Orthopedic Physical Therapy Institute
- Getting you back in the game. By Colin Anderson.
- Dec 1, 2014
- 2 min read
Whether you’re training for an Ironman or are more of an armchair quarterback, injuries to your neck, back, shoulders, knees and ankles can come from a number of sources. Trauma, car accidents, improper running form, and even bad posture can result in potential serious injury. A nagging pain in your shoulder might be tolerable today, but having a specialist look at it now could save you from going under the knife in the future. The team at Orthopedic Physical Therapy Institute is committed to helping everyone, from basic flexibility issues to patients who’ve had a hip or knee replaced.
“For people who lose their normal lives due to an injury, to give them the tools, hope, and education, it gives me a great sense of purpose because I’m helping improve the quality of their lives,” said Clinic Director Tyler Baxter.
Baxter, a Coeur d’Alene local, is one of three full-time physical therapists at OPTI. When a pro baseball career was no longer an option, Baxter decided to continue on a career path dedicated to keeping an active lifestyle. “I’ve always been active and also have a passion for health and making people feel better so PT was a good fit for my interests.”
The physical therapists at OPTI see a wide range of patients and injuries but follow the same protocol for each. An initial screening is done where your movements are tested so the staff can pinpoint the exact problem spot. “If you don’t address the issue properly, you’re going to develop a reoccurring problem,” said Baxter. OPTI physical therapists also work directly with doctors at the nearby Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Clinic. Patients who might be recovering from rotator cuff or ACL surgery will have peace of mind knowing that their therapist and surgeon are part of the same team and keeping each other up to date on progress. Baxter is thankful for his dedicated staff, from the therapists to the reception desk and everywhere in between.
Each patient is different and there is a wide range of techniques used to help improve a person’s mobility and range of motion. Therapists utilize manual therapy techniques to help joints move better, employ up to date ultrasound technology, and run state of the art cold compression treatments for swelling and pain relief. Perhaps the most important part of each patient’s recovery is the customized home exercise program. “You’re seeing us 30-60 minutes each visit, but the bulk of your recovery is done outside the office. We give all the tools and education we can to make each recovery as fast and as safe as possible,” said Baxter.
OPTI continues to get more involved in the community by sponsoring an adult soccer team. They also provide a free ‘bumps and bruises screening’ to youth if they’ve rolled an ankle or parents think they might be dealing with a sprain or strain. No matter the case, Baxter says he enjoys coming to work every day. “Helping people feel better and regain their active lifestyle on a daily basis is the best part of my job."
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Institute
980 West Ironwood Drive #207
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814
208.770.2971
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