The ability to function in our everyday life without pain or disability is taken for granted by most of us. Yet, anyone who has experienced back pain, a work injury, arthritis, or a serious injury or medical problem that impacts their ability to move, knows the importance of rehabilitation therapy. October is National Physical Therapy (PT) Month to highlight this importance. This year’s theme designated by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is “Physical Therapy: It’s All About Movement”.
Physical Therapists are health care providers who are experts in the evaluation and treatment of problems that affect people’s abilities to move and function as well as they can in their daily lives. At Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services (PMH&HS), the physical therapy team works to return their patients to meaningful function. For one person this may be the sports arena or farm field, to another it may be the backyard garden, golf course or functioning independently in their own home. They safely treat pain through movement and exercise, and you get to actively participate in your care.
According to Patti Timmermans, Director of Rehab, “At Pioneer Memorial, your goals are our goals. We want to get you back to doing the things you want and need to do. You can count on individualized, comprehensive physical therapy, in a comfortable setting, provided by caring and skilled therapists. Whether in Viborg, or our Parker clinic, the right care is right next door.”
PMH&HS offers physical therapy for many types of conditions including but not limited to; knee, back or shoulder injuries, back pain, sports injuries, head injuries, post-surgical rehab, orthopedic care, total knee, hip or shoulder replacements, Parkinson’s, MS, women’s health, vestibular rehab, balance issues and stroke rehab to mention a few.
In celebration of PT month, PMH&HS would like to recognize our PT staff for the excellent services they provide to our patients/customers in Viborg, Parker and the surrounding communities. Pioneer Memorial has a diverse Physical Therapy staff including; Patti Timmermans, DPT, Director of Rehab; Amanda Marts, PT, MSPT; and Kristeen Kingsbury, DPT.
Many times we find that medical providers may not order PT for problems early on and so these problems become chronic. We encourage individuals to ask their medical providers about therapy orders so we can help prevent chronic pain and other problems from disrupting your lives. In today’s environment, everyone should take charge of their own healthcare issues and be proactive when visiting with your medical provider. If PT is not offered as an alternative for your medical problem, please ask your provider about it.
The PT team at Pioneer Memorial wants to help you manage your pain without the use of opioids. Pain is personal, but treating pain takes teamwork. If you have any questions about what physical therapy can do for you, please contact the Pioneer Memorial therapy department at 605-326-5161, extension 3009 in Viborg or 605-297-3888 at the Parker Clinic and ask to speak to one of our physical therapists.