What situation or injury led you to ORSI?
I was a pedestrian struck by a car while crossing a side street. The collision left me with a concussion, a fractured orbital bone, persistent back pain and multiple foot and ankle injuries. I noticed that my right ankle was weak and would give way under my weight. My neurologist referred me to OrthoRehab Specialists to regain stability, strength and confidence.
How would you categorize your story?
My journey is one of rebuilding. After a traumatic accident I went from being active and independent to struggling with basic walking. I came to OrthoRehab with the goal of restoring ankle stability, normalizing my gait and recovering my sense of balance so I could return to work and to sports.
Please share your experience.
My first session began with a comprehensive evaluation in our Minneapolis clinic. The therapist reviewed my medical history, performed a detailed postural assessment and measured my joint range of motion. We discussed how the ankle injury was affecting my spine and hips through compensations. The therapist explained that successful rehab would require both hands-on manual therapy and neuromuscular retraining of the foot-to-brain connection.
Each visit included:
- Manual joint mobilizations to restore ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion
- Soft tissue work on surrounding calf muscles and plantar fascia
- Dynamic balance exercises on foam pads and wobble boards
- Proprioceptive training with eyes-closed drills to refine position sense
- Functional gait training on a treadmill with video feedback in our functional training area
What goals did OrthoRehab help you accomplish?
Over the course of 12 weeks I achieved:
- Restored ankle stability through progressive resistance exercises
- Normalized my walking pattern without a limp
- Regained confidence to hike and bicycle on uneven terrain
- Eliminated referred low back pain by correcting biomechanics
- Learned self-management techniques to prevent future setbacks
About OrthoRehab Specialists
OrthoRehab Specialists is a therapist-owned practice serving the Twin Cities for over 30 years. We focus on evidence-based orthopaedic care, drawing from the latest research and continuing education. Our team of licensed physical therapists holds advanced certifications in manual therapy, sports rehabilitation and functional movement assessment. With offices in Edina and downtown Minneapolis, we deliver one-on-one care, tailored treatment plans and ongoing support to help you achieve lasting results.
Our Locations
Our Edina clinic offers early morning and evening hours, private treatment rooms and a dedicated manual therapy suite. Located near Highway 100 and Highway 62, it is convenient for west metro residents. Our Minneapolis clinic sits in a historic medical arts building at Nicollet Mall, steps from major transit lines. It features a functional training zone, gait analysis equipment and on-site administrative staff for insurance verification and scheduling.
Our Therapy Approach
We believe in combining hands-on manual techniques with targeted exercise and patient education. Manual therapy helps restore joint mobility, reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. Therapeutic exercises strengthen key muscle groups, enhance flexibility and promote proper movement patterns. Functional training simulates real-life activities to ensure safe return to work, sport and daily living. We use modalities such as ultrasound, electric stimulation and cold compression to manage pain and inflammation.
Your First Visit
At your initial evaluation, your therapist will:
- Review your medical history, imaging reports and prior treatments
- Conduct a patient interview to understand your goals and concerns
- Perform a thorough physical exam of joints, muscles, posture and balance
- Assess gait and functional movement using video analysis if indicated
- Establish short-term and long-term treatment goals with you
Be sure to bring your insurance card, photo ID, any imaging reports, a list of medications and comfortable athletic attire.
Your Treatment Plan
Based on your evaluation, we develop a customized plan that may include:
- Manual therapy such as joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization
- Therapeutic exercises focused on strength, flexibility and stability
- Proprioceptive drills and balance training
- Functional movement patterns that address day-to-day and sport activities
- Education on body mechanics, posture and injury prevention
- Home exercise program with clear instructions and video demonstrations
We track objective measures such as goniometer readings and functional tests to monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Home Exercise Program
To support your in-clinic therapy, you will receive a home program with:
- Detailed instructions and illustrations
- Guidance on frequency, sets and repetitions
- Video links you can access online
- Self-monitoring tips to recognize and manage flare-ups
- Progression recommendations so you can safely advance
Insurance and Billing
We participate with most major insurance carriers including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, UCare, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. We recommend verifying your benefits before your first visit. Our administrative team assists with in-network confirmation, copay and deductible explanations, and prior authorization if needed. If you prefer self-pay, we offer transparent cash-pay rates and flexible payment plans. For payment options, visit our Insurance & Payment Options page.
Meet Our Team
Our clinicians include:
- Terry Buisman, PT – Owner, expert in shoulder and spinal injuries
- Andres “Andy” Masis, PT – Foot and ankle specialist
- Matt Siewert, PT – Orthopaedic manual therapist
- Julia Fischer, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT – Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists
- Rebecca Jacobs, PT, DPT, OCS, CKTP – Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner
Get Started Today
Under Minnesota’s direct access law you can begin physical therapy without a physician referral. To schedule, call our Edina clinic at 952-922-0330 or Minneapolis at 612-339-2041. You may also book online and complete your new-patient forms to save time at check-in. Let us partner with you to restore your health, function and confidence.