Celebrating 20 Years!

Therapy In Motion is excited to be celebrating 20 years of physical therapy service to our community in 2012.

The story of Therapy In Motion begins in 3 spare rooms in The Health Club in 1992. It’s a history of humble beginnings, devotion to patients, willingness to give back to the community, clinical excellence, and above all, dedication to a hands-on and holistic treatment approach that considers the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of patient care.

Its a story that culminates in 20 years of premier customer service that caters to each patient’s individual needs in our Norman, Newcastle, and Purcell clinics. “When I began Therapy In Motion in January 1992, my priority was to help people.” said Cindy Merrick, MS PT, who co-owns Therapy In Motion with Dick Stewart, PT. “We soon found truth in the fact that we live in a reciprocal universe and the more we give, the more we get. We have been richly blessed with success and abundance beyond our wildest dreams. Therapy In Motion is devoted to giving back to our community and sharing our abundance with those in need.”

Therapy In Motion has worked diligently to retain the highest standard in hands-on care, manual physical therapy techniques, clinical ongoing education, and customer service. We provide for numerous specialty areas including: aquatic therapy, chronic pain, female incontinence, lymphodema, motor vehicle accidents, neurological disorders, orthopedic injury, orthotics, pediatrics, post-surgical rehabilitation, spinal dysfunction, sports injury, stroke rehabilitation, TMJ dysfunction, vestibular and balance dysfunction, women’s health, and work injury. Our patients’ stories speak to the “Physical Therapy with a Personal Touch” tradition.

Nancy Adams developed severe back and rib pain after moving boxes at home. “When I am at treatment I feel like a valued person, not just a number”, said Adams. “I am confident no matter what kind of pain I am having, the talented therapists at Therapy In Motion will find a solution. After therapy, I feel good, function properly, and have no more need for pain medications. If only I had a bumper sticker that read: I feel great today, because I’ve been to Therapy In Motion.”

Teddy Lehman, a past OU and current UFL linebacker sustained an ankle fracture playing professional football and required immediate surgery. Under the care of Therapy In Motion staff, Lehman was able to to return to aggressive training within six weeks. “It means a lot to be able to get back to work and the game. I am grateful to all at Therapy In Motion for a positive therapy experience.”

Barbara Meyer has pulmonary fibrosis and after discovering aquatic therapy, her pulmonary function tests are the best they have been in four years. “Therapy In Motion has made a huge difference in my lifestyle and determination to do things. I can now dance to my favorite song “YMCA” and not be out of breath.”

Ethan Rider, a 4 year old, tragically suffered a T9-11 spinal cord injury in the May 10th tornado of 2010. Pediatric therapists work with Ethan and his father to increase strength, mobility, and independence for Ethan. His father, Ricky Rider, reports that Therapy In Motion has helped Ethan smile and improve his independent mobility in his wheelchair, on the floor, and with transfers.

Linda Aughenbaugh came to Therapy In Motion fighting dizziness from vertigo. “I noticed immediate improvement after just two visits! I had no idea that physical therapy could “fix me”, said Aughenbaugh. “It felt great to live my normal lifestyle, go into the sanctuary at church and come out without feeling dizzy or losing my balance. A special thanks to the caring and talented staff. ”

Kelcie Carter was referred to Therapy In Motion by friends for shoulder, hip, and back pain caused by a congenital problem in her elbows that prevent her from moving her arms normally. “People who walk in Therapy In Motion are blessed in a lot of ways. You don’t feel like you’re in a health care office, but a place where people really care about you. Therapists spend time with you. They are kind, thorough and display a what-ever-it-takes attitude”, said Carter. “I can’t imagine my life’s direction without Therapy In Motion. I feel the best I’ve felt in years.”

For the professional staff at Therapy In Motion, the tapestry of patient histories keep them sharp, fulfilled on the job, and constantly learning. “I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to have served the diverse physical therapy needs of my community for the past two decades,” said Dick Stewart, PT. “I have learned so much about myself, our health profession, and about Norman’s great network of individuals. This has been an extraordinary place to work, live, and raise my family. Thank you to all in the community who have helped make our professional dreams possible.” Merrick adds, “It is with great humbleness and gratefulness that we have been able to provide over 25,000 patient evaluations.

Therapy In Motion currently has 14 physical therapists and physical therapy assistants and over 60 employees on staff. We employ four doctors of physical therapy (D.P.T.) as part of our professional team. Collectively our team has received many state and national awards for clinical excellence.

Merrick and Stewart report that the success of Therapy In Motion stems from providing quality care, showing genuine concern for each patient, and expanding speciality areas, equipment, and services to meet patients’ individual needs. Therapy In Motion has donated over $250,000 to more than 65 local charities, clubs, and non profit organizations in the last 10 years.

Bob McKittrick, of Newcastle, was referred to Therapy In Motion by a family member for persistent and severe low back pain. “I came in on a walker, transitioned to a cane and after a few weeks of treatment, I was walking independently.”, said McKittrick. “My experience at Therapy In Motion has been wonderful. My therapist is caring, personal, positive, spends extra time with me, and is genuinely interested in making me better.”

Ora Nixon, of Blanchard, specifically decided to do her post-operative shoulder rehabilitation at Therapy In Motion after hearing several church friends speak to the good service, results and exceptionally caring staff. “I just can’t say enough good things about Therapy In Motion.”, said Nixon. Therapists have worked with Nixon to restore function in her right shoulder and treat a painful back condition. Nixon reports physical therapy treatment has helped improve motion in her shoulder, walking ability, and quality of sleep while decreasing pain, leg cramps, and the need for medication. “I’ve had physical therapy before and nothing compares to the same hands-on experience and results I’ve received at Therapy In Motion. The therapists know just what to do to make you feel better.”

Dennis Patterson, of Purcell, injured both knees in a series of accidents requiring separate quadricep tendon repair surgeries. Patterson says he selected Therapy In Motion for it’s great reputation among health professionals and the public. “For me, choosing any business is about like-ability. Like-ability creates approachability, and approachability promotes open communication, which is important in the health industry.”, said Patterson. “Toni is the best. On a scale of 1-10 regarding knowledge and expertise, she’s a 20. Some people will only say they are concerned, or act concerned, but you can be assured that Toni genuinely cares about you. She’s really good.” Patterson also complimented the family atmosphere at the clinic, which has inspired him to bring in food to share with staff and other patients on many occasions. “It’s how I try to express how grateful I am for the care I receive at Therapy In Motion.”

Linda York, of Lexington, is a proud poster child for Therapy In Motion. “For someone at my age to say that they are better off than they were the year before is just incredible.”, said York. York has had physical therapy at Therapy In Motion to treat a number of injuries, fractures, and conditions. “I feel great! The fact that I can walk pain free means a lot to me. I’m planning on going back to China. You can’t enjoy china if you’re not ambulatory and can’t do stairs.” York also sung the praises of physical therapist, Toni Donahoo’s, very thorough and comprehensive patient care. “I can’t believe how much time she spends with me. She goes the extra mile for all her patients.”