SSM Health Day Institute - Kirkwood Day Institute

09/03/2025

Injured? Physical rehabilitation isn't the end. It's the upgrade.

Read our latest blog to learn how to supercharge your recovery.

You’re an athlete and, suddenly, you’re injured. Play it right, and your rehabilitation can turn into a competitive advantage.

09/02/2025

SSM Health Physical Therapy is pleased to introduce OrthoVive Joint Health, a specialized program that addresses joint problems in their early stages, manages osteoarthritis and prepares you for an upcoming joint replacement or post-surgical recovery.

Our trained and experienced clinicians can keep you active and enjoying life, today and into the future.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3UX2WiP

09/01/2025

This Labor Day, we extend our gratitude to all health care professionals who dedicate themselves to the care of their patients and the well-being of the communities they serve.

08/27/2025

Clogged milk ducts can be a common problem when breastfeeding. However, physical therapy can help. CoreVia Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Jordan Redmon shared some tips and tricks on how to help resolve the issue.

08/24/2025

Personality-wise, Tracie Garacochea says she's no "grandma' who sits around and knits. No, Tracie, a 65-year-old with multiple sclerosis, performs impressive stunts at the skatepark in her wheelchair. All this, despite taking what she calls "a little tumble."

Tracie was attempting an otherwise routine run at the skatepark, when she lost control and face-planted onto the concrete. She broke her left elbow and wrist. She also had a separated shoulder and some "gnarly" scrapes on her face, as a friend described it.

Tracie began physical therapy with the spirit and determination of an elite athlete. She worked on progressive strengthening, stretching exercises to improve range of motion and received manual therapy to break up scar tissue. Only two months after the accident, she was back at the skatepark performing the trick that originally injured her. In fact, she says she feels even stronger than before.

08/23/2025

A baby changes everything, including your pelvic floor. Read our latest blog about the eight common conditions that impact pregnant and postpartum mothers and learn the best actions to prevent or treat them. Hint: you don't need a babysitter! https://bit.ly/45L812B

08/19/2025

Merry Schmidt is a retired teacher who enjoys seeing shows at the Fox and the Muny, going to lunch with friends and her overall independence. However, after Merry needed both of her hips replaced due to arthritis and pain, suddenly she was no longer able to enjoy time with her friends or perform daily tasks.

After surgery, Merry came to our St. Charles – Zumbehl center and worked primarily with Physical Therapist John Stier. Throughout her first few sessions, Merry was only able to walk a few steps and couldn’t drive to appointments. While working with John, however, Merry started to regain her strength. “It was a big day when John and I decided I was strong enough to drive,” said Merry. “I felt a freedom that I thought I had lost.”

Merry has successfully completed physical therapy. She’s able to drive, walk with a cane, do steps and has regained her independence. “The team of therapists at SSM have the knowledge and people skills to work closely with clients to build confidence and improve skills,” said Merry. “John, my main therapist, has the professional technique and rapport to encourage and help me improve my abilities.”

08/18/2025

Join us for an 8-week in-person exercise and education bone health class.

The class is designed for individuals who have suffered a bone fracture, have been diagnosed with weak bones or osteoporosis or are at risk of falling. The objective is to teach you exercises that focus on building strength, balance and movement, which can help strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of falling.

Classes are every Monday and Thursday from Sep. 8 to October 30 (15 sessions).

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3UqaTNn

Questions can be directed to Shelby Wilson at @ssm-select.com.

08/13/2025

2001: No Facebook, no Instagram and most offices used fax machines — a time when paper calendars and landlines ruled.

While a lot has changed since then, a few things haven't, including our incredible patient service specialists, like Laura, and our dedication to patient care.

08/13/2025

SSM Health Physical Therapy and the SSM Health Rehabilitation Network Mission Team joined forces to host the Inaugural Dig Deep for the Mission Volleyball Tournament. 25 teams, including employees, families and friends came together to raise money for Colton’s Cause.

Colton’s Cause aims to improve the quality of life for families of special needs children and young adults by providing financial support for necessary nursing care, mobility equipment, modifications to the home for handicapped accessibility and other special needs.

The event raised over $8,000! Thank you to all who made this event such a success.

08/12/2025

Summer's not over, but fall sports are kicking off. Are you prepared to start the season safely?

When the weather is bringing the heat, and not your game, there are five things you can do to prevent injuries and boost performance.

Whether you're a student athlete or the parent cheering them on, read our latest blog for these five essential tips.

Fall sports season is here. Here are some to-dos to keep in mind as a new sports calendar arrives.