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Southwest Nebraska Physical Therapy: care with deep-rooted community connections
McCOOK, Neb. - Southwest Nebraska Physical Therapy (SWNPT), a cornerstone of the Southwest Nebraska community, has been serving residents since 2001, although some staff members have over 30 years of experience in the area.
SWNPT operates two locations: one at Community Hospital in McCook and a free-standing outpatient clinic in Curtis. This therapist-owned business employs nine physical therapists, four physical therapy assistants, and three technicians, all dedicated to delivering a broad spectrum of professional services. These include:
Aquatic Therapy
Blood Flow Restriction Training
Cupping Therapy
Functional Dry Needling
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Extensive Patient Education
Kinesiotaping (K-Taping)
LSVT BIG
Manual Therapy
Neuromuscular re-education
Soft Tissue Mobilizations
Spinal Mobilizations
Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
Ultrasound Therapy
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Wound Care
What sets SWNPT apart is the staff’s deep-rooted connection to the community. The majority of the staff grew up in the area and have chosen to return and raise their families in Southwest Nebraska. They are drawn by the strong bonds they feel with the area. They not only serve the community through their work, but they also volunteer extensively in various organizations, including the YMCA, school boards, church boards, youth groups, and community events.
Emilyne Sis, PT, DPT, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and one of SWNPT’s nine therapists, shared her journey into the field. “I enjoy sports and ended up with a few injuries that resulted in me participating in physical therapy. This was my introduction to the field. I enjoy learning about the anatomy and physiology of the human body and I love to make new relationships with people,” she said.
After being a patient, Sis began working at SWNPT as a tech. “It solidified that is what I wanted to do. The staff was, and continues to be, amazing and I am blessed to help others live the life they want through movement,” Sis explained.
Ryan Hardin, PT, DPT, ATC has a similar passion for physical therapy and his hometown. He said he always had a love for athletics but didn’t feel he had the athleticism to participate at the collegiate level. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. “It’s a phenomenal career, but it’s hard to do with a family,” Hardin said of athletic training.
So, he pursued a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “Now I get to work with people ages 10 to 100, with all levels of athletic ability,” he said. He was also thrilled to return to his hometown of McCook.
“The athletics were great in Lincoln and Omaha, but there’s something different about here. Physical therapy allows me to work with some really great people. I’ve gotten to have some incredible conversations over a massage or a treatment table or while doing exercises. The amount of wisdom that you can get from patients that walk in is amazing. You get to know people beyond their physical limits,” he explained.
The spacious facilities at Community Hospital significantly enhance the effectiveness of patient treatment by the therapists.
In addition to the expansive facilities, the connection with Community Hospital enables therapists to collaborate with other professionals, including occupational and speech therapists, primary care doctors, orthopedic teams, and nursing staff. This team approach ensures patients receive the best, well-rounded care.
The staff at SWNPT exhibit a collaborative nature that, combined with their extensive experience, allows them to provide top-notch treatment for various ailments.
Hardin and Sis agreed that there’s a willingness to help each other out. Staff is never too busy with their own patients; they are always able to brainstorm with other physical therapists and come up with treatment plans that give their patients the best possible results.
With a combined 250 years of experience, the staff at SWNPT is well-equipped to handle diverse challenges.
The staff at SWNPT remains committed to innovation and continuous learning and improvement, ensuring the people of Southwest Nebraska receive the best possible physical health care. They strive to provide the most recent and researched techniques and continually learn from each other and through continuing education courses.
This article is a continuing series about McCook Gazette “Thumbs Up to Business” partners. Call the Gazette at (308)345-4500 for more information on how to have your business included in this series.