Are you in?

Join Us for Pickle the Cause:

12 Hours of Pickleball to Help End Cancer

📅 When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
📍 Where: Paddle Up Pickleball Club at The District in Chesterfield Valley

Axes Physical Therapy is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Pickle the Cause, a 12-hour pickleball fundraiser benefiting Pedal the Cause and the fight against cancer right here in our community.

On Saturday, September 12, we’ll be taking over Paddle Up Pickleball Club in Chesterfield for a full day of pickleball, community, competition, and fundraising, all with one shared mission: funding lifesaving cancer research.

Every penny of every dollar raised through Pedal the Cause support research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, helping move promising ideas forward into new treatments, clinical trials, and discoveries that can change and save lives.

Whether you’re an experienced pickleball player, have never picked up a paddle, or simply want to support an incredible cause, there’s a way for you to be part of Pickle the Cause.

You can come for a casual game, put your skills to the test in one of our tournaments, join us for the Final Rally Celebration, make a donation, or do a little bit of everything.

4 Ways to Join the Cause

🏓 PLAY | Open Play from 9 AM–9 PM

Just want to play? Grab a partner, some friends, your family, or your coworkers and get on the court for a great cause!

Open Play will be available throughout the entire 12-hour event, with dedicated courts for casual play and all skill levels welcome.

Players can participate for $25 per person or $50 per team, which includes up to two hours of pickleball.

Whether you’ve been playing for years or have barely picked up a paddle, this is for you. Beginners, casual players, families, friends, and coworkers are all welcome.

🏆 COMPETE | Pickle the Cause Tournaments

Looking for a little competition? This year, we’re adding two Pickle the Cause tournaments so players can put their skills to the test while raising money for cancer research.

Recreational Tournament | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Designed for low to intermediate-level players looking for some friendly competition.

Competitive Tournament | 12:00–3:00 PM
Higher-level play for experienced players who are ready to bring the heat.

Tournament play will take place on four courts, while Open Play continues on the remaining courts, so the pickleball won’t stop!

🎉 CELEBRATE | Final Rally Party from 6–9 PM

Not a pickleball player but still want to get involved?

Join us from 6:00–9:00 PM for our Final Rally Party, a thank-you party for our players, donors, friends, families, and everyone who helped make Pickle the Cause possible.

We’ll close out the day with:

• Food and drinks
• A DJ and music
• High-level exhibition pickleball
• Open Play
• Glow-in-the-dark pickleball
• Plenty of time to hang out, cheer on the players, and support the cause

No pickleball skills required. Seriously.

Bring your friends. Bring your family. Come for an hour or stay for the finale as we wrap up an incredible 12 hours together.

❤️ DONATE | No Paddle Required

Can’t make it on September 12? Pickleball isn’t your thing?

You can still make an impact.

Every penny of every dollar donated funds innovative cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

No donation is too small. Every dollar helps move cancer research forward.

Why Axes Is Getting Involved

One Day. One Community. One Cause.

At Axes Physical Therapy, helping people is at the heart of everything we do. Every day, we help our patients recover from injuries, regain mobility, and get back to the activities they love. Pickle the Cause gives us an opportunity to extend that mission beyond our clinics by supporting research that brings hope to individuals and families affected by cancer.

Pickle the Cause may center around pickleball, but this event has always been about something much bigger than what happens on the court. Cancer has touched the lives of so many of our employees, patients, families, and friends. Pickle the Cause is our way of bringing those communities together around a shared goal and turning a day of fun into something much bigger.

It’s about bringing our community together.

It’s about supporting the patients and families whose lives have been affected by cancer.

And it’s about helping fund the researchers working every day toward better treatments, new discoveries, and ultimately, a world without cancer.

Last year, you helped us raise $8,000. This year, let’s fill the courts for all 12 hours, pack the Final Rally Celebration, and see just how much more we can accomplish together.

Ready to join us?

👉 Sign up for Open Play. Register for a tournament. RSVP for the Final Rally Celebration. Or support the cause with a donation.

However you choose to participate, you’re helping our community rally behind something much bigger than pickleball.

Let’s fill the courts, beat last year’s total, and play for a future without cancer. ❤️

Because… helping you is what we do.

The post Pickle the Cause: 12 Hours of Pickleball to Help End Cancer appeared first on Axes Physical Therapy.

Helping Local Families One Kind Act at a Time

At Axes Physical Therapy, caring for our community extends beyond helping patients recover from injury. Through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation, we are proud to support organizations that provide hope, dignity, and essential resources to families facing difficult circumstances.

As part of our Axes Gives Back initiative, we are honored to support Marcy’s Project, a St. Charles County nonprofit dedicated to ensuring local families have access to basic necessities through compassionate, community-driven programs. Guided by the belief that every act of kindness can make a difference, Marcy’s Project serves individuals and families with dignity while helping strengthen the community one kind act at a time.

About Marcy’s Project

Marcy’s Project began in 2019 after its founders were inspired by an 80-year-old woman named Marcy, whose compassion and commitment to helping others sparked a movement of kindness. What started as helping one local family quickly grew into an organization dedicated to serving families throughout St. Charles County.

Today, Marcy’s Project operates four core programs:

• Marcy’s Meals, providing meal kits with fresh, healthy ingredients to local families.
• Marcy’s Market, offering clothing, hygiene products, household essentials, and other necessities at no cost.
• Marcy’s Milestones, celebrating seniors in local care facilities with birthday recognition and thoughtful gifts.
• Marcy’s Kids, supporting children through programs such as birthday celebrations, holiday gifts, Easter baskets, school supplies, formal attire, and more.

Together, these programs help meet immediate needs while restoring dignity and providing hope for individuals and families experiencing hardship.

Why This Cause Matters

At Axes Physical Therapy, we know that health and well-being are influenced by more than physical recovery alone. Access to nutritious food, clothing, hygiene products, and community support can make a meaningful difference in a family’s quality of life.

Marcy’s Project shares our belief that everyone deserves compassion and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Their mission to provide essential resources while treating every individual with dignity aligns closely with the values we strive to demonstrate every day in our clinics and throughout our communities.

How Axes Is Giving Back

Through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation, Axes is proud to provide monetary support to Marcy’s Project as part of our monthly Axes Gives Back initiative.

As a locally owned physical and occupational therapy provider serving the Greater St. Louis area and Mid-Missouri, we are grateful for the opportunity to support an organization making a direct impact on families close to home. By investing in organizations like Marcy’s Project, we help strengthen the communities we proudly serve every day.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support Marcy’s Project and the families they serve throughout St. Charles County.

You can make a financial donation, volunteer your time, organize a donation drive, shop their Amazon Wish List, or support one of their fundraising events. Every contribution helps provide meals, clothing, hygiene products, household essentials, and other resources to neighbors in need.

Caring for Our Communities Together

As a provider of physical therapy and occupational therapy services throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Mid-Missouri, Axes Physical Therapy is proud to support organizations that care for our neighbors with compassion, dignity, and kindness.

We are honored to support Marcy’s Project through Axes Gives Back and grateful for the important work they do to help local families build brighter futures.

Learn more about the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation, explore our physical therapy services, or find one of our Greater St. Louis area and Mid-Missouri locations.

Support Through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation

If you’d like to join us in supporting Marcy’s Project, you can make a donation through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation. Every contribution helps us continue supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference throughout the Greater St. Louis area, Mid-Missouri, and beyond.

To donate, visit the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation and help us continue giving back to the communities we proudly serve.

Helