PeaceHealth St. Joseph Therapy & Spine Clinic
The highly-trained physical and occupational therapists at St. Joseph Therapy and Spine Clinic specialize in treating patients with spinal and neurological conditions or injuries. They are devoted to creating a safe, supportive and compassionate environment to ensure patients get the maximum benefits from their rehabilitation therapy.
St. Joseph Therapy and Spine is part of the Cascade Brain and Spine Center which is a multidisciplinary collaboration that makes care more seamless and convenient for patients needing to see multiple providers for brain and spine conditions. As part of Cascade Brain and Spine, the therapists work closely with experts in these related specialties, including neurosurgeons, neurologists and diagnostic imaging technicians.
These providers work together to provide excellent care for patients, including research, prevention and education to ensure sophisticated diagnosis and treatment approaches. The other providers are Fourth Corner Neurosurgical Associates, St. Joseph Neurology Associates and Mt. Baker Imaging.
Appointments are accepted on a referral basis. Please contact your primary care physician for a referral.
What to Expect
During the first physical therapy visit, the patient and therapist talk about past history and what the patient wants to accomplish. Strength, flexibility and pain issues are also assessed. These are then incorporated to design a unique care plan for each patient.
Physical and occupational therapists use a variety of techniques during therapy, such as specialized exercises, functional activities, soft tissue and joint mobilization, and modalities such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound as needed, to help patients regain or improve movement and strength.
Some patients have concerns about pain when starting physical or occupational therapy. St. Joseph Therapy and Spine encourages patients to discuss this with their therapists. While there are some cases where therapy can temporarily increase pain, for the most part therapists focus on reducing pain and increasing function, strength and range of motion. The therapists work very closely with patient on this issue. They also help patients with strategies to avoid the risk of further injury. The primary goal is to get patients doing things on their own and leading healthy, active lives.
Benefits & Services
There is a wealth of research shows how physical and occupational therapy can be very effective in speeding recovery, maximizing function and reducing pain. Some common conditions St. Joseph Therapy and Spine treats include:
- Sports injuries
- Orthopedic injuries
- Low back pain
- Rehabilitation for post-neurosurgery, orthopedic or spine surgery patients
- Neurological conditions – such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s
The clinic also provides functional capacity evaluations for those who are receiving Worker’s Compensation from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
Making an Appointment
Physical and occupational therapy requires a referral from a doctor. However, unlike some specialties, physical and occupational therapy patients are free to choose the clinic they want to attend. Most health insurance includes some type of therapy coverage, but it’s important for people to talk with their insurance company or benefits coordinator regarding the coverage specifics. Call your physician or the clinic at (360)788-6024 for more information.
Map & Directions
St. Joseph Therapy & Spine Clinic (located within Cascade Brain & Spine Center)
710 Birchwood Ave. Suite 202
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 788-6024
From I5 North:
- Take exit 256 A-B (Meridian St.)
- Turn left at Meridian St.
- Turn left at Birchwood Ave.
From I5 South:
- Take exit 256 toward Meridian St.
- Turn left at McLeod Rd.
- Turn right at Meridian St.
- Turn left at Birchwood Ave.
