Chelsea Laramore realizes people sometimes shy away from physical therapy because they assume a doctor’s referral is required. It is not.

As rehabilitation services director at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, Laramore wants to observe physical therapy awareness month during October by educating area residents about the benefits of physical therapy and reminding them they don’t need a referral.

“We understand people oftentimes don’t want to take time to visit a doctor, but they can call us directly,” Laramore said. “Early intervention is key when it comes to physical therapy. If you receive treatment sooner rather than later, you will feel better faster.

“Even if patients are hesitant at first, most soon realize that our care and treatment are helping them in their day-to-day life.”

At the bottom line, it’s all about quality of life. Physical therapy reduces pain, improves function and/or limits the effects of a disability or impairment, Laramore said.

She explained that Pawnee Valley Campus therapists stay in close contact with a patient’s primary care physician.

“We share our plan of care with doctors so they are aware of our treatment,” she said.

Laramore encourages people to consider physical therapy when they notice neck or lower back pain, joint pain, problems with balance, dizziness or postoperative pain or stiffness. Some women’s health problems also can be overcome or alleviated with physical therapy.

In some situations, surgery may be recommended.

“But physical therapy can delay or eliminate the need for an operation,” Laramore noted.

The physical therapy and advanced rehabilitation team at 923 Carroll Ave. in Larned offers other therapy regimens too.

While a physical therapist assists with pain relief, motion and mobility, an occupational therapist helps a patient live as independently as possible. Speech therapy also is available for swallowing disorders and speech and cognitive impairments.

“Whatever treatment is needed,” Laramore added, “our compassionate, experienced therapists provide comprehensive one-on-one care. We develop individualized treatment plans to help patients reach their goals.”

Pawnee Valley therapists are: Jason Rath, Alyssa Linn and Eloise Doran, all physical therapists; Jessica Poe and Stacey Clawson, both physical therapy assistants; Mary Vilaysing, speech/language pathologist; Kortney Traylor and Chelsea Laramore, both occupational therapists; and Angela Meitner, certified occupational therapy assistant.

Heather Holaday may be new to her position as a family medicine provider at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, but she is a familiar face in Larned and the surrounding area.

Holaday was born in Great Bend and raised in Garfield. She attended Larned schools.

Today, Holaday serves Pawnee Valley Campus patients as an advanced nurse practitioner through a University of Kansas postdoctoral fellowship. Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Emporia State University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Fort Hays State University, the highest nursing degree offered.

Holaday describes her work as “providing comprehensive, evidence-based care in collaboration with physicians. My education has focused on family practice medicine, which entails a range of knowledge about chronic and acute conditions, as well as general wellness,” she added, noting she sees patients of all ages.

For example, the central Kansas native cares for patients with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, anemia and depression/anxiety. Acute conditions include infections, lacerations and other injuries.

In addition, Holaday has experience in workman’s compensation issues, women’s health, physical exams and well-child checks. Her fellowship training includes work in pulmonology, urology, orthopedics, women’s health and dermatology.

Holaday’s fellowship started in July and will end June 30, 2021. She previously worked as a registered nurse for two years at Pawnee Valley Campus.

The fellowship is designed to prepare new primary care advanced practice registered nurses for the complexities of practicing in rural and underserved settings.

“In rural areas, there is often a lack of access to medical care and resources,” Holaday commented. “However, the Larned area is fortunate to have Pawnee Valley Campus, which provides care for emergent, acute and chronic conditions.

“Because this is a critical access hospital, we offer professional and convenient outpatient and inpatient care. I have also personally witnessed the lifesaving measures available here. The hospital is extraordinary and priceless.”

“Many people in this great community have supported me throughout my journey,” she said. “I am extremely honored and blessed to serve the community that shaped me. I enjoy working with providers and staff to deliver exceptional care.”

Holaday applied for the fellowship after learning about it from two instructors at Fort Hays State University. She successfully completed the comprehensive interview process and was paired with Pawnee Valley Campus.

The University of Kansas School of Nursing administers the program. Funding is provided by a Health Resources and Services Administration grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.