Physical Therapy


Why should I choose San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital for Physical Therapy?

The Physical Therapy Department at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital provides a full range of services. We treat a wide variety of conditions, from post operative conditions to simple aches and pains. We specialize in sports medicine, treatment of the spine, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, hand and foot disorders; and arthritis, congenital and neurologic disorders and work-related injuries.

What is Physical Therapy?

Our goal is to help you improve movement and function, increase mobility, alleviate pain, and improve your overall quality of life. We strive to restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. To achieve this goal, we may use exercise, heat, cold, electrical stimulation and manual therapy techniques.

Our Rehabilitation Team

The rehabilitation team is made up of highly skilled, qualified and compassionate members. All are fully licensed Physical Therapists or Physical Therapy Assistants. You may see one or more of these members:

Steffen Meland PT, MOMT is the Director of the Physical Therapy Department, and has been with San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital since 2005, and the director since 2007. He has over 25 years of experience in physical therapy. He has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and a Masters degree in Orthopedic Manual Therapy.

Dan Kirk PT, MPT, OCS a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with 11 years of experience in orthopedic and sport medicine. Dan is a graduate of the University of Oregon and Chapman University. He is still an active athlete and currently ranked 2nd in the USA Masters Division in the Hammer throw.

Uma Kumaran, PT a 1995 graduate of Dr. M.G.R. University (India). Uma is fluent in five languages and has experience treating amputees and spinal cord injuries with a special interest in the geriatric population.

Merita Dysart, PT is a local resident and Loma Linda University graduate with extensive experience in acute care patients

Michelle Hemminger, DPT received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Loma Linda University in 2007. Michelle is bilingual and primarily works on weekends.

Nansy Perez, DPT graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2008. Nansy is also fluent in Spanish.

Tom Sutliff, PTA a San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital employee for 45 years and a graduate of Crafton Hills College, Tom works mainly in the Transitional Care and Medical Surgical units.

Judith Brooks, PTA, WCC is a Loma Linda graduate and a Certified Wound Care Specialist with 13 years experience. Judy will also help you check on your health insurance eligibility.

Lori Bevilacqua, PTA a Loma Linda University graduate with 14 years experience in all aspects of Physical Therapy.


What types of conditions do you treat?

We successfully treat all orthopedic disorders including:

     *Post operative conditions
     *Industrial injuries (Physical therapists determine an employee's fitness requirements for specific jobs, identify potentially dangerous work sites and provide treatment to injured workers.)
     *Sports injuries
     *Neurological disorders such as strokes and nerve injuries.
     *Wound care for treatment for diabetic ulcers,and vascular disease.
     *Arthritis: Treatment for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid conditions and osteoporosis.
     *Hand Injuries: Treatment of fractures, sprains, arthritic conditions, and carpal tunnel.
     *Joint Replacement: People who have had knee or hip replacement benefit from physical therapy to regain maximum mobility and function.
     *Musculoskeletal Pain: Treatment of low back pain, neck pain, shoulder, foot, elbow, knee, hip and ankle ailments.
     *Vestibular Rehabilitation: Exercise-based program for positive vertigo and fall prevention.
     *Ergonomic evaluation

How do I start physical therapy?

First, schedule an appointment.

New patients should call 951-769-2135 to schedule an appointment. Be sure and have your insurance and physician information ready, as we will take that information and will contact your insurance company and get your doctor's order. We will call you to make your first appointment. For out-patients, we schedule appointments on Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM.

For follow-up appointments, or to reschedule, please call 951-769-2135. If you must reschedule, please give us as much warning as possible. If your call is answered by voice mail, please leave your name, phone number, and a message. We will call you the next business day.

Insurance Information
We will check with your insurance carrier to see if your policy covers the physical therapy services at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital. We will find out how many therapy sessions are covered and whether or not these session need to be pre-authorized. You may have a co-pay.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Always wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for all your therapy appointments. Bring with you:

     *Patients are only seen with a referral from their physician, as it is important that you are under the care of your doctor while you're receiving therapy.
     *Your current insurance card
     *A current list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take
     *Your appointment book for scheduling therapy sessions

What should I expect on my first visit?

Your initial evaluation will take about 45 minutes. We may check your:
     *range of motion
     *strength
     *endurance
     *balance
     *gait
     *coordination
     *functional ability
We will also be assessing any pain you may be feeling.

Whether you will be treated on your first visit depends on the type of problem you are experiencing.

Before you leave, you will know:
     *what your therapy will involve
     *what you can do to assist in your recovery
     *how many times you will have to return
     *when your therapy sessions will take place (Remember your calendar!)

We will also send a report outlining your therapy to your referring physician.

Will I receive a treatment plan?

Your individual problems and concerns will be evaluated, and your therapist will help you establish realistic and attainable goals. The goals you set should be important to you. Setting goals is the best way to achieve a successful rehabilitation outcome. Together, we will develop a plan of care for your ongoing therapy to reach your goals. You will also receive a written home-exercise plan.

All of the employees of the Physical Therapy Department are fully licensed Physical Therapists or Physical Therapy Assistants with several specialties including manual and orthopedic therapy.




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