A Passion for Rural Care: Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Welcomes Physical Therapist Hannah Wahl

For Hannah Wahl, choosing where to practice physical therapy has always been about more than just a job. It has been about people — and the communities that need care most.

Wahl, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, recently joined the rehabilitation team at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, bringing three years of clinical experience in rural healthcare and a specialized skill set that is entirely new to the therapy department. For the community she now calls home, her arrival means something meaningful: expanded access to care, right where they live.

Growing up in Lakeview, Ore. — a town of roughly 2,500 people — Wahl developed an early appreciation for what rural healthcare means to families who depend on it. “It allows patients to be treated by medical professionals they know personally, which adds to the trust and engagement in their care,” she said. That conviction only deepened during her previous role as a physical therapist at a critical access hospital in rural New Mexico.

She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University in 2023 and was drawn to the profession for the relationships it makes possible. “I enjoy the ability to see patients over a longer period, develop a connection with them, and help them make meaningful changes in their lives,” Wahl said.

At Pawnee Valley, she treats outpatient and inpatient cases across a wide range of conditions — but one area of her practice stands out as something the hospital has not offered before. Wahl is trained in pelvic floor therapy, a specialized approach that addresses conditions such as pelvic pain, incontinence, constipation, and prolapse in men and women. She has a particular passion for supporting pregnant women through discomfort and helping postpartum patients return to their pre-pregnancy activity levels.

“While often seen as a taboo topic, many people are struggling with pelvic floor issues that go unaddressed,” Wahl said. “It is important for patients to know they can bring up concerns about pelvic floor function because many of these issues are very treatable.”

Jason Rath, Rehab Director at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, is enthusiastic about what Wahl brings to the team. “Hannah exhibits compassion and professionalism with caring for all demographics, and she has already made an impact with excellent patient care and customer service,” he said. “She is an amazing fit for our team, and we are extremely lucky to have her.”

Wahl’s move to Larned was also a personal one. After the birth of her son last year, she and her husband wanted to be closer to her tight-knit family — and when Wahl’s sister relocated to Lyons nearby, Larned started to feel like the right place to put down roots. “The community here has been so welcoming,” Wahl said. “I could tell that the staff had great relationships with patients, and since then have realized that extends to co-workers as well.”

Outside the clinic, Wahl enjoys spending time with her husband and 1-year-old son, along with working out, gardening, and hunting.

For those considering physical therapy, Wahl’s message is simple: “I am so happy to be a part of this community and truly care about improving their lives. I want to serve all my patients well with therapy that will allow them to do the things that are important to them.”