By CATHERINE ELLERTON
Moapa Valley Progress
On Tuesday, April 24, FIT Physical Therapy held an Open House event to help spread the word about the many health benefits that can be obtained within its walls.
FIT Practice Manager, Tim Morford, was in attendance and stated that there are currently four FIT locations including one in Mesquite, two in St. George, and the one in Overton. A third location in St. George is in the planning stage. Also present were Doug Giles, PT (Physical Therapist), DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy); Kyle Ozaki, DPT, Julie Livernash, Aide; and Kenni Decker, receptionist.
Giles advised that the Overton location has been open for five years now. The goal is to promote health and wellness to the community. Many exercise machines are available; including Shoulder Press, Triceps Press, Leg Extension and Chest Press. These are arranged in an Open Gym setting.
The Open Gym is available to anyone for a small fee and if they have questions about the machines or the best regiment for them, the therapists are available to help.
Doug is also certified in IASTM and in Dry Needling which is similar to Acupuncture. These are therapies that help to relieve chronic headaches, back pain and release tight muscles. He stated that he has treated patients from 2 weeks old to 102 years young!
Ozaki has been working with this organization for a year now. He stated that it is an outpatient orthopedic treatment plan. The rehab schedule includes cardio, neuro and vestibular (inner ear – imbalance). Kyle has two goals he is hoping to achieve: obtain his OCS (Orthopedic Certified Specialist) and to start a food truck with his brother Mitch for whom he has worked as an occasional bee keeper in his spare time.
Julie and Kenni help to keep everything moving smoothly. Out of curiosity, as I gazed at the ‘Machines of Terror’ (my description), I asked what were their favorite exercise machines. Ozaki likes the Exercise Bike, while Tim is ‘all about the biceps’ and likes the Curling Machines. Julie likes the Shuttle and Doug goes for the NuStep.
Took a moment to talk with several patients. Chris McAllister was recovering from ankle surgery brought about by a ‘hiking incident.’ This was his first day in therapy. He had seen the Open House, obtained a release for Physical Therapy, didn’t want to have to drive to Vegas, so he decided to give the local FIT a try.
Another brave soul was twirling a plate with his foot. Turned out he was loosening muscles in his ankle and heel because of Plantar Fasciitis which had nearly disabled him. The therapy he had received to date brought him back to being 80-90% good.
Barbara Trombley, an S.P.T.A. with the School District had been having trouble with an injured shoulder. She had sought medical advice first and then settled on Physical Therapy as she had used that successfully in the past with a bad knee. Barbara enthused that “ I love the help I get with the FIT therapists!”
The FIT Open Gym and Therapy are open 8am to 5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 8am to 6pm on Tuesday and Friday. For therapy appointments call 702-397-6700.
