There are many unique aspects to PRO Therapy, the physical therapy department at SLV Regional Medical Center. The purpose of physical therapy is to restore a patient's ability to move, reduce pain, prevent disability and return to prior levels of function.

Therapists Work Closely with Surgeons

The physical therapists at PRO Therapy work in close partnership with the valley's two orthopedic surgeons Steven Kitchen, MD, and Carissa Tripi, DO. The therapists at PRO Therapy have direct access to the orthopedic surgeons, whose offices are located just steps away. Therapists can literally walk into their offices and discuss patient care.

Direct access to physicians, Behavioral Health, and other ancillary services is a unique feature to PRO Therapy. The immediate response provides for excellence in patient care and enhances the rehabilitation process. "This whole facility is working together for what is best for our patients," said Dan Malouff, PT, DPT, clinic team leader.

The PRO Therapy clinics have knowledgeable therapists and ample gym space with a wide variety of exercise machines. "We make sure the therapists have up-to-date training and access to the most effective modalities in treating their patients," said Malouff. "Providing evidenced based practice is the expectation of therapists who work at PRO therapy."

Specialized Training for Excellent Care

Many of the physical therapists at PRO Therapy have specialized training and certification, including: women's health, pediatrics, orthopedics, manual therapy, vertigo/dizziness, wound care and alternative medicine. Because patients enter physical therapy for a variety of reasons – injury, surgery and sometimes with unexplained pain – it is beneficial to have ten physical therapists on staff with a wide array of specialty services.

Other areas of specialized training include treating patients with cancer. A customized rehabilitation program for patients with cancer can help patients have an improved tolerance to chemotherapy. Physical therapy can improve physical functioning and enhance quality of life of cancer patients and survivors by increasing endurance and strength.

Specialized, Customized Care

PRO Therapy is proud to offer a specialist in women's health with a focus on incontinence and pelvic pain. A bladder that is "leaking" or the feeling that you "can't get to the bathroom in time" is not a normal part of aging. Many people are unaware that treatment is available. The San Luis Valley is fortunate to offer this specialty that is typically only available in larger cities.

New to PRO Therapy is the use of a treatment technique called "functional dry needling." As a pain management technique functional dry needling uses a needle directly into a pain "trigger point." This stimulates the muscle and can help release the pain and increase function. Dry needling is different from acupuncture which involves acupuncture points. "If we can get the trigger point to calm down we're going to see quicker results with less therapy visits needed," said Malouff.

PRO Therapy has a large department of physical therapists with vast knowledge, experience and expertise to serve the needs of the San Luis Valley. For more information about PRO Therapy physical therapy services offered, please call 719-589-8100 in Alamosa, 719-852-5144 in Monte Vista and 719-274-6025 in La Jara.