DEKALB – On Saturday, September 23, two independent, privately-owned physical therapy clinics will host their fourth annual “Walk & Roll for Mobility,” a walk from Creative Therapeutics on Hillcrest Drive to Northern Rehab’s office on Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. Donations from the walk will all go to VAC, the Voluntary Action Center. “Raising funds for the VAC is a great fit. VAC does so much to help people to get around, and physical therapists help people get moving, so we’re pleased to help support their mission” comments Deb Loitz, Director of Community Relations for Northern Rehab.
October is National Physical Therapy month, and the two clinics partnered together to celebrate the occasion. “We wanted to have an event the whole family can be part of, something all ages can enjoy. This September event is a perfect kick-off to Physical Therapy Month,” says Mark Mattson, owner of Creative Therapeutics. The two clinics are joined by a beautiful bike path along the river, and it is a very pleasant 1.5 mile autumn walk from one clinic to the other. People of all ages and families with strollers, bikes, and skates are all welcome. Resource Bank is loaning their Conference Bike again this year as well; this adds a fun twist to the event as 6 people can ride the circular bike at once along the path!
Check-in begins at 8:30 am at Creative Therapeutics, with a walking pole demonstration at 8:35 am and a dynamic warm-up is at 8:45 am. The walk itself kicks off at 9:00 am. Those who pre-register by phone by September 21 will be entered into a drawing for several great prizes, including a Fitbit donated by First National Bank, Kishwaukee YMCA Day Passes, a set of walking poles, massage certificates and more. In addition to prizes, participants will receive a gift bag and hear live music by the Tigerdelic Ukulele Band at the end of their walk. Upon arrival at Northern Rehab, walkers can enjoy light refreshments and free juice samples from Grassroots Juicery, then walk or take a VAC bus back to Creative Therapeutics. A suggested donation of $5 per individual or $10 per family will be collected the day of the event, with all proceeds going directly to the VAC.
While Northern Rehab and Creative Therapeutics are friendly competitors in business, as independent small businesses they share many values. “As practitioners we connect with our patients; we get their story,” says Lynn Batalden, Creative Therapeutics owner and physical therapist. “The care we provide is personal and individualized,” adds Ken Olson, physical therapist and President of Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists, “and we want to see our patients not only get better, but thrive.”
Health care is changing and people are looking carefully at their choices. “It is important to understand that we have the right to choose the place we receive care,” Batalden emphasizes. “As independent practitioners, we never take for granted the trust our patients and colleagues place in us.” Olson agrees with these priorities. “At Northern Rehab, we always say we work for you and the doctor of your choice.”
Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists and Creative Therapeutics hope you make the choice to come out and get moving in the great fall weather. “We would be thrilled to see former patients show their improved mobility by walking with us!” comments Northern Rehab physical therapist Melissa Beck. Everyone is invited to join in and celebrate the freedom to Walk & Roll! Call 815-758-5508 to pre-register or sign-up online at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4caeae22a0f49-walk1. For more information about this event please visit Wholept.com or Northernrehabpt.com.
Deb Loitz
Director of Community Relations
Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists
815.756.8524
My Office Hours: Tues/Wed/Thurs 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story