Physical & Occupational Therapy

Physical and occupational therapy plays a key role in recovering from injuries, managing pain, and improving mobility. At Iowa Ortho, our licensed physical and occupational therapists work closely with our physicians to create personalized treatment plans that support your recovery and long-term health. Whether you’re healing from surgery, dealing with a chronic condition, or working to regain strength and function, we’re here to help you move better and feel stronger.

Schedule an appointment by calling:
Ankeny clinic: 515-416-5574
Des Moines clinic: 515-518-1511

Physical therapist stretching the leg of a male patient

Services

Balance/Gait Training
Spine (Neck, Mid-Back, or Low Back Pain)
IASTM/Graston
Dry Needling
Pink Ribbon/Breast Cancer Therapy
Hand & Elbow Therapy
Orthotics/Splinting
Vestibular Rehab
Post-Op Total Joint Rehab
Joint Pain (Shoulder, Knee, Hip, Elbow, Ankle)
Workers’ Compensation
Work Conditioning
Sports Injury
Return-to-Sport Rehab
Pediatric Orthopedic Rehab

Our Team

Meet our physical and occupational therapy team.

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Paige Atkins, PTA

Savannah Boyle, OTD, OTR/L

Jared Brostad, MPT

Julie Earp, DPT

Ashley French, OTD, OTR/L

Kelsi Gajewski, PTA

Nicole Kauppila, OTR/L, CHT

Janet Lebsack, OTR/L, CHT, CLT

Chase Morrison, DPT

Kyler Mulder, DPT

Danielle Nahra, PTA

Stephanie Phillips, PTA

Brett Speirs, DPT

Stevin Sturtz, DPT

Emilie Van Kooten, DPT

FAQs

Common questions about physical and occupational therapy.

Physical therapy is a medically based, hands-on approach to alleviating pain and restoring full function. The primary goal of physical therapy is to provide the appropriate resources and knowledge to independently manage pain or chronic conditions, or recover following an injury or procedure. Our physical therapists are trained medical professionals who will work closely with your physician to determine your individualized plan of care.

Hand therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that emphasizes restoring and improving mobility and strength of the elbow, wrist, and hand. It utilizes a variety of therapeutic interventions to aid in returning people to their highest level of function.

At your initial appointment, you will receive 1:1 attention from your physical or occupational therapist to gain an understanding of your unique history, perform a comprehensive examination of the appropriate body structure, evaluate the findings, and work cohesively to develop your individualized goals and plan of care.

To schedule an appointment at our downtown Des Moines physical therapy clinic, please call 515-518-1511. To schedule an appointment at our Ankeny physical therapy clinic, please call 515-416-5574.

No, you do not need a referral to be seen by our specialists.

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined. For further treatment sessions, exercise clothing and comfortable sneakers are a perfect choice of attire.

Your physical or occupational therapist will work closely with you and your physician to determine the exact length of treatment to fit appropriate needs for your condition. This will be determined at the initial evaluation and communicated to you clearly by your therapist.

Physical and occupational therapists have several years of training in human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, as well as a variety of other medical studies. Our therapists have graduated from accredited programs and are state-licensed. Our therapists hold masters or doctorate level degrees in their appropriate field of study. Furthermore, many of our therapists have extra credentials and specialties under their belt, and the entirety of our team participates in regularly continuing education to stay up to date on the latest treatment methods.