Proactive Physical Therapy: Success through education, empowerment

By Kathryn Roberts
Freelance Writer

When Proactive Physical Therapy opened in December 2007, the company’s owner and primary physical therapist, Mike Lachance, hoped to provide a resource in which decisions about treatment would be made on a local basis at the store level, instead of being driven by larger corporations. More than a year later, Proactive has proven the effectiveness of this community-based model and has even expanded their orthopedic and sports medicine services with the addition of a second physical therapist. What really has driven, and continues to drive, the business forward is its family-type environment and dedication to patients.
“I was born and raised in Lewiston,” said Lachance. “So it has been wonderful to be able to provide a quality health care service in this area. The sense of community is great.”
Lachance combines nine years of physical therapy experience with his background in community health education to build relationships with his clients that complement their treatment.
“We try to take it to that next level and make it an educational experience,” he explained. “We need to really teach people what we are doing and why because it leads to compliance.” This compliance and understanding of diagnoses is what makes the therapy successful over a longer period of time.
Proactive Physical Therapy stands out not only for its devotion to empowering people through education to take better care of themselves and overcome their injuries, but also for its one-on-one treatment.
“You’re going to see the same therapist every time,” said Lachance. “We also communicate strongly with the referring physicians.” Proactive even offers some patients an extended rehab program which allows clients to continue their exercises at the facility after the physical therapy is done.
With the addition of a second therapist, Heidi Dening, Proactive separates itself even further from the crowd. Dening is trained in kinesio taping, a specialized taping technique which provides support to muscles without hindering mobility; specialized joint mobilization techniques; and lymphedema management, a comprehensive treatment to help with chronic swelling.
The company also offers orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy for all ages. In addition, Proactive therapists specialize in the treatment of spinal disorders and muscle imbalances, among other areas. “We hope to keep growing and expanding while providing high quality service,” Lachance said of the company’s future plans.
Proactive Physical Therapy is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “Scheduling is flexible,” said Lachance, just one more reason why he is proud to have a locally-based business. “Being the owner you can make those decisions.”
Additionally, new patients can expect to get in for a first appointment within 24 to 48 hours. Located at 1190 Lisbon Street in Lewiston, Proactive has plenty of easy and accessible parking for its clients.
“People appreciate the fact that we give them the time they deserve and listen to their situation,” emphasized Lachance. “Physical therapy is phase one. Continuing to practice what is learned upon discharge from physical therapy is phase two.”
When a patient chooses Proactive Physical Therapy, he or she chooses the education and resources needed to succeed in both phases.
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday
www.proactiveptmaine.com
1190 Lisbon St. • Lewiston • 207-376-3000