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Dr. Elizabeth Steckelberg carries all of the tools she needs to work with someone when she goes to make house calls. Some of the tools she brings are exercise items her patients use for rehabilitation. Staff photo Brian Larsen
One of the hardest things you can do when you are injured or frail is make your way to a hospital or clinic for physical therapy treatment.
Dr. Elizabeth Steckelberg recognized this was a problem for some and decided she would take her practice to the patient rather than the other way around. Her new business is called Superior Movement Physical Therapy LLC. She carries what she needs in her car, including a fold-out massage table.
During a home or workplace visit, she says, “I can troubleshoot what is bothering someone and make it easier for them to move by modifying their home environment. For example, if someone is bothered by pain at work, I can meet them at their workplace and help make specific ergonomic adjustments that will help right away.”
Based in Grand Marais, Elizabeth, or Elunia (which is her preferred name in Polish), has been a physical therapist for nine years. She moved to Grand Marais in 2015 with her husband, Jonathan Steckelberg, who grew up here. Elunia worked at the hospital from 2015 to 2019. “I learned a lot working at the hospital. I’m really glad for the experience, but I decided I wanted to explore other options for my career.”
Another feature of her business is that she doesn’t accept insurance. “I work for the patient, not their insurance company,” she said as a matter of fact.
During an initial meeting, Dr. Steckelberg offers a free 20-minute consultation with a prospective client. “No advice is given at this meeting. Instead, I do an assessment to see if I can help the person or point them in the direction where they can be helped.”
Dr. Steckelberg earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 2012 and is licensed to practice Physical Therapy in Minnesota. Before her graduate studies, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University – Chicago.
Dr. Steckelberg has extensive training in the McKenzie Method® of evaluation and treatment, and is a certified provider of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. She also has training in balance, falls and vestibular (perception of body movement) management, among many other continuing education topics.
During the COVID pandemic, Elunia considered starting a virtual physical therapy practice but found that while you can do a lot over the internet, people need to have an in-person assessment. Once that’s done, and a program has been established, clients can independently do much of the necessary work.
Dr. Steckelberg says she likes to work with motivated clients. “What someone puts into their therapy is what they get back.”
Terminology, words she says to a client, are important as well.
“I stay away from blanket statements and don’t use words like ‘never’ or ‘always.’ People heal at different rates. With proper care, nutrition, and rest, bodies will heal. You might not gain back everything you have lost, but you will improve if you keep with the program. I work with clients on setting up incremental goals, and no matter how badly you have been injured, you can make progress toward recovery if you stick with the program.”
When she’s not working, Elunia spends time outdoors. She likes to hike, bike, canoe, downhill, and cross-country ski, and she regularly practices Yoga. She also plays piano and sings with a local group. In high school, she was on the swim team. One of her goals is to work with athletes.
“If someone wants professional coaching to help meet their fitness goals, I can work with them where they work out.”
If kids are under 18, they need to have their parents’ or guardians’ consent to work with her, but Elunia says she likes working with people of all ages. “One thing I don’t like to hear is, ‘I’m too old for that.’ You might not be able to do what a young person can do if you are older, but use it or lose it, as the saying goes. Attitude plays a big part in your recovery or fitness goals.”
If you want to learn more about Dr. Steckelberg’s practice, call her at (218) 370-2292 or email grandmarais. pt@gmail.com.
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