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My child has been experiencing back pain while at school. Do you have any suggestions on how I can help my child reduce their pain?

Children may experience back pain that can be caused by several factors with posture being one. Posture is important to address with school-aged children who sit for several hours in a day. It is easy for not only children but people in general to sit in a “slouched” posture for comfort. Unfortunately, this is usually due to weak back and stomach muscles. In order to maintain good posture and therefore reduce pain, one needs to re-train the back muscles through sitting upright and performing strengthening exercises.

Strongly encourage your child to maintain upright posture throughout each day and to wear his/her backpack evenly to disperse the weight carried. This alone may be quite effective in reducing the pain. Also consider consulting a physical therapist for instruction and training of postural strengthening exercises. Posture is a key factor in lifelong strength and support for your child’s back!

Call to schedule a free screening with one of our expert therapists at our Bagley clinic today (218)694.3030!

Mandy Hoie – Doctor of Physical Therapy

Kirsten was born and raised in International Falls, MN. She graduated with her Master’s Degree from the University of North Dakota in 2014. After two years in the school setting, she joined Choice Therapy full-time in July of 2016. She enjoys working in a variety of settings with individuals of all ages. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends, fishing, camping, traveling, and cooking/baking.

Paula was born and raised in central Minnesota on a small family farm. She graduated from Bemidji State University in 2002, with a Bachelor in Science and 2005 from the University of Minnesota with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She worked for five years at MeritCare Physical Therapy before joining Choice Therapy. Paula married her husband, Donald, in 2003, and hey have twin sons Gerritt and Owen, and a daughter, Mallery. She enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities, golfing, fishing, and playing games.

Areas of Specialty:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Injuries
• Balance/Fall Prevention
• Spinal Rehabilitation with use of Michigan State Techniques in Manual Medicine
• Foot Injury and Pain

Physical therapists treat people of all ages and abilities. Here are some ways a physical therapist can help you.

1.) Maximize Your Movement

Pain-free movement is crucial to your quality of life, your ability to earn a living, and your independence. Physical therapists are movement experts who can identify, diagnose, and treat movement problems.

2.) Participate in Your Recovery

Physical therapists work collaboratively with their patients and clients. Treatment plans are designed for each person’s individual goals, challenges, and needs.

3.) Avoid Surgery

Before you undergo expensive or invasive surgery, try physical therapy. For some conditions, treatment by a physical therapist has been found to be as effective as surgery.

– American Physical Therapy Association (MoveForwardPT.com/benefits)

Did you know that you can oftentimes see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral?

Suppose you’ve just injured your shoulder, your knee, or your ankle. It’s been sore for the last week and it is just not healing the way you hoped. What do you do now? While you could make an appointment to see your family doctor, there is another option – direct access.

Direct access is the ability to directly see a physical therapist without seeing a physician first. Because physical therapists are able to evaluate and treat people without a doctor’s referral, a patient is able to save time and money on office visits. Direct access also reduces your overall rehabilitation time because you are able to begin treatment quicker.

However, be sure that you check with your insurance company prior to receiving therapy services. Some insurance companies do not allow direct access, including Medicare and Medical Assistance.

The first step is to contact our office to schedule a FREE 15-minute injury screen. Remember, it’s your right to choose where you receive your therapy services.

Marlee was born and raised in Crookston Minnesota. She graduated from Bemidji State University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, while also playing women’s hockey for the Beavers. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 2015. She enjoys helping others and working in a variety of settings. In her free time she likes to play hockey, be outside, and spend time with her family and friends.

Monica was born and raised in Bemidji. After graduating from Bemidji High School she continued her education at Northwest Technical College where she graduated with a degree in Administrative Assisting. Before joining Choice Therapy in 2016, Monica managed a local hotel for over 10 years where she learned the importance of customer service and relationship building. In her free time, she enjoys making candles, watching BSU hockey and football (Go Beavers!),gardening, fishing, and playing with her three German Shepherds and cat. Monica has been happily married to Bryan for 10 years and has one step-daughter, Gillian.