Potowatomi Health Center

When an acquaintance found out I was having a total knee replacement, she immediately asked me where I was considering physical therapy after I came home.  

Why I hadn't even given that a thought.  

I was assuming the small local hospital would be where I would go, at twenty-seven miles away, it would be the closest.  

She had her surgery locally, and recommended the Potowatomi Health Center for two reasons.  

The Physical Therapist were excellent and it was only seventeen miles away. 

 I didn't even know this facility existed.   

I gave them a call making sure they accepted my insurance.   I signed up to begin therapy shortly after I came home from surgery.   

 The health center is owned and operated by the Forest County Potowatomi Indians. 

 In addition to gaming, they have numerous successful business ventures, which enables the tribe to have such a wonderful facility to service their members, as well as the residents of neighboring communities.

Come with me as you take a tour.

Once inside the facility, the first thing that catches your eye is this wonderful sculpture.

The bronze plaque gives a little Potowatomi history.

On the way to therapy, I have to pass through the dental clinic.  I was so impressed with this cavity free chart of the Tribal Children.  The lifestyles of the Potowatomi have been elevated with all the inclusions of this Health Center.

My Physical Therapist - Andy, is one of two Physical Therapist who work here, along with a couple of PT assistants. 

Andy was born and raised in Pennsylvania, but discovered the beauty of Northern Wisconsin  while he was in highschool.  He attended the University of La Crosse in Wisconsin for his PT degree.  We had a lot in common about UW-LaCrosse, as that is where my son  went to college.  Andy met his wife while in graduate school.  They now are living their dream in northern Wisconsin, and both working as Physical Therapists.  

My therapy session starts out by limbering  up on the bike for ten minutes.  

Then its on to board exercises.  

Stretching and bending my knee. 

 Breaking up all that scar tissue that wants to keep forming.  

After the bench, I move to the parallel bars and steps to develop strength in my knee and leg.

Then back to the bench for a massage, and I'm finished with my session.

  I can't wait to get out to the truck to get home and ice my knee. 

 Each time I go to therapy, the movement seems less taxing, and I am gradually gaining higher levels of improvement.  

Today, I graduated from the walker to the cane. 

Life is good.   

And that's the way it is...........................