Published on February 12, 2010

Genesis Physical Therapy Clinic In Eldridge Celebrates Expansion

The Genesis Physical Rehabilitation Clinic in Eldridge, Iowa has found a big way to celebrate a successful two years in business.

The clinic has tripled in size; added new state-of-the-art technology; opened a retail space for durable medical equipment; and, is expanding its staff with the on-site services of a physician who specializes in physical medicine.

Now, the community is invited to an official grand opening from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17 at the clinic, located in the MidTown Plaza, 170 S. 4th Ave., Eldridge.

If it seems strange to have a grand-opening celebration almost two years after opening, it's only because staff wanted to officially show off the clinic at its expanded best. "We knew from the very beginning this clinic was going to be a huge success and that we would outgrow our space," says Kirsten Treiber, clinic site supervisor and physical therapist.

That's exactly what happened, thanks to the clinic's one-on-one patient care, attention to patient education, friendly atmosphere, community connections, and excellent working relationships with referring physicians and chiropractors, she says.

Two years ago, the clinic opened after physicians of Genesis Health Group, Eldridge indicated the need for an outpatient physical therapy clinic in town. The result has been a continuum of care between patients, therapists and practitioners that maximizes patient outcomes in a shorter amount of time.

"Our physician support from Genesis Health Group, Eldridge has been tremendous, and we have a great relationship with our local chiropractors, as well," Treiber says.

Physician Specialist
Now that continuum of care will improve even more with the addition of Physiatrist Blaine Washington, M.D., who will offer office hours at the Eldridge clinic. Dr. Washington is a member of the Genesis Regional Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program, based on the West Central Park campus in Davenport. He completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Durable Medical Equipment
The clinic also has welcomed retail space for Genesis Home Medical Equipment, which will offer cash-and-carry items like walkers, canes, braces, cold packs, other adaptive equipment and the ability to take special orders.

"This is the first time Genesis Home Medical Equipment has had retail space conveniently located in a Genesis outpatient rehabilitation clinic," Treiber says. "This will be a time-saver for our patients, who will have a physical therapist right there to fit their crutches and provide gait training, to make sure a walker is the right size or height, or to ensure a piece of adaptive equipment is best for them."

New Technology
The clinic has added new technology, including the Bioness L300, an innovative system designed to help patients regain movement in their legs after stroke, brain injury, incomplete spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. It uses electrodes that deliver mild, synchronized electrical stimulation to activate affected muscles. "This is helpful for patients with foot drop and can significantly improve the quality of their gait and functional ability," Treiber says.

In another new technology, LiteGait® is a gait training device that simultaneously controls weight bearing, posture, and balance over a treadmill. It can help patients with a wide range of impairments and functional levels.

Triple The Space
"With triple the space, we now have a huge area for gait training," Trieber says. "It has been great to see patients increase their endurance and walking distance simply because we have more space in which to train them."

Kirsten Treiber lives in Eldridge with her husband Karl Treiber, D.O., of Genesis Health Group, Bettendorf and their two children. She and the clinic's other physical therapists are committed to the North Scott community. "We're treating our neighbors, friends, the people we see at the grocery store," she says. "There's definitely a community connection."

To make an appointment, patients are asked to obtain a referral from their physician. Call (563) 285-9400.