Exercise and physical therapy go hand in hand

Published 7:00 am Saturday, February 17, 2007

Family Care Physical Therapy at Ken’s Korner has added a gym to its offerings.

Physical Therapy and exercising goes hand in hand, owner Jim Christensen said. And he should know. Christensen is known to many on South Whidbey as the man on the sidelines for South Whidbey High School’s athletics. He also teaches sports medicine at the high school.

“When Whidbey Fitness closed down last year, we took over,” Christensen said. Some final renovations are being made, but the gym has been open for about three weeks.

The gym and the physical therapist practice share one reception area.

The gym offers aerobic and strength machines, as well as core training and balance equipment.

Christensen said the gym doesn’t have the studio feel of other fitness clubs, but has everything that’s needed plus a well-trained staff.

“For $25 bucks, it’s a cheap place to work out. It’s not a club, just a gym,” he said.

The idea has caught on. After about three weeks in business, the gym has about 90

members.

“It’s oriented to the baby boomers,” he said.

But he added that many younger people are members, too.

Christensen is in the fitness business for the first time, but his physical therapy office is about 10 years old. Christensen, who has been working in the field for 25 years, has offices in Clinton, Freeland and Oak Harbor.

Family Care Physical Therapy offers a wide variety of services meant to support patients in their recovery process after injuries. The success of physical therapy intervention is largely dependent on the consistent participation in a therapeutic exercise program.

“The care and support we give to each patient illustrates that concept, encouraging our patients to remain committed to their goal of full potential recovery,” he said.

Family Care Physical Therapy treats a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological diseases and injuries. The physical therapists working in the facilities are highly trained professionals who have been found to be extremely successful in the treatment of associated pain and disability after strokes and other medical issues or injuries, Christensen said.

Family Care and the new gym are holding a grand opening during business hours on Feb. 24.