Owner hoping to improve service to area clients
Four years after opening a new business in Aurora, Esslinger Physical Therapy has opened a second location at 203 E. Walnut in Harvard. Philip Esslinger, PT, DPT, said he noticed a trend of clients driving to Aurora from the south and decided to make it more convenient for them to receive physical therapy care.
“The clinic came about because we see that patients were having to drive from such a distance of Clay Center and Harvard areas to PT, which could be a 20 to 40 minute drive,” he said. “At Esslinger PT, we want it to be about our patients ease and comfort, and if you are in pain it’s not that pleasant to ride for 20 to 40 minutes in a car.”
Esslinger, who recently moved with his family to a home south of Aurora, said he began offering services at the Harvard location on July 27.
“We are currently there Tuesday and Thursday, but will adjust our time there if people need more,” he explained, noting that the office hours in Aurora will remain the same.
Having a pool at the location in Aurora has helped grow the patient base for those seeking water therapy, he noted.
“We are blessed to have people come mainly from Hamilton and Clay County, but we also take in patients from York, Polk, Merrick and Fillmore counties,” he said.
Esslinger earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Wayne State College before completing his doctor of physical therapy degree at Creighton University. He opened Esslinger Physical Therapy in Aurora five years ago and moved with his family south of Aurora about two years ago. Outside the clinic, he enjoys restoring cars, hunting and archery with his family.
A native of Aurora, Esslinger brings years of experience to clients of all ages and stages of life. He believes that providing physical therapy services close to home during a time of need — or for ongoing maintenance — is a valuable service for the community, local schools and surrounding rural areas.
The most rewarding part of providing physical therapy, Esslinger said, is “getting people back to what they want to do and getting back to enjoying life.”
A first appointment is typically longer than follow-up visits, he noted. Patients should bring completed paperwork, insurance information and a physician referral if one is available. After reviewing the necessary information, the physical therapist performs a thorough evaluation before developing an individualized treatment plan that may include hands-on therapy, exercises and follow-up visits.
Taking time to learn about each person’s lifestyle and goals helps create a personalized rehabilitation plan, Esslinger noted. Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their recovery, and treatment plans are adjusted as progress is made.
Staff members also educate patients, answer questions and demonstrate proper exercise techniques to help them get the greatest benefit from therapy.
Esslinger Physical Therapy offers a variety of services, including:
* Functional dry needling helps relieve stubborn muscle tightness, aching muscles and joint pain.
* Manual therapy assists with acute injuries, chronic pain and rehabilitation through techniques such as massage, passive stretching and joint mobilization.
* Gait training helps improve standing and walking by correcting abnormal walking patterns through strengthening exercises and neuromuscular retraining.
* Vestibular therapy is designed for patients experiencing dizziness, balance disorders or vision-related difficulties. Treatment helps reduce fall risk, improve stability and strengthen balance.
* Geriatric physical therapy focuses on improving strength, endurance and mobility to reduce the risk of falls and help older adults maintain independence.
* ASTYM therapy encourages the body to heal damaged soft tissue naturally. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as tennis elbow, chronic neck pain and rotator cuff injuries. Specialized instruments, combined with stretching techniques, help stimulate healing and improve circulation.
* Therapeutic ultrasound uses deep heat to promote healing of injured muscle tissue, relieve pain and reduce chronic inflammation.
The Harvard location is currently open two days a week by appointment. Hours may expand in the future as the practice grows.
Editor’s note: Portions of this story were first published in the Clay County News.