by Scott Sacry
The Hamilton Neurorehabilitation and Balance Center just got a major upgrade, bringing brighter, wider spaces and state-of-the-art equipment to the Bitterroot Valley. This upgrade is great news for those dealing with neurological or balance disorders caused by conditions such as Parkinson’s, strokes, concussions or general vertigo, among others.
“We have been in this space since 2022,” said Jackie Day, a physical therapist and board-certified neurologic specialist who is part of the team at the center. “The previous space was older, darker and not very wide open. We were able to make it work before, but the remodel has completely opened up the space. It’s now full of light and wide open, allowing us to give patients better care, and we were able to put in some new, state-of-the-art equipment.”
The Hamilton Neurorehabilitation and Balance Center is part of the Hamilton Physical Therapy group, a physical therapy provider with clinics in Hamilton, Darby, Corvallis, Stevensville, Florence and Frenchtown. The new Neuro Rehab & Balance Center is connected to the main Hamilton PT offices, located across the street from Hamilton High School.
All Hamilton PT locations specialize in helping people recover from injuries, manage chronic pain and navigate complex neurological conditions through personalized care plans. But the Hamilton Neurorehabilitation and Balance Center is unique because it brings together physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology under one roof. It’s a special treatment center that helps people recover from brain and nervous system injuries to regain their stability and balance – all on an outpatient basis.
When someone has a neurological or balance issue, timing matters for the recovery process.
“That first week or month after getting out of the hospital is critical,” said Chelsea Benitz, an occupational therapist and the team leader at the center. “With our improved space and new equipment, we are able to push our patients hard with high-intensity work to speed up their recovery. And we can generally see people quickly, so they don’t have to wait weeks for an appointment.”
An example of their new equipment is the overhead track system. There’s a runner in the ceiling connected to a harness that fits around the patient. The runner is 56 feet long with an eight-foot bend. With it, patients can access a treadmill, stairs and various other obstacles. This allows patients to work on their movement without the fear of falling, as the harness acts as a safety net.
“This gives our clients great confidence to try and work harder,” said Benitz. “We have a client who we’ve been seeing for six years. Having this new device made a tremendous difference, and he was recently able to walk his daughter down the aisle. He came to us crying with joy about his transformation.”
The facility is deliberately designed around patient comfort and ease. Among other accommodations, the remodeled facility features new soundproof rooms, wider beds, a special room with color control for those with light sensitivities and easy wheelchair-accessible parking.
“There is no other option for this type of care in the Bitterroot or western Montana for an outpatient facility with this equipment – maybe Seattle is the closest example,” said Benitz.
The center welcomed the public to an open house on Tuesday, October 13, to show the Bitterroot community how the newly remodeled facility can help people move better, feel safer and live more independently.
“It is very satisfying that we can provide this level of care to our patients,” said Benitz. “Some patients need only a month to recover, some a little longer, and others we will see for the rest of their lives. They become part of our family. We are so grateful to have this new space, the new resources, and the new equipment to help improve our patients’ lives.”
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