At first glance, a fly on the wall at First Coast Rehabilitation might simply see patients working through stretches, performing resistance band reps, and the like. What actually happens beneath the surface, though, is remarkable – reflecting personal stories of years-long health journeys.
Beth and Bryan Olson have been sought after locally for over a decade. Both are Doctors of Physical Therapy, Bryan is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist and Beth is women’s health certified, and together they own and operate First Coast Rehabilitation at its new US-1 location just north of Gerona Rd. Along with their growing fleet of practitioners, they have evolved into a one-stop shop for a myriad of physical and occupational therapy needs.
The Olsons enjoy enlightening the public about the power of self-advocacy and leveraging patients’ rights to cut through red tape. Beth says, “When you’re your own advocate, things happen faster.” In fact, the quickest way to treatment is simply requesting a physical therapy referral from a primary care physician immediately upon experiencing pain. Just this awareness puts patients on a path to recovery so much sooner. If more questions exist, clients can utilize the live chat feature on the website, firstcoastrehab.com, to get quick answers.
If a patient is referred to a facility they are unfamiliar with, they have the right to request a referral to First Coast Rehabilitation specifically. “We do have lifers,” Bryan says with a chuckle. In some cases, self-pay clients receive discounted cash rates that beat insurance pricing (and eliminate the time needed to obtain pre-authorizations.) Saving time and money while getting needed treatment is a welcome shift for suffering patients who develop a preference and attachment to the familiarity of First Coast Rehabilitation for ongoing service. While coaching clients through a smoother process of obtaining care, First Coast Rehabilitation is earning a favorable reputation among referring physicians from all over the state. “…we have a patient who came up from Fort Lauderdale to see us,” Bryan recalls. Some have come from Tallahassee, Tampa, and Port Orange.
The Olsons want St. Augustine residents to know that their city is home to a sought-after facility. Their doors are open, and they are eager to serve locals. Retaining multiple specialists who can address concerns like certified hand care, dry needling, vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), pelvic health and amputee care reduces wait times when filling appointment requests. Functioning as such a diverse powerhouse offers unique advantages to the patient. Rather than zooming in on specific pain points, therapists treat the whole body with the understanding that pain can travel from the neck down into the shoulder, for example. So, rather than jumping through various hoops to get singular referrals per injury, they can treat all areas of need without delay. This holistic approach earns the trust of clients who choose to make First Coast Rehabilitation their facility of choice, much the way one might consult the same chiropractor for years rather than seeking the care of several. Having a go-to consistent option creates a seamless experience where history is built and referenced long-term to achieve desired results.
All 15 practitioners at First Coast Rehabilitation hold doctorate-level credentials – two of whom interned with the Baltimore Orioles. “You just can’t over-prioritize your health.” exclaims Beth. When patients complete their formal course of therapy, they are welcome to continue practicing what they’ve learned at First Coast Rehabilitation’s in-house gym in an environment they’ve grown comfortable with. “You have 15 therapists who you can ask a question to when you’re working out…it’s like an independent program where they can come and just maintain what they’ve been working on in a familiar environment with familiar people,” Bryan explains. When it comes to some common athletic injuries and the efficacy of physical therapy, Bryan says, “I know you can get full recovery from injuries like this…I’ve experienced it.” Every patients personal goals are different. Often times it’s not peak athleticism they are going for but rather the ability to give their grandkids piggyback rides with ease while clocking 20,000 steps at Disney World with stamina. This is where maintenance comes to the fore. First Coast Rehabilitation offers St. Augustine more than expert physical and occupational therapy. They empower the community to traverse the healthcare system more productively. Their patient-centered approach, comprehensive services, and emphasis on proactive care establish them as a valued resource for attaining lasting well-being.
FIRST COAST REHABILITATION
2630 US-1 S
St. Augustine, FL 32086
(904) 829-3411
www.firstcoastrehab.com
