Mountain View Hospital Physical Therapists Expand Their Expertise
Laura Mills, physical therapist, at Mountain View Hospital Rehabilitation Department, recently passed her level one exam from the North American Institute of Manual Therapy (NAIOMT). This coursework promotes a greater level of expertise in the differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal impairments. Additionally, the NAIOMT training focuses on a treatment approach that emphasizes hands on manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization. Laura notes that, “Greater precision in the diagnosis of dysfunction drives effective treatments which promote quality outcomes for my patient’s.”
Laura’s interest in the NAIOMT coursework stems from her enthusiasm for biomechanics and wanting to be a better problem solver. “I want to gain skills to determine the source of a patient’s problem and have it make sense. By bringing a high level of expertise in manual therapy skills, I can provide a greater benefit to my patients. I have observed good results in short timeframe’s and I believe this brings value to our service,” noted Mills. A native of Oregon , Laura completed her Masters in Physical Therapy from Western Carolina University in North Carolina . She was drawn to Central Oregon for its active outdoor lifestyle and enjoys the patient centered treatment environment at Mountain View Hospital Rehabilitation Department. Laura is currently enrolled to begin her level two coursework.
Rob Nelson, PT, Outpatient Clinical Manager at Mountain View Hospital Rehabilitation, comments, “All physical therapists have to complete continuing education coursework, but it takes a significant amount of dedication and commitment to complete the level one-four coursework and then get certified. Frequently clinicians spend 3-8 years to complete this process.” Nelson has completed his level three coursework giving him an advanced level of biomechanical assessment and manual therapy treatments.
Working under referral from physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, the staff of the Mountain View Hospital Rehabilitation Department strives to provide a personalized, professional approach to care for their patients. This model of care allows patient to achieve their goals in a rapid manner thus promoting optimal healing. Laura and the other therapists at Mountain View Rehabilitation want to be a resource for the community and encourage people to discuss options for achieving their goals in areas, such as orthopedic injuries, surgical recovery, and pain management. Additionally, they are developing programs in neurological rehabilitation including vestibular services for the treatment of vertigo.