02/08/2026
Did You Know You Have a Choice for Physical Therapy?
Dear Roaring Fork Valley Community,
We first want to acknowledge the phenomenal care and skill of the orthopedic surgeons in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. We are extremely fortunate to have access to such amazing Doctors. This letter is to address patient care following surgery. Many patients in our valley are surprised to learn that they have the legal right to choose where you receive outpatient physical therapy.
We are hearing from patients that following surgery at Valley View Hospital, Aspen Valley Hospital, and at surgical centers such as the Steadman Clinic and Howard Head Sports Medicine, that post op patients are often automatically scheduled for physical therapy within the hospital system—without being clearly informed that this is not their only option.
Patients are not required to attend hospital or corporate owned physical therapy. This business practice is not only illegal, but it is unethical and detrimental to healthy competition in medical care.
Federal law protects a patient’s freedom of choice for outpatient rehabilitation services. Once discharged from surgery, the decision of where a patient receives physical therapy belongs to them—not the hospital, not the surgeon, and not a scheduling department.
Even though most small private practices have been put out of business by local hospitals and corporate takeover, the Roaring Fork Valley is fortunate to still have many highly qualified, independently owned orthopedic physical therapy clinics and Orthopedic PT’s. These clinics often provide:
* lower out of pocket expenses
* Greater scheduling flexibility
* Continuity of care with the same therapist, doing hands-on manual therapy, Dry Needling if indicated etc. (not just exercises)
* A strong focus on return to sport, work, and active living
* Generally therapists in private practice here have more PT experience and a long commitment to the Roaring Fork Valley
*Some will accept all insurance payments
Hospitals play an essential role in surgery and acute care. However, when patients are not informed of their right to choose, patient autonomy is undermined and access to independent providers is limited. We encourage patients to ask a simple but powerful question after surgery: “What are my physical therapy options in the valley?” A reputable and fair surgeon's office will give you a list of options for you for Physical Therapy. Your recovery is personal and where you go for Physical Therapy should be your choice.
Sincerely,
Belinda Brownell, MS, PT
Owner, SPORT Physical Therapy
Brownell Physical Therapy, LLC – Carbondale, CO
Stan Cheo, PT
Owner, Aspen Sports Medicine
Aspen, CO. 81611
