Ridge Physical Therapy celebrates 15 years

WEST NORRITON >> Ridge Physical Therapy’s 15th anniversary celebration earlier this month was especially meaningful for owner Regina Strobel.

Yes, there was the big open house, catered by Gino’s Ristorante & Pizzeria and featuring custom-made chocolates with the Ridge logo by Bridge Street Chocolates, as well as nutritionist Wendy Dickerman providing information.

But more than that, Strobel was celebrating her continuing independence in an increasingly corporate-driven environment.

“I really wanted to recognize the local small businesses by having Gino’s cater, and Bridge Street Chocolates and a local nutritionist, which is a good combination with exercise,” Strobel said. “That’s why I had the open house, to celebrate my longevity, and it’s because of this community and the word of mouth that I have that longevity. And now I have the competitors.”

Since Strobel set up shop at 2525 W. Main St., Jeffersonville in 2004, the area has attracted one physical therapy facility after another, she pointed out.

“There’s ATI, Phoenix Rehabilitation, PTW and Good Shepherd Penn Partners,” Strobel noted, adding that the latter, located across the street from Ridge, had originally approached her about managing its new facility.

“But it didn’t work out,” she recalled. “My biggest thing was

that I had worked so hard in developing my relationship with the community and didn’t want somebody telling me how to treat my patients. It was a hard decision but I realized how much I loved taking care of my patients without anyone telling me what to do.” She added that she is “blessed” to be able to continue oneon-one care with her patients.

“My patients get me and my assistant Jackie Stem, and that’s it,” she added.

Running her own operation offers more benefits for her patients, Strobel allowed.

“Having my own business allows me to get to know my patients, treat them and monitor them, not just tell them ‘do this’ and then walk away,” she said. “Fifteen years is a long time in the health field. It’s more hospital-based now, reimbursements have decreased and there are certain

SUBMITTED PHOTO Jackie Stem, left, and owner Regina Strobel work together to provide personalized care at Ridge Physical Therapy.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Regina Strobel recently hosted an open house 15th anniversary celebration at Ridge Physical Therapy in Jeffersonville.