwent partial hip reconstruction. Just three days later, her road to recovery began at Hale Makua.

Feeling Hopeful at Hale Makua 

What could have been a daunting chapter became one of healing, hope, and heartfelt care, thanks to the dedicated team at Hale Makua. When Matti arrived, she was unable to walk and found it extremely difficult to get out of bed. Yet from the very beginning, she was comforted by the facility’s open-air atmosphere and welcoming, tropical feel.  

Physical therapy sessions became the cornerstone of her recovery. With the support of the therapy team, she gradually regained strength through a variety of exercises, upper and lower body strength training, core workouts, walking routines, and even playful games like bowling with plastic pins to improve balance and coordination. 

 “Once I started physical therapy, everything got better,” Matti shared as she reflected on her progress. “The staff has such a clear understanding of what’s going on with my body, and they know where I am in the process of recovery.” says Matti.

And it’s not just the therapists that left an impression on Matti. She described the nurses and support staff as “wonderful on all levels,” noting their encouragement as she progressed.  

Back at Home 

Thanks to her hard work and determination and the help of the nursing and rehab staff at Hale Makua, Matti received the green light to return home in just a few days! She is excited to settle back into her recliner, enjoy classical music, and watch her favorite English and Scottish television shows with her husband. We wish Matti all the best as she continues her recovery at home.

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