BCH celebrating Physical Therapy Month

October 23, 2023

Shanell Goodell

October is Physical Therapy Month, and Boundary Community Hospital is proud to reiterate its commitment to providing exceptional physical therapy services to the community. With a team of four Physical Therapists and one Physical Therapist Assistant, the hospital's outpatient department serves individuals of all ages with a wide range of needs. The focus of physical therapy extends to various areas, including the treatment of knees, hips, shoulders, back, neck, acute and chronic pain and post-surgery rehabilitation.

The dedicated team also specializes in addressing neurological issues such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, they offer gait and balance training, including specialized care for amputees and prosthetic training.

What sets Boundary Community Hospital apart is its therapists' additional certifications in Dry Needling and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, specifically the Graston technique, which is used to release muscle spasms and alleviate pain.

One lesser-known aspect of the hospital's offerings is the Transitional Care Unit (formerly referred to as “Swing Beds”). Patients can receive comprehensive rehabilitation care within the hospital setting, close to home. Patients receive physical therapy six times per week, typically two times per day, as well as occupational therapy and speech/swallow therapy, depending on their specific needs.

This service is especially valuable for individuals recovering from surgery or those who have experienced a debilitating medical event requiring rehabilitation to ensure a safe return home.

In an exciting development for the hospital, Shanell Goodell, a highly qualified physical therapist, has recently joined the team. Shanell brings a wealth of expertise as a Neuro Clinical Specialist (NCS) and a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS). Her training includes NeuroIFRAH, a treatment style focused on reducing tone and normalizing movement patterns following a stroke or brain injury.

She is also certified in high-intensity gait training for the restoration of walking ability after neurological injuries.

"Shanell is amazing," said patient Mike Weland, who lost much of the use of his left side after strokes in 2012 and 2014. With the recent onset of arthritis that took his ability to walk and limited use of his right arm, his VA primary health care provider, Belinda Wise of Libby, recommended another round of physical therapy, and agreed Boundary Community Hospital was a good place to stay.

"I have never enjoyed physical therapy," Weland said, "but I have enjoyed the improvements I gained under the therapists who have helped me, from the young PT at Kootenai Health who handed me a cane after three days in ICU and showed me I wasn't helpless, that I could walk, of a fashion, to Tammy Edge and Jeff Petersen at BCH, who picked me up when I fell or felt broken and got me moving ahead again. Each time, I went in fearing I was losing some other small part of me, and they saw a bigger picture. Shanell is helping me keep what I have even while helping me regain what I once considered lost."

"We are thrilled to welcome Shanell Goodell to our team," said Petra Timmermans, Physical Therapist and Rehabilitation Department Manager at Boundary Community Hospital. "Her specialized skills will enhance our already diverse range of interventions, allowing us to better serve our community."

In addition to celebrating the expansion of their team, Boundary Community Hospital is proud to announce that Jeff Petersen has been voted Best Physical Therapist in Boundary County, a testament to the hospital's commitment to excellence in patient care.

But don't just take our word for it.

Kathy Wilder, a Transitional Care Unit patient, shared her experience at Boundary Community Hospital, saying, "After a major injury resulting in corrective surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital. I was thrilled to find out that our local hospital offered rehabilitation services, and chose BCH as my Rehab facility. It was wonderful to be at Boundary Community Hospital for rehabilitation services after a major event like I experienced so I had the support of all of their services. The staff were all wonderful and had a sense of humor helping me relax. Petra, the physical therapist, was exceptional, as was the entire PT team. The occupational therapist prepared me for home needs, which greatly aided my healing. Overall, my experience was fantastic, allowing me to relax and heal without stress. I extend my gratitude to the rehab staff, Dr. Diehl, Dr. Botkin, the ED team, nurses, aides, phlebotomists, radiology, and everyone for their kindness and care."

For more information about Boundary Community Hospital's physical therapy services or to schedule an appointment, please contact (208) 267-3141, extension 4276.