M Health Fairview Rehabilitation Services Sports and Physical Therapy - Elk River

I have been to many Physical Therapists at different locations over the years given 2 hip replacements, a hip dislocation and now 2 knee surgeries. Needless to say I was in the least bit thrilled to start therapy...again. Every place I had gone to previous had the same old mundane, repetitive exercises. Super boring. My new surgeon was very adamant about where I went and who I was to see, which in this case was the Institute for Athletic Medicine in Elk River with a man named Ryan. I was skeptical and not thrilled, but that all changed when I went to my first appointment and met Ryan! Prior to my first appointment, my surgeon had communicated with Ryan about the procedure, my previous procedures and my condition (Cerebral Palsy). When greeted by Ryan he was completely aware of everything which in itself was a game changer...a place where the surgeon and the therapist actually communicate... that was the first for me! Ryan then went on to tell me he has a lot of knowledge and training with spasticity which is what I had needed all along...for many years so that was a HUGE bonus because I'm not a typical textbook creature. I was super impressed with Ryan's knowledge and handling of me...knowing exactly when to check if my kneecap was tracking correctly by working with the timing of my muscles spasms. No other PT has been able to work with and manipulate my muscles spasms, which is critical. He is so gentle and kind. Ryan explained things that were easy to understand, which is great because I ask a lot of questions 🤣 Previous PT's couldn't seem to ever give me an answer, whether it be lack of communication with a surgeon or not as proficient in training as Ryan. Nothing about this PT experience has been mundane! I have been given exercises I've never had before which made it a bit more fun, as much fun as PT can be...right?! These exercises made sense for me. Again, I'm not a cookie cutter creature so not all excercises work with my spasms or movements. It's as if the surgeon and Ryan came up with a tailored plan just for me. Ryan is very knowledgeable, funny and just pleasant to go see every week. You can tell he really enjoys what he does and that it's not just a punch in, punch out kind of job for him. He's also a great teacher...showing tips and tricks to help with overall progress. The front office staff, Tony has been super awesome as well...makes checking in that much better! Scheduling later day appointments was not a problem and was much needed given that I needed a ride. I love the quiet atmosphere unlike some PT locations where there are a lot of bodies crossing crowded paths. This just seems like a more personal setting, but I go in the evenings so I can't speak for earlier hours. I honestly get say enough great things about Ryan, my fast ease of progress, the staff and the facility. Fingers, toes and everything else crossed that I won't need a surgery again anytime soon, but if I do, I'm definitely going to suggest Ryan again!