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Schneweis brings high level of education to St. Rose Rehab Services
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Alesia Schneweis, new physical therapist at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center, demonstrates the application of a special tape for joint stability to Brandi Florian, a physical therapy assistant student at Colby Community College who is doing a clinical rotation at St. Rose. - photo by COURTESY PHOTO

           When a patient indicates that physical therapy may not be necessary, Alesia Schneweis takes the opportunity to explain that a little therapy today means a much healthier tomorrow.

          Schneweis, a Hoisington native, is the new doctorate-level physical therapist in Rehab Services at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center.

          “Even if they don’t believe physical therapy is necessary right away, they need to consider the future,” Schneweis said. “For example, if they are recovering from surgery, we must address the original problem, which maybe was a muscle imbalance or a joint that was not positioned correctly.

          “Or maybe the patient suffered trauma from a car accident,” she continued. “Muscle strain, swelling and pain can result. These problems can be fixed more quickly with physical therapy.”

          Schneweis treats a wide variety of conditions including low-back, neck and knee pain; muscle strains; dizziness from inner ear problems; and balance concerns. Some patients have recently undergone total hip or knee replacement.

          “If left untreated, pain can continue for months or even years,” Schneweis said. “The longer you wait to fix the problem, the longer it takes to be remedied.”
          Schneweis collaborates with her colleagues to devise rehab plans and help patients learn to use medical equipment, when necessary.

          Schneweis has an associate’s degree in biology from Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in biology of science from Southwestern College. She earned her doctorate of physical therapy at the University of Missouri.

          During her final year of school, Schneweis received Missouri’s Physical Therapy Student of the Year Award. Her professional background includes clinical positions at a variety of facilities.

          “I am so pleased to be using my academic and clinical background to care for St. Rose Rehab patients,” Schneweis said. “This is a great team of compassionate professionals.”

          Pam Perry, St. Rose Rehab program director, said the team feels fortunate to have a new doctorate-level therapist on staff.

          “Alesia joins us with the most up-to-date knowledge about advancements in physical therapy practice and research,” Perry said. “She is young and eager to find the best way to make a difference in our patients’ overall health and well-being.”

          St. Rose is part of Centura Health, which connects individuals and families across western Kansas and Colorado with more than 6,000 physicians, 15 hospitals, seven senior-living communities, physician practices and clinics, and home-care and hospice services.