Members of the community had been asking St. Rose Health Center to start a new physical-therapy program and those requests have been honored.
Melanie Schroeter, physical therapist, recently began seeing patients in the remodeled St. Rose offices at 3520 Lakin.
A doctor’s referral is not necessary to make an appointment with Schroeter at St. Rose Therapy Services. The number is 786-6515.
“I am eager to help patients with a wide range of conditions,” Schroeter said. “They can schedule appointments for problems resulting from an injury or illness, or for conditions such as dizziness.”
Some of the more common reasons to seek treatment from Schroeter include: recovery from knee, hip and shoulder surgeries; back pain; balance problems; stroke rehabilitation; recovery after a fall; muscle weakness; and dizziness.
“While I enjoy all aspects of outpatient therapy, I do specialize in problems associated with dizziness and lack of balance,” Schroeter said. “People are often surprised to learn that physical therapy can sometimes help with these conditions.
“However,” she added, “if we discover that a patient may need other treatment, we strongly suggest making an appointment with a physician. Our entire focus is on what is best for the patient.”
At the outset of therapy, Schroeter wants to discover a patient’s goals so she can offer the appropriate treatment.
“Helping someone function better at work and home is what this is all about,” Schroeter said. “Whether you need to be on your feet 12 hours a day, or need to do the dishes, we can determine the best way to help.”
After evaluating the patient, Schroeter determines the amount of time needed for physical therapy. It guides patients to find a way to heal properly and get back to normal life in the shortest time possible, Schroeter said.
“They can learn how to exercise the problem area properly,” Schroeter noted. “This can prevent further injury. But we don’t take a cookie-cutter approach. We target the treatment to you as an individual.
“This allows you to recover more quickly,” she added. “As the pain decreases, you can do your job better, perform household tasks and join in family activities.”
In some cases, physical therapy can prevent surgery, Schroeter said. For example, if someone is suffering rotator-cuff pain, a physician may suggest therapy as a first step.
“But even if surgery is ultimately necessary, the patient hasn’t wasted time,” Schroeter commented. “Physical therapy can help you build strength, which is important before any procedure.”
Schroeter also may make ergonomic suggestions, such as raising or lowering an office chair, or positioning things better in the workplace.
Schroeter earned bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology and nutrition in 2007 at Kansas State University, and her doctorate in physical therapy in 2010 at Wichita State University. She is a 2001 graduate of Larned High School.
Prior to her move to St. Rose, Schroeter was a physical therapist at Herington Municipal Hospital.
“I am excited to use my education and background to help patients at St. Rose,” she commented. “I have been impressed with the people here and the strong leadership. It is great to feel welcome.”
Schroeter and her husband, Brandon, have three children – Decorah, 4; Hazel, 3; and Dakota, 2 months. She is from rural Larned and now lives in Great Bend.
Theresa Roe, director of Rehabilitation Services at Hays Medical Center and St. Rose, said Schroeter is a perfect fit for this new position.
“Melanie is a great asset to the St. Rose team,” Roe said. “She has many therapeutic skills and strengths. A growing number of area residents had been asking for this expertise and we are happy to oblige Melanie’s background and eagerness to help patients are a real blessing.”
St. Rose specializes in primary care, prevention and wellness. Services include St. Rose Family Medicine, Convenient Care Walk-in Clinic, Great Bend Internists, imaging, Cardiac Rehab, Special Nursing Services, one-day surgical procedures, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice and a comprehensive Specialty Clinic. St. Rose is co-owned by Hays Medical Center and Centura Health.