Physical Therapy Services:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical Therapists (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) are highly educated and licensed health care providers who thoroughly examine and treat problems that affect people’s ability to move and function. Physical Therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease and are assisted by Physical Therapist Assistants. PTAs are licensed by the State of Montana to provide services under a specified plan of care.

At NRMC, we work with patients of all ages and abilities. Patients are seen on an outpatient basis or in the hospital during their acute stay. Patients participating in the Swing Bed Program following hospitalization for illness, surgery or elective joint replacement may need a longer hospital stay and intensive rehabilitation prior to returning home. Our therapists can provide that service so that you or your family member can recover closer to home. We also work with residents of the Glacier Care Center.

For more information about physical therapy visit: www.apta.org
 

When can I receive therapy?

Physical Therapy is available by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.

How do I start therapy?

See your physician for a prescription, then call us at 873 -3670 for an appointment. Be sure to bring your insurance information and the prescription, along with a list of current medications, to your first appointment. Dress comfortably and in a way that we can see the part of the body we will be treating. For example, if we will be treating your hip or knee, you will need to bring a pair of athletic shorts.

What does therapy cost?

Therapy is billed in 15 minute increments based on the specific treatments provided. In most cases, NRMC will bill your insurance carrier. You will be responsible for any per visit co-payments and/or deductibles and coinsurance as dictated by your particular insurance plan. Payment arrangements can be made with the Patient Accounts Services Manager at the business office and uninsured or low income persons are encouraged to apply for NRMC’s Community Care Program.

Who are we?

Dana Hughes, MPT, OCS graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science with a Master of Physical Therapy Degree and Bachelor of Health Science Degree in 1995. She has worked in multiple settings including a trauma center, outpatient orthopedics and home care. Dana has worked at NRMC for 9 years and is the head of the therapy department. She holds a Board Certification in Orthopedics and is a credentialed clinical instructor.

Jennifer Gruber, MPT, OCS received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Science form Northern Michigan University before pursuing a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She is specially trained in management of Lymphedema and also practices craniosacral therapy. Jennie has worked at NRMC for 6 years. She holds a Board Certification in Orthopedics and is a credentialed clinical instructor.
 

Mary Lou Bahr, PTA is from Ashland, Montana. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, K-12 PE, and a minor in Home Economics. She worked as a Home-Based Teacher for Head Start in Gallatin County, then earned a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate’s Degree at Montana State University Great Falls. She has been employed at NRMC since 2002 and is a credentialed clinical instructor.