OVERCOME PAIN, LIVE FULLY

Words by Rebecca Meidinger | Photography by Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss

Few things interrupt the joy of life like chronic pain. The way pain interferes with one’s ability to do the normal tasks of everyday life, the way it seeps into one’s emotions causing curt words and harsh tones, the way it saps a person’s energy and steals one’s rest. Indeed, pain is no friend, but it’s something nearly every person will encounter at some point.

It’s also something that the staff at PT/OT Partners desire to help you change in your life. Founded in 2011 by Deron Redinger, an occupational therapist, and Mike Kroke, a physical therapist, the practice consists of six therapists, who together treat every joint in the body including myofacial (muscular) pain, acute and chronic pain, and neck and back pain. Their expert techniques include the lesser known but highly effective use of dry needling to treat muscle pain. Of their work in that practice, Kroke says, “The technique provides more immediate and longer-term relief of muscle pain than conventional therapies and has become a specialty of our practice.”

Marc de Celle, author of “How Fargo of You,” attests to the success of this treatment. Awhile back, de Celle’s right shoulder froze up, causing significant pain while he was using his keyboard and mouse—essential tools for any writer. As his pain and lack of motion became too much and hindered his work at increasing levels, he knew it was time to seek medical care. De Celle’s orthopedic doctor referred him to PT/OT Partners for physical therapy and dry needling treatment. Of his first experience, de Celle exclaims, “Here’s what’s remarkable: the first time we met I only had half the motion I should have. After the very first dry needling procedure with therapist Sarah Perkerewicz, my range of motion had increased by 20 percent. By the sixth appointment, the range of motions was over 75 percent and is still improving. I can’t say enough good things about it. I found the procedure very dramatic.”

Anita K. was referred to PT/OT Partners by her dentist for temporomandibular (TMJ) joint pain. Suffering from discomfort, she would wake up daily with jaw tightness and headaches. Sometimes she was even unable to open or close her jaw. After seeing PT/OT Partners therapists for a comprehensive program including physical therapy and dry needling treatments, she has seen remarkable improvement. “My pain level has dramatically decreased and I have regained my mobility in being able to open and close my jaw,” says Anita. “Being a nurse myself the past 19 years, I highly recommend this type of treatment.”

As their practice grows and their ability to help more people overcome chronic pain increases, PT/ OT Partners is excited to launch a second location this winter. Partnering with the Center for Pain Medicine, PT/OT Partners will open a second office within the new Center for Pain Medicine building at 2401 41st St. S. in Fargo. This new location will specialize in the comprehension treatment of the spine—acute and chronic neck and back pain— while the current location in the University Medical Center on South University Drive, will continue its practice of sports medicine and general therapy.

While physical pain is a reality that nearly every person will encounter at some point, PT/OT Partners wants to join you in overcoming that pain so that you can live each day to the fullest. Each day is a gift—may today be pain free.

Apex Physical Therapy and Wellness Center keeps patient experience at the top of their business.