October is Physical Therapy (PT) Month. At RiverView Health, 10 physical therapists and two physical therapy assistants offer a wide variety of services to patients of all ages in Crookston, East Grand Forks, Fertile, and Red Lake Falls. Recently, a few patients took the time to comment on the exceptional team in recognition of the month-long observance.
Dennis Tate, a repeat patient at RiverView’s Rehab Services Department, has benefitted from many physical therapy programs from ASTYM (Augmented Soft Tissue Manipulation) to dry needling and almost everything in-between. He has received support for pain management, improving his range of motion, and strengthening.
“Back, hands, shoulders, feet, knees, you name it, they’ve pretty much helped me with everything,” Tate said of the team. “They are absolutely amazing people. It’s the only place I’ll go for therapy.”
Tate said he’s been pleasantly surprised by outcomes of therapies he initially questioned, like Postural Restoration, a type of physical therapy that addresses the body’s postural position and the potential muscular imbalances that lead to pain. When properly positioned, aligned, and balanced, the joints and muscles can function more effectively and efficiently. Postural Restoration explains how all the body’s components must work together to function correctly.
“I was surprised how working on something like posture can affect other parts of your body, but sure enough,” he stated of his results, “my physical therapist knows her stuff.”
He’s also happy he can do his therapy close to home in Crookston, even though his surgeon is located in the Twin Cities. He reports that his surgeon has been impressed with how well the team carries out his recommendations.
Another patient at RiverView, who wishes to remain anonymous, experienced physical therapy for the first time following knee surgery.
After that surgery, the patient initially said she’d never get her other knee operated on because she wasn’t happy with the outcome of the first. However, once the effects of physical therapy took hold, she changed her mind and went ahead with the second knee procedure.
“Physical therapy gave me the confidence I needed to get that other knee done,’’ she shared. “Therapy made me realize I could come out better on the other side.
“It was a real learning experience. I worked with three main therapists and each one taught me things I didn’t know before. They were also very encouraging. They have a positive way of working with people.’’
The patient’s spouse agreed, “Everyone in the department was positive and upbeat. Don’t get me wrong, they made her work, but they were very encouraging people.
“And, it’s not just the physical therapy staff that deserves praise; it’s all the way to the patient access representative, Erika (Goodrie), who was on top of things, very efficient, and quite a treasure.’’
Another patient shared, “The physical therapy group at RiverView Health is an exceptional asset to our local community. From the gracious greeting when I check in, to the care, concern, and expertise provided by my therapist, it is a valuable part of my recovery.’’
RiverView’s PT Team members and their locations of practice are
- Caitlyn Michno, PT, DPT; Rehab Services director; Crookston
- Brooke Bischof, PT, DPT; Crookston
- Lori Hefta, PT, MPT; Crookston
- Clyde Jensen, PT, DPT; Crookston
- Brittni Johnson, PT, DPT, CWS; Wound Care, Crookston
- Tony Kuchan, PT, DPT, OCS; Crookston
- Ashley Leines, PT, DPT; Home Care, Crookston and Red Lake Falls
- Christine Loff, PT, DPT; Crookston and East Grand Forks
- Lily Ngwe, PTA; Home Care, Crookston
- Steve Poissant, PT, MPT; Fertile Rehab
- Amanda Roberts, PTA; Crookston
- Rhonda Salentiny, PT, MPT; Crookston and Red Lake Falls
Physical Therapy services and treatments include
Inpatient
- Mobility, post-surgical precautions/restrictions, durable medical equipment, discharge planning
Adult Outpatient
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, ALS)
- Postural Restorative Institute
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Headaches
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Dysfunction
- Lymphedema
- ImPACT Baseline Concussion Screening, post-concussion testing, and post-concussion interventions
- Prosthetics training
- Chronic and acute pain
- Functional Dry Needling
- Gait training
- OB-prenatal and postnatal
Pediatric Outpatient
- Congenital conditions
- Developmental delay/delayed milestones
- Musculoskeletal conditions (i.e. hip dysplasia, toe walking, Torticollis, etc.)
- Neurological disorders
- Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
Wound Care
Inpatient and outpatient services offered in Crookston. Interventions include:
- Selective sharp debridement
- Total Contact Cast application
- Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (application and dressing changes)
- Graphix tissue application
If you’re having issues with your ability to move and function in your daily life, talk to your primary care provider about services offered by RiverView’s PT Team or call Rehab Services at 218-281-9463 for more information.
