Donate
Contact Us
Careers
Pay a Bill
Get Care
MyChart
Physical Therapy (Outpatient)
If you’re recovering from an illness or injury, your doctor may recommend outpatient physical therapy to improve your mobility. This means you’ll live at home and go to your local Essentia clinic or rehabilitation center to receive therapy. Our experienced physical therapists (PTs) will guide you through exercises designed to decrease pain and increase strength, flexibility, and balance.
Overview
We work with patients of all ages and treat conditions ranging from chronic neck and back pain to sports and work-related injuries. Our PTs can teach you how to use mobility equipment like crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. Our ultimate goal is to make everyday tasks easier so you can focus on the things in life that matter to you.
When to See a Physical Therapist
Please use physical therapy if you:
- Have ongoing neck pain
- Avoid bending and lifting because it hurts
- Are less active than you want to be because of your neck pain
- Want to be stronger, more active, and more flexible
Physical therapy can help you reduce low back pain without medications or surgery. Benefit from innovative techniques and advanced rehabilitative equipment.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy, or PT, uses gentle exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to treat conditions that affect your physical function. PT may help you:
- Improve your mobility, coordination, flexibility, and strength
- Regain independence
- Reduce pain
- Recover after an injury, illness or surgery
- Avoid the need for medication or surgery
As part of your care, your therapist may also conduct evaluations like functional capacity evaluations.
Specialized PT Services
At some Essentia locations, our physical therapists offer specialized PT services for the treatment of:
- Back and neck pain (spine)
- Balance and dizziness-related problems
- Hand conditions
- Lymphedema
- Neurological conditions like stroke or a brain injury
- Pain rehabilitation
- Pelvic floor disorders
Orthopedic Rehabilitation PT
Orthopedic rehabilitation is a type of PT that’s used to treat conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Back, neck, jaw, joint, or muscle pain
- Broken bones
- Injuries or conditions that affect the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, or ankle
- Sprains and strains
- Sports and exercise injuries
Your doctor may recommend orthopedic rehabilitation to help you heal after a procedure like joint replacement or back, knee, neck, or shoulder surgery. Learn more about orthopedic care at Essentia.
SpineX™ Rehab Program
Restore spine strength and improve your ability to move with Essentia’s SpineX ™ Rehab Program. This eight-week program is available at locations in Northern Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota. Two times a week you’ll meet with an Essentia professional for 90 minutes of stretching and strengthening.
If you're in Duluth, at completion, you’ll get a free three-month membership to an Essentia fitness center so you can continue working toward your goals.
Cost & Insurance
Many insurance providers cover spine rehabilitation programs. Check with your insurance provider about what’s covered under your plan.
Enroll in SpineX
Call for more information:
- In Duluth, Minnesota, call 218-786-5410
- In Hibbing, Minnesota, and the Iron Range, call 218-263-1028
- In Fargo, North Dakota, call 701-364-3000
Physical Therapy for Children
Our physical therapists can help your child improve functional gross motor skills like rolling, sitting, walking, or skipping. A PT can also teach your child to use a wheelchair, walker, or other type of mobility equipment.
How to Prevent Falls
Falls can lead to severe injuries and our physical therapists can work with you to prevent falls by providing:
- Assessing your risk factors, including certain medical conditions and medications
- Testing your balance and ability to walk
- Educating you about fall prevention
- Helping make your home safer
- Teaching you exercises to improve your strength and stability
- Providing dizziness and balance care
How Important Is Physical Therapy?
Learn when physical therapy can get your body back to working the way it's supposed to.
-
Rehabilitation Services
Choose Essentia Health for comprehensive rehabilitation services that use proven therapies and advanced technology in a supportive environment.
-
Patient Stories
Heel pain was ruining Curtis Sanow's active life. Curtis turned to Essentia for platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a regenerative medicine treatment. Read his story.