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Best Physical Therapists in Des Moines

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 24, 2024

Introduction to Physical Therapy in Des Moines

Definition and importance of physical therapy

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on improving and maintaining physical function and mobility. In Des Moines, Iowa, physical therapists play a significant role in helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Physical therapy services in Des Moines encompass a wide range of treatments, including exercises, manual therapy, and specialized techniques tailored to each patient's needs. These services are essential for individuals recovering from surgeries, dealing with sports injuries, or managing long-term health conditions such as arthritis or neurological disorders.

The benefits of physical therapy extend beyond mere pain relief. Patients in Des Moines can experience improved mobility, increased strength, enhanced balance, and a greater ability to perform daily activities. Physical therapy also plays a key role in preventing future injuries and promoting overall wellness.

The role of physical therapists in healthcare

Physical therapists in Des Moines are integral members of the healthcare community, working closely with physicians, surgeons, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive well-rounded treatment plans that address their specific needs and goals.

The primary focus of physical therapists is to improve patients' mobility and enhance their quality of life. They achieve this by conducting thorough assessments, developing personalized treatment plans, and guiding patients through exercises and therapies designed to address their individual conditions.

In Des Moines, physical therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. This diversity allows patients to access care in the most appropriate and convenient setting for their needs.


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List of Physical Therapists in Des Moines

