On April 7, Northwestern Medical Center (NMC) expanded its Enosburg Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation services to a newly expanded and renovated space in the upper level of 44 Center St. in Enosburg Falls where NMC has provided services for more than 25 years.

Previously, the rehab gym and treatment rooms on the lower level of the same location were undersized for the needs of the local community. Limitations restricted the number of patients scheduled for treatment on a given day and meant that administrative supplies and equipment storage intruded on patient care areas.

After years of looking for a larger space, an opportunity to take over the upper level of the Center Street location presented itself.

According to Sarah Neilsen, Rehab Clinical Manager, the new space will improve services for the community. The old location was too small to support more than three therapists and patients at one time, requiring staggered staff schedules throughout the week. The renovated larger and brighter space will now allow more therapists to comfortably treat patients on a regular five day per week schedule.

Neilsen also pointed out that the Enosburg staff, who live in the area, appreciate NMC’s commitment to improved accessibility for the community, and see this as a dream come true for the staff and patients.

Kristy Cushing, Director of Outpatient Clinical Service, said the larger space will improve patient treatment methods such as gait training and therapy for athletes. The old location had limited space for walking distances, or for the running, pivoting or hopping needed for sports therapy and testing. The 1,100 square foot expansion will help facilitate these treatments.

Stacy Garcia, PT said the experience of hearing patients exclaim, “WOW,” when they entered the new gym has been nice. When asked what the best thing is about the new space, Amy Severance, PT and Melissa Keelty, PT agreed that the openness and brightness seem to be helping patients relax and to be more energetic about their treatment. Larger private treatment rooms are also making patients more comfortable, and staff no longer need to shuffle equipment around the rooms to make space during every visit.

Peter J. Wright, FACHE NMC’s President and CEO shared praise for the physical therapy team’s vision and advocacy for local community care, by local community healthcare professionals.  “NMC’s commitment to the northern Franklin County community remains strong, and this expanded and renovated facility will enhance the health of the community,” said Wright.

For more information about Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy services at Northwestern Medical Center, please call 802-524-1064 or visit https://www.northwesternmedicalcenter.org/services/rehab-services/