• A gentle noninvasive technique that is based on the principle that our bodies know how to heal themselves
• Therapist "listens" to the body through palpation, then allows or introduces movement which will release restrictions
• Restrictions are caused by physical or emotional traumas, which essentially remain in our bodies until they are released
• This therapy is helpful for many conditions, ranging from autism, to headaches, to broken bones
• The work requires sensitivity and respect for the body's wisdom
• The treatment may seem very passive and imperceptible to the client/recipient on a conscience level
• People vary in their sensitivity to their body and its sensations, with some experiencing emotions, memories, physical sensations, or insights into patterns or problems in their lives
• The work taps into the nervous system and subconscious levels that can have profound impacts.

• A highly interactive stretching technique that requires feedback from the person's body to determine the direction, force and duration of the stretch and to facilitate maximum relaxation of the tense tissues
• The therapist monitors tissue tension by developing a kinesthetic link with the client through touch
• This link involves matching the inherent tissue movement, the rate and rhythm of the client's respiration, the underlying neurophysiologic tissue tone and the more overt muscle tone
• All malalignments which may predispose the client to future injury are removed while treating the client's current problem/condition
• The therapist works with the client and waits for guidance from the client's body and follows the client's lead
• The philosophic orientation of myofascial stretching promotes client cooperation and enlists the active participation of the client in the healing process
• The goal of treatment is to facilitate the most efficient posture and movement patterns the client can maintain
• Progress is measured by improvement in postural symmetry, reduction in active myofascial trigger points, and increased fluidity of movement

• Relief of rheumatic or soft tissue pain by placing a joint in its position of greatest comfort
• Relief of false messages of continuing strain arising in dysfunctioning proprioceptor reflexes, by applying a strain in the direction opposite that of the false messages of strain
• This is accomplished by shortening the muscle containing the false strain message, so much, that it stops reporting strain
• The body in normal positions can suffer this pain for years yet have it stopped after ninety seconds of counter strain positioning

• Is ordered by a physician when musculoskeletal or soft tissue illness or injuries occur and objective findings are difficult to obtain
• Provides and accurate measurement of an individual's functioning level
• Provides answers to the questions:
• Acute injury (illness or injury - 3 months) -
  1. What is a client's capacity to do his/her job, post-injury?
  2. What specific level of physical demand can a client return to?
  3. Is the client motivated to return to work?
• Sub-Acute injury (3 - 6 months) -
  1. Has the medical treatment worked?
  2. What work restrictions are appropriate?
  3. Is the client ready to return to work?
  4. Is the client motivated to get better?
  5. What is the client's functional capacity for retraining?
• Chronic injury (6 months - 2 years) -
  1. What is the client's capacity to perform activities of daily living?
  2. What is the client's capacity to meet essential job functions?
  3. Is the client's functioning level above or below the actual job requirements?

Job Placement Assessment:

• Measures a non-injured individual's capacity to meet the maximum physical requirements of the job.
• Provides specific and accurate information on:
  • lifting, pushing/pulling, and carrying activities
  • need for instruction in proper lifting techniques
  • cardiovascular responses to physical activities
• Provides a true picture of physical ability, not overall physical condition
• Is a series of specific, objective body motions administered by a KEY Certified Assessment Specialist either on the worksite or at Rice Rehab
• Follows a thorough analysis of the job site and task, allowing the therapist to administer an assessment consistent with job requirements

Rice Rehab offers Wheelchair Assessments in conjunction with Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare and Rice Home Medical. More...

Rice Rehab offers a one-day Parkinson's Assessment Clinic. The individual's day will involve a complete and thorough assessment in several areas and disciplines, such as: occupational, physical and speech therapies; social services; pharmacy; dietary/nutrition; nursing; and massage therapy for relaxation and stress reduction. Family and friends are welcome to attend the clinic with the individual. Morning snack and noon lunch are provided. More...

The newest program to be offered at the Rice Rehab Center is our Urinary Incontinence Program. Incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine or stool, usually occurring at the same time that internal abdominal pressure is increased, affects about 13 million people. The program at Rice Rehab consists of five to eight weeks of physical therapy sessions, with one session per week. These sessions address lifestyle changes, physiological quieting, therapeutic exercise, and use of biofeedback. Clients have reported noticable results in just 7-10 days. More...

Rice Rehab offers a one-day Multiple Sclerosis Assessment Clinic. The individual's day will involve a complete and thorough assessment in several areas and disciplines such as: occupational, physical and speech therapies; social services; pharmacy; dietary/nutrition; nursing; and massage for relaxation and stress reduction. Family and friends are welcome to attend the clinic with the individual. Morning snack and noon lunch are provided. More...

Rice Rehab offers Home Assessments to individuals in Willmar and the surrounding communities to assess environmental safety needs, motor coordination and adaptive equipment needs.

Rice Rehab offers Pediatric Therapy Services, including Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy. These services are offered in our Pediatric Therapy Clinic, with the focus on programs specific to infants through adolescents. Pediatric physical therapy focuses on gait trining, gross motor skills and developmental milestones.

For more information on the Physical Therapy programs at Rice Rehab:
lsti@rice.willmar.mn.us or (320) 231-4175