LM

Lauren Mach

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 271-1717

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

AC

Aaron Christiansen

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 965-1422

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

AVO

Allison Van Oort

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-1414

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

ME

Memory Eltjes

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 323-6485

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

PH

Patrick Hill

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(319) 404-8713

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

GP

Ginni Peterson

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-1414

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

JH

Jayna Hoover

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 965-1422

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

ET

Elizabeth Trausch

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 271-1717

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

AA

Dr. Amber Augustine

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 953-0024

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

RA

Rachael Ash

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-1414

English

Physical Therapy

DR

Dr. Devin Rode

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 953-6911

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

HH

Hunter Holeman

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-5225

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

SC

Steven Clark

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 277-6032

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

EO

Erich Ottervanger

5.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 480-8038

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

KS

Kari Smith

3.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 271-1717

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

LP

Lauren Plum

1.0

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 271-1717

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

GBI

Gerald Bouslog III

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 244-5005

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

EV

Elizabeth Vermeer

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 309-4706

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

AK

Dr. Ashley Knaak

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 244-5005

English

Physical Therapy

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

JF

Dr. Jenilee Foster

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 244-5005

English

Physical Therapy

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

EH

Ellen Hansing

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 241-4499

English

UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

SJ

Dr. Samantha Jungman

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 244-5005

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

RH

Dr. Richard Hill

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 309-4706

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

CJ

Cortney John

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 699-5999

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

JE

Dr. Jennifer Edwards

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 699-5999

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

AW

Dr. Ashley Weiskamp

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 241-4498

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

AB

Dr. Aaron Bewyer

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 278-8444

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

ML

Michael Lavelle

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 244-5005

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

MM

Dr. Martin McDevitt

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-1414

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

NS

Dr. Nicholas Swanson

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 643-7555

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

MS

Dr. Maren Sand-Peck

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 263-5143

English

Physical Therapy

JG

Joelle Gallick

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 282-4560

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

LF

Lisa Fuchs

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 241-8550

English

Physical Therapy

Pediatric Physical Therapy

MJ

Dr. Mark Adams Jr

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 957-8609

English

Physical Therapy

CD

Connor Devin

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 953-6911

English

Physical Therapy

JP

Dr. Jessica Pieken

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 957-8609

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

AJ

Amy Johnson

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 226-9622

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

LH

Dr. Lauren Hupp

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 285-2559

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

EC

Dr. Emily Ciha

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 323-6485

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

SM

Sarah Martin

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-5225

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

GL

Gary Latcham

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(641) 844-2294

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

BU

Dr. Britta Utterback

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 263-5143

English

Physical Therapy

LT

Dr. Leanne Tchakounte

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 288-0569

English

Physical Therapy

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

TG

Tamera Gawtry

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 323-6485

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

AM

Ashley Mundt

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 266-1106

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

AS

Alexandra Stork

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 216-2999

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

JS

Julie Shay

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 289-9541

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

CT

Dr. Carter Trager

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 323-6485

English

Physical Therapy

MB

Dr. Mitzi Buck

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 953-5817

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

JP

Jean Percy-Sweet

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 265-8272

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

KH

Dr. Kelsey Hastings

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

RM

Dr. Robert Mortenson

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 369-2306

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

BW

Dr. Brenna Williams

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 323-6485

English

Physical Therapy

TK

Dr. Travis Kleinendorst

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 244-5005

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

JS

Jessica Schneider

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-5225

English

UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

LC

Laura Covill

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 244-5005

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

MK

Michael Kehoe

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 957-8609

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

LC

Dr. Lee Cody

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 241-4498

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

KS

Kassandra Schuppe

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 323-6485

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

KW

Dr. Kendra Wagner

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 241-5281

English

Physical Therapy

ZH

Zachary Holbrook

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 957-8609

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

KF

Kirt Freundl

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 285-2559

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

JJ

Joseph Johns

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(712) 243-2267

University Of Nebraska-Lincoln (Undergraduate School)

Des Moines University (Medical School, 2000)

English

Physical Therapy

KF

Kristina Foster

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 224-5225

English

Physical Therapy

Assistive Therapy

JG

Dr. Joseph Gentile

N/A

Des Moines, IA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(515) 288-0569

English

Physical Therapy

Choosing a Physical Therapist in Des Moines

Factors to consider when selecting a physical therapist

Credentials and specializations

  • Review educational background and certifications
  • Look for therapists with expertise in your specific condition

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Examine star ratings from previous patients
  • Read detailed reviews to understand patient experiences

Location and accessibility

  • Consider proximity to home or work
  • Check for convenient office hours and parking options

Insurance and cost considerations

  • Verify if the therapist accepts your insurance
  • Inquire about out-of-pocket costs and payment plans

Resources for finding physical therapists in Des Moines

Online directories and review platforms

  • Utilize Healthgrades and similar websites
  • Compare multiple therapists using consistent criteria

Professional associations and referrals

  • Consult the American Physical Therapy Association
  • Seek referrals from primary care physicians or specialists

Personal recommendations

  • Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their experiences
  • Consider joining local health-focused community groups for advice

Top-Rated Physical Therapists in Des Moines

Erich Ottervanger, PT

Credentials and Rating

  • 5-star rating with 3 reviews
  • Specializes in Physical Therapy and Assistive Therapy

Contact Information

  • Phone: (515) 480-8038
  • Gender: Male

Memory Eltjes, PT

Credentials and Rating

  • 5-star rating with 2 reviews
  • Specializes in Physical Therapy and Assistive Therapy

Contact Information

  • Phone: (515) 323-6485
  • Gender: Female

Allison Van Oort, PT

Credentials and Rating

  • 5-star rating with 2 reviews
  • Specializes in Physical Therapy and Assistive Therapy

Contact Information

  • Phone: (515) 224-1414
  • Gender: Female

Additional Highly-Rated Physical Therapists

Overview of Other 5-Star Rated Therapists

  • Aaron Christiansen, PT - (515) 965-1422
  • Jayna Hoover, PT - (515) 965-1422
  • Ginni Peterson, PT - (515) 224-1414
  • Patrick Hill, PT - (319) 404-8713
  • Lauren Mach, PT - (515) 271-1717

Diversity of Specializations

  • Range of expertise in Physical Therapy and Assistive Therapy
  • Some therapists offer additional specialties like Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Additional Considerations for Physical Therapy in Des Moines

Types of physical therapy services available

Orthopedic physical therapy

  • Mentioned in the profile of Dr. Leanne Tchakounte
  • Focuses on musculoskeletal issues

Pediatric physical therapy

  • Indicated in Lisa Fuchs' specialties
  • Tailored for children's developmental needs

General physical therapy

  • Common among most listed therapists
  • Addresses a wide range of physical conditions

Language considerations

English-speaking therapists

  • All listed therapists speak English
  • Ensures clear communication during treatment

Gender diversity in physical therapy

Balance of male and female therapists

  • Options for patients with gender preferences
  • Diverse perspectives in treatment approaches