What situation or injury led you to ORSI?
In early 2013 I underwent arthroscopic meniscus repair and partial ligament reconstruction on my right knee. In the weeks after surgery I struggled with persistent swelling, limited range of motion, and quadriceps weakness. Simple tasks like climbing stairs, standing from a chair, and walking on uneven ground were painful and difficult. I knew I needed expert guidance to restore my knee’s function, rebuild my strength, and return to the activities I love.
How would you categorize your story?
My story is one of resilience and partnership. The therapists at ORSI partnered with me every step of the way to design a program that not only addressed my knee but also improved my overall stability, mobility, and confidence. Their support empowered me to reclaim my active lifestyle.
Please share your experience.
From my first session, I felt heard and respected. Terry began with a comprehensive evaluation in our Edina clinic. He assessed my knee’s range of motion, performed manual joint mobilizations, and analyzed my gait. He also evaluated my hip and ankle to uncover hidden imbalances contributing to my knee pain.
During the initial phase, we focused on:
- Manual swelling reduction techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage and compression wrapping
- Gentle passive range of motion to achieve full knee extension and at least 120 degrees of flexion
- Isometric quadriceps sets and straight-leg raises to activate the vastus medialis oblique (VMO)
- Hip abduction and adduction with a resistance band to support pelvic stability
- Core activation exercises including pelvic tilts and prone plank holds to protect the lumbar spine
Anni, the clinic’s exercise specialist, took time to demonstrate each movement with clear instructions in our Manual Therapy area. She observed my form and offered modifications to ensure I maximized each exercise’s benefit.
Progress through structured phases
As I met each milestone, my program evolved. By week six we transitioned to:
- Double-leg mini-squats and seated leg press on our hydraulic Functional Testing machine
- Step-down exercises on a 6-inch platform to challenge eccentric control of the quadriceps
- Balance training on an Airex pad with single-leg stance and ball toss
- Light jogging progression on the AlterG treadmill at 50 percent body weight
- Introduction of sport-specific drills such as lateral shuffles and carioca steps
We supplemented in-clinic sessions with a personalized home exercise plan hosted on our secure patient portal. Each week I received instructional videos and progress tracking logs to keep me accountable.
Return-to-sport and performance
By three months post-op, I was cleared for more dynamic work. The clinic’s Return-to-Sport Program helped me safely advance to plyometrics and agility drills:
- Box jumps and jump downs focusing on soft landings
- Single-leg bounds in forward and lateral directions
- Reactive neuromuscular training using agility ladders
- Protocol-based progression to shuttle runs and cutting maneuvers
Julia, our DPT and FAAOMPT specialist, conducted video analysis to fine-tune my biomechanics. She identified subtle hip drop during landing and corrected it with targeted glute activation drills.
Maintenance and long-term health
By six months post-surgery I had regained 98 percent of my pre-injury function. ORSI’s approach extends beyond rehabilitation to preventive care and wellness. I now attend monthly Pilates sessions to maintain core stability and mobility. These classes are led by physical therapists who integrate therapeutic principles to keep my body balanced and reduce injury risk.
Key components of my ongoing maintenance plan include:
- Regular hip and ankle mobility sessions to support knee health
- Periodic strength assessments in our Functional Testing lab to track progress
- Education on load management and injury prevention strategies
- Access to our online resource library with helpful articles and videos on foam rolling, dynamic stretching, and recovery techniques
What goals did OrthoRehab help you accomplish?
Thanks to the ORSI team, I achieved milestones I once thought impossible:
- Full knee extension and 130 degrees of flexion without pain
- Consistent single-leg squat depth and control matching my uninjured side
- Pain-free two-mile jogs at 8-minute pace
- Return to recreational volleyball and hiking on uneven trails
- Improved confidence in my body’s abilities
The clear communication, goal setting, and progress reviews kept me motivated. We reviewed objective measures each month and adjusted my plan to ensure I continued advancing safely.
Why choose OrthoRehab Specialists?
ORSI stands out for its therapist-owned model where clinical decisions prioritize patient outcomes over corporate metrics. Our team holds advanced credentials in sports rehabilitation, orthopedic manual therapy, and functional movement assessment. We maintain small clinic schedules to ensure one-on-one attention and continuity of care.
- Evidence-based practice: We follow the latest guidelines from the American Physical Therapy Association
- Collaborative referrals: We work closely with physicians and surgeons to coordinate care
- Comprehensive services: From manual therapy to functional testing, Pilates, and neuromuscular re-education
- Flexible scheduling: Early morning, evening, and weekend appointments accommodate busy lifestyles
- Two convenient locations: Edina and downtown Minneapolis
Getting started
If you are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or aiming to enhance athletic performance, ORSI is here to help. To schedule your comprehensive evaluation, choose one of these options:
- Call our Edina clinic at 952-922-0330
- Call our Minneapolis clinic at 612-339-2041
- Book online via our Contact page
- Email us at staff@orthorehabpt.com
Insurance and payment
ORSI participates with most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Medica, UCare, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and PreferredOne. Before your first visit, you can:
- Verify coverage by calling your insurance carrier or checking your online portal
- Review our Insurance & Payment Options page for a full list of accepted carriers
- Discuss self-pay rates and flexible payment plans if you prefer cash-pay
Cancellation policy
We understand schedules change. To avoid fees, please provide at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Emergencies are handled on a case-by-case basis—just give us a call as soon as possible.
Follow us and learn more
Stay connected with ORSI:
- Read our blog for expert articles on injury prevention, exercise tips, and wellness
- Join our team—we are always looking for passionate therapists
- Learn about our therapists and their specialties
We look forward to partnering with you on your journey to recovery and peak performance. Schedule your evaluation today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier you.