Longtime residents of Holt might remember ARM Rehab, owned by Michigan State University professor and hand specialist Gail Shafer, PhD, OTR, CHT. After 49 years of clinical practice, Shafer retired in 2019 and sold her practice to Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT), with locations throughout Lansing and the larger Midwest. Because of Shafer’s legacy, the Lansing locations of DPT each have specialists in hand therapy, as well as a variety of other services. Because of Shafer’s legacy, the Lansing locations of DPT each have specialists in hand therapy, as well as a variety of other services.
Recently, DPT moved the Delhi Township location to an office space next to the new Leo’s Lodge Restaurant and drive-through. Although many patients come to physical therapy through physician and surgeon referrals, they’ve had plenty of walk-ins at the new location.
Practice Manager Jeff Andres stated, “We’re located right off the trail system, we get plenty of runners and walkers who come in and want to chat. Consultations are free, and we can even do them over the phone. If we can help you, we’ll recommend it. If we can’t help you, at least we can point you in the right direction.” He wishes more people knew about the hand arthritis program.
“What makes this clinic so good is that we have the experience. We have two physical therapists, we have highly-certified hand specialists who’ve been in the area for many years. We have a pediatric specific therapist who owned a practice in Alaska for many years before moving to Lansing. The biggest thing we have is experience, but we also have fun. This is a medical environment, but it’s a much lighter atmosphere.” In the new location Jeff says they’ve been more visible, and it’s nice to be right off of the bus line.
When treating children, Doctors of Physical Therapy can offer help with anything from genetic or neurological conditions present at birth all the way to lower back pain in teenagers. “One thing we see a lot of is torticollis, when a baby’s head is not upright or moving correctly. It’s a muscle issue and our pediatric therapist does a lot of soft tissue massage to correct it. What you don’t want to do is wait and have the issue become permanent.” DPT also sees children who are athletes and may need physical therapy from sports injuries.
Doctors of Physical Therapy is located at 2520 E. Jolly Rd. Suite C Lansing, MI 48910. Call 517.306.4919 or visit doctorsofphysicaltherapy.com for more information.