SSM Health Day Institute - Kirkwood Day Institute

07/17/2025

Imagine arriving to your first physical therapy appointment in a wheelchair and then walking your daughter down the aisle just 10 months later.

That was Larry Heemskerk’s goal when he came to physical therapy back in September. Larry had a history of dizzy spells as well as some impairments in his gait and balance. Working with Physical Therapists Tori Searcy and Alissa Milos, Larry slowly gained his strength back with exercises like standing, marching with weights and resisted cable column walking.

Throughout their time together, Tori and Larry agreed on just about everything except two things: how many laps of walking they were going to do each day and which team was going to win the Big Game. Despite their disagreements, Larry was ultimately the winner, as he completed his rehabilitation and successfully walked his daughter down the aisle. He even took part in the father-daughter dance with his daughter, Danielle.

Larry returned after the wedding to express his gratitude to Tori and Alissa. “You both did such a good job,” said Larry. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

07/14/2025

Who could use a vacation?

Our extensive network of physical therapy centers ensures you receive quality care no matter where your summer travels take you. In many cases, you don't need a prescription. Rest assured, you'll receive the same exceptional care from any of our brands. Just check out our "find a location" page to locate a center near you - or wherever you are headed!

07/12/2025

For when you want to actually enjoy your vacation, and not spend it in pain, read our latest blog. Learn about proper packing to avoid injuries, movements for long flights and road trip posture to get the most out of your time off.

As the summer adventures begin, we have some great tips to prepare you for your time away while keeping your body in prime shape for movement on the journey.

07/10/2025

Physical therapy is for more than just injuries. It's where elite athletes stay elite and how weekend warriors continue to show up.

You want a team that has special training for athletes, with experience, training and programs based on proven strategies. Select Sports - Sports Medicine is a comprehensive, industry-leading program to help athletes of all ages and abilities.

07/04/2025

We wish you and your family a safe and happy Fourth of July.

06/30/2025

Cancer survivorship does not begin at the end of treatment. It's a lifelong status that begins at the time of diagnosis, and there's support for survivors starting at day one.

Read our blog to learn about the best time to begin cancer rehabilitation and the five key benefits it brings.

Regardless of your cancer type or treatment, cancer rehabilitation specialists can enhance recovery and assist with the management of current or persistent issues secondary to cancer treatments.

06/28/2025

A cancer diagnosis already comes with a lot of uncertainty. Cancer rehabilitation can offer practical support to help you manage symptoms, regain strength and get back to the things that are important to you. Knowing what to expect throughout care can give you more confidence to move forward.

As we wrap up Cancer Rehabilitation Month, join us to raise awareness, support survivors and spread the message about how cancer rehabilitation is changing lives.



Learn more here: www.cancerrehabmonth.org

06/19/2025

Today, we acknowledge the importance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery.

06/18/2025

Nearly 80% of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives.

One of the most common reasons people miss work low back pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

Research shows physical therapy is often just as effective as surgery for many types of back pain — and with far less risk.

In our complimentary, on-demand webinar, “Understanding and Managing Back Pain,” our expert physical therapists walk you through the causes of back pain, what to watch for, and how physical therapy can help you move and feel better — without medication or invasive procedures.

Watch anytime, anywhere. Start your journey to relief today.

Low back pain is one of the most common and costly health issues, affecting millions each year. But it doesn’t have to control your life. Join our expert phy...

06/18/2025

SSM Health Physical Therapy is proud to support Colton's Cause with the Inaugural Dig Deep for the Mission Beach Volleyball Tournament.

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 and modifications to the home for handicapped accessibility and other special needs.

For more information or to register for the tournament, visit https://bit.ly/4n6nrq1.

06/14/2025

Why is cancer rehabilitation important?

Cancer Rehabilitation is vital for managing the lasting effects of treatment and recovery, from pain and fatigue to brain fog and difficulty moving — to the many other side effects along a cancer warrior's journey.

Our Revital Cancer Rehabilitation therapists help patients maintain independence and improve quality of life.

We’re raising awareness about this important resource for patients during Cancer Rehabilitation Month. Learn more at www.cancerrehabmonth.org.

06/12/2025

It's graduation season! Congratulations to our most recent patients who graduated from therapy.