Physical Therapy and Integrative Care

Acupuncture is the insertion of small, single use needles into specific points to relieve internal or external pain and to help the body heal itself.  Acupuncture is one modality within the holistic approach of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).  TCM includes non-needle techniques such as cupping and other bodywork as well as nutrition, herbal supplements and lifestyle guidance.  In addition to inserting needles your acupuncturist will provide education and tools to help you achieve your best possible health.

Chiropractic Care is a specialized treatment in joint restrictions which may be causing pain, discomfort or limiting ones range of motion. Often people seek chiropractic care for headaches, neck or back pain but it can also help during pregnancy. With all the bodily changes during pregnancy chiropractic can help decrease some of these discomforts and help keep the pelvis aligned in very gentle ways. Your chiropractor will also go over some exercises, stretches and postural techniques to help keep your body happier longer.

Physical therapy is a unique practice that utilizes multiple different treatment modalities, including but not limited to manual therapy, trigger point dry needling, strengthening/stretching exercises, heat/ice, and changing your movement patterns in order to decrease your discomfort so you can move more freely. The overall goal with all physical therapy treatments is to increase your function in order for you to participate fully in all activities of your choice.

Commonly Referred Conditions:

• Acute orthopedic injury & recovery
• Balance dysfunction/falls
• Chronic pain
• Depression & anxiety
• Headaches/migraines
• Pre and post-surgical care
• Pregnancy-related pain & concerns
• Sports injury prevention & recovery
• Temporomandibular/joint dysfunction
• Vestibular dysfunction

An evaluation with a PTIC provider is about an hour long. It will include the following things: A thorough medical history, movement assessment, and development of a treatment plan that is based on the patient’s needs and the physical examination findings.

Treatment can include:

• Body position training
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Cupping
• Education
• Exercises & stretching
• Heat/ice/electrical stimulation
• Manual therapy
• Trigger point dry needling
• Use of acupuncture needles and seeds
• Written home exercise program

• Return to maximum level of function
• Improve movement
• Prevent injuries
• Participate in your recovery
• Decrease pain
• Avoid surgery and prescription medications

Barb Bifelt,  DC

• Myofascial pains
• Pregnancy pains
• Post-partum pains
• Headaches, neck, and back pains

Camille Hobbs, DAOM

• Acupuncture, cupping, and shiatsu massage as needed
• Education
• Whole person care
• Pregnancy care
• Geriatric patients

Joe Kennedy, DPT, OCS

• Headache/TMJ disorders
• Dry needling
• Post-operative care
• Orthopedic specialist

Jenna Nelson, DPT

• Dry needling
• BPPV
• Returning to sport/function
• Geriatric patients
• Pelvic floor

Savannah Winner, DPT, CertDN

• Ortho injuries – shoulder, hip, back, knee, and ankle
• Sports injuries
• Fall prevention
• Dry needling
• Post-operative care
  • • •     Oncology rehabilitation
      •     Lymphedema prevention

Heidi Wood, DPT, MPH

• Pregnant patients
• Post-operative care
• Post-partum patients
• Education
• Preventative screenings/care

Sarah Curwen, CMA

Sarah is a lifelong Alaskan born and raised in Fairbanks. She is married to her junior high sweetheart and in 2004 they chose to move to King Cove, a village in the Aleutians. Their 2-year commitment turned into a 12-year life changing adventure. They learned so much about the culture and the joys and challenges of living in such a remote location. While in King Cove, Sarah and her husband started their family, finished college and eventually decided it was time to come home to Fairbanks. They now have a sweet & spicy teenage daughter who loves to train & ride her horses and a 12 year-old boy who spends every waking hour hunting and fishing. They live in Salcha on their mini ranch and like their feral kids, they spend as much time outdoors as possible. Sarah has worked for TCC since 2016 and loves all the patients she has come to know. She still enjoys the work, department she works for, and all the coworkers who feel more like family than just coworkers.

Chris FoxEvans

I have been in PT for a little over two years. I belong to the Mescalero Apache people from the mountains in southwest New Mexico & A’aninin and Nakoda tribes from Northern Montana (definitely not from Tanana – most of all the patients I come in contact with think I am from there). Fort Wainwright Alaska is our fifth duty station. My husband has been in the US army for 20 years and is soon to retire. I have two sons 21yo & 15yo. I adopted a brother and sister Siberian husky, Tok Sikinik & Sky Kannik. I am an vivid black and white photographer and acrylic painter. I like beer and pizza, love playing golf and enjoy classic skiing.

Deborah Gonzalez, CMA

Deborah grew up in California and moved to Alaska in 1986. She is married to a wonderful man and has four kids, nine grandkids, and two furbabies. She enjoys family gatherings and walks with her husband.

Feofaneya Rukovishnikoff

Feofaneya belongs to the Unangax^ tribe from St. Paul Island. She was born and raised in in our beautiful state, Alaska. She has a pet bearded dragon named Espin, and she enjoys camping, bonfires and kayaking.