October is Physical Therapy Month: Pathways to mobility and improved lifestyle


Pictured above with therapy patient John Verdon of Lansing at Thornton Manor Outpatient Rehabilitation are, standing left to right, Doctor of Physical Therapy Jessica Verdon, Physical Therapy Assistant Jessica Wilkins and Occupational Therapist Tarynne Carlson. Photo by Susan Cantine-Maxson.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

For many who have experienced illness or accident, physical therapy can be the pathway to health.  October is Physical Therapy Month, when many physical therapy offices hold special events to emphasize the importance of the practice. Physical therapists assist individuals who have illnesses or injuries that limit their daily life functions and/or mobility so that they can have an improved quality of life. Occupational Therapists work to improve self-care, activities of daily living, home management and cognitive abilities.

People may require therapy for a variety of reasons. They may need strengthening following an injury, surgery or illness. The person may need assistance with pain control, balance retraining, gait/ambulation training, vestibular (balance) problems or wound care. These limitations may result from aging, illness, accident or the environment. Typical therapy and rehabilitation may include a program of exercises, stretches, retraining, manipulation  and the use of a variety of other diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Each individual receives a personalized plan which addresses the needs of that individual.

One common need for physical therapy is after knee surgery. A plan will be created which includes working on gait training with an assistive device such as a cane or walker and then progressing  to no assistive device as the patient improves. A physical therapy session would include strengthening of the  lower extremities focusing on the muscles affected by the surgery, improving range of motion in the knee for increased function following surgery, pain control, and improved ability to transfer.  Patients may come several times a week for several weeks, depending on the progress he or she makes.

Thornton Manor in Lansing has contracted with Rehab Visions since 1997 for therapy services for its skilled nursing facility residents and opened its outpatient therapy clinic in 2004 to allow people to receive therapy services in the community without the travel time to larger cities for therapy. RehabVisions offers services both to the residents of Thornton Manor as well as outpatients who have been referred by their physicians. The Clinic offers appointments from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and works with Medicare, Medicaid and Private Insurances, as well as Worker Compensation.  Staff members include Doctors of Physical Therapy Jessica Verdon and Tara McMullen, Physical Therapy Assistant Jessica Wilkins, Occupational Therapist Tarynne Carlson and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Bobbi Hansmeier, as well as Speech Therapist Adam Rothrock.

Several area residents use the expertise of the therapists to recover from events such as knee surgeries or falls. One recent client, John Verdon of Lansing, sings the praises of the clinic, “My time with the therapists was an ‘over the top’ experience for me. The facility is complete with various exercise equipment, is located close to my home, and is staffed by highly qualified and caring individuals. They were all so devoted and professional toward my recovery and well-being. I really appreciate their commitment to make this  one of the best rehab units in northeast Iowa.”

Another recent patient, the author of this article, Susan Cantine-Maxson of Lansing, stated, “I never dreamed that I would be able to get the care I needed so close to home. The staff is compassionate, friendly and very knowledgeable. I had been suffering pain for six months. I had resigned myself to arthritis pain but after working with the physical therapist and learning some stretches and exercises, I feel like I can maintain a much better lifestyle. The pain is gone and I know how to work through it if it returns.”

The duration of services provided to a patient is dependent on the patient’s diagnosis and speed of recovery. Each treatment plan is created specific to the patient and tailored to meet that patient’s needs. The therapy staff works with all ages in the community ranging from young athletes to residents of Thornton Manor who may be long-term residents who need assistance with walking or daily functions or who may just be there temporarily as they recover from surgery or illness. Mobility and balance are key factors in overall health. The physical therapy staff and occupational therapy staff can often help them regain that mobility or learn to adjust so their quality of life is improved.

Outpatients may be referred for sports or accident injuries or patients may just have some type of pain or mobility issue that working with a therapist will help. Currently, patients in Iowa have to be referred by a physician. but in several states, physical therapy associations are pushing for allowing patients to contact therapy clinics directly without doctor referrals. This is becoming more prevalent as more physical therapists have attained a doctorate degree.

A physical therapist can have a bachelors, masters or doctorate degree, depending on when the therapist graduated from school.  Currently, it is required that a newly licensed therapist have a doctorate degree, which takes three years beyond a bachelors degree. A physical therapist assistant is required to have an associate degree from a community college.  Physical therapy is offered at many outpatient clinics throughout the area, including some clinics associated with hospitals and nursing homes, in addition to private clinics.