Ep 1. Spasticity

Royal Pains is an American medical drama series that first premiered on June 4, 2009. The show takes place in the Hamptons, where some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in America come to play during the summer months. The protagonist of the show is Dr. Hank Lawson, a skilled and compassionate doctor who finds himself working in the affluent community after being dismissed from his job in a New York City hospital. Throughout the show, Hank navigates the ups and downs of his new life, while also trying to maintain his principles as a doctor who prioritizes patient care over profits.

Season 2 of Royal Pains begins with an episode titled "Spasticity." In this episode, Hank finds himself taking on a challenging case that tests his medical knowledge and his ability to connect with his patients. The patient in question is a young woman named Shelby, who is wheelchair-bound due to a spinal cord injury she sustained while in college. Shelby is an accomplished architect, but her condition has made it difficult for her to work on projects or feel fully engaged with the world around her.

When Hank first meets Shelby, he is struck by her intelligence and her determination to stay positive in the face of adversity. However, he quickly realizes that her condition is much more complex than he initially thought. Shelby is dealing with severe spasms and tremors in her muscles, which have been unresponsive to traditional treatment methods. This has made it difficult for her to move around in her wheelchair or perform basic tasks like feeding herself or getting dressed.

As Hank begins to investigate Shelby's symptoms, he discovers that she has been taking a new medication that has been causing some unexpected side effects. Shelby's previous doctor prescribed the drug without properly monitoring how it was affecting her body, and the resulting damage has left her in a difficult position.

Hank is determined to help Shelby regain control of her body and her life, but he quickly realizes that he will need to take an unconventional approach in order to do so. He turns to a physical therapist named Ken Keller, who specializes in working with patients who have neurological conditions like Shelby's. Together, Hank and Ken work to design a treatment plan that can help Shelby manage her symptoms and regain some of her independence.

As the episode progresses, Hank and Ken work closely with Shelby to monitor her progress and adjust her treatment as necessary. They also help her to identify new goals and interests that can help her stay engaged with the world around her. Along the way, Shelby forms a close bond with Hank and his team, and begins to see the possibility of a brighter future for herself.

Overall, "Spasticity" is a heartwarming and inspiring episode that highlights the power of compassionate care and proactive treatment. The episode's focus on Shelby's journey to manage her symptoms and find new meaning in her life is sure to resonate with audiences who have faced similar challenges. Through Hank's expert medical knowledge and Ken's innovative therapy techniques, viewers are treated to a glimpse of the many ways that medicine can help us overcome the obstacles in our lives.