Integrative Physiotherapy: Q&A with Dr. John Kummrow

Physical therapy covers a wide spectrum, which can easily be complicated depending on a patient’s physical condition. At Integrative Physiotherapy LLC in Fort Collins, Colorado, a fresh perspective on physical therapy has changed the lives of many dealing with physical discomfort. Dr. John Kummrow, owner and primary physical therapist at Integrative Physiotherapy, aims to deliver this fresh perspective through several different modalities.  This includes traditional dry needling, therapeutic exercise with guided imagery, and spinal manipulation. His unique and effective form of physical therapy is known as Kinetic Chain Rehabilitation. Each patient receives a customized treatment plan directed at their individual needs, something you will rarely find in working with a traditional physical therapist.

Dr. Kummrow’s respect and passion for physical fitness and the quality of life that fitness provides, was rooted on the football field where he played at Colorado State University. After suffering a very serious injury of his own his senior year, his passion for physical well-being took a new turn.  Following his injury, John was told by multiple physicians that he would lose most of the mobility in his right arm and shoulder. John knew he could recover and recover he did. By applying his incredible instincts and many years of experience and education to his injury, he now is able to use his arm and shoulder. You would never know he had been hurt.

My own journey with Integrative Physiotherapy began recently after a 2 ½ year struggle to physically recover from an injury of my own.  In early 2012, my boyfriend and I were hit by a drunk driver while walking home from a concert.  I was overwhelmed with the amount of chronic pain that lingered in the following weeks, months and eventually years. This chronic neuropathic pain affected not just my quality of life but had an impact on my closest family and friends. I visited countless doctors, hoping that someone would lead me to a pain free life. Without luck from a western-based philosophy, I turned to more of an eastern-based philosophy including acupuncture, chiropractic work, Rolfing, reflexology, cranial sacral massage, trigger point therapy and traditional physical therapy. I’ve lost count of the number of therapists I’ve seen in the past 2 ½ years without success. Then, in the spring of 2014, I found a therapist that has already changed my life. John has not only lessened the pain but he has helped me get a part of myself back and for that I am forever grateful. John’s wisdom and knowledge of the human body constantly impresses me.  I’ve been on the road to a pain free life for a while now and I can finally see the light at the end of this tunnel.

Here’s what Dr. Kummrow had to say about his practice.

Q: Who would benefit from your “fresh perspective” on physical therapy?

A: Adolescents to athletes to elders. More specifically, I work with patients who experience discomfort due to fibromyalgia, back/neck pain, multiple sclerosis, headaches/migraines, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injuries, vestibular pathologies, sprains/strains/fractures, and numerous others.

Q: Why would you recommend your style of PT over the approach of traditional PTs?

A: If whatever therapy you may be involved in isn’t working or you find yourself plateauing, then you have to change direction. I comprehensively analyze each patient’s history and pathology to find what other providers may have missed, and that’s where I begin treatment. My technique is much more functional and challenging than most.

Q: Where do you see your practice going in the future?

A: I see an expansion of my practice into multiple sites and I hope to be teaching in a university setting. Also, I know I could help professional athletes with a myriad of acute and especially chronic injuries. I have been in touch with the agents of Carmelo Anthony, Tiger Woods, Kenyon Martin, Prince Fiedler and others. I have confidence in the challenge of taking on big names when given the opportunity.

Q: What insurances do you accept?

A: We accept many types of medical, motor vehicle accident, and worker’s compensation insurance. We also have self-pay rates for those without insurance. For a list of accepted insurances, visit their website listed below.

Q: Being from El Paso, TX, why did you decide to open your practice in Fort Collins, CO?

A: I completed my undergrad here, I have family here and I really enjoy the community in Fort Collins. Plus, I like having the competition of other practitioners, such as my prior professors. I strive to be on the cutting edge of evidence based practices & my clinic has many advantages over others in town, including the most affordable self-pay options.

Q: What advice do you have for people who are dealing with chronic pain?

A: There is always hope.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I love to see people get their lives back. It’s a good feeling to be able to have a positive influence on their productivity, relationships, and their overall happiness. It’s all about the vitality and function of each patient’s life.

For more information about Dr. John Kummrow, including his long list of credentials & more about Integrative Physiotherapy LLC or to make an appointment, visit their website at www.fortcollinspt.com or call 970-430-7055. Trust me, you won’t regret it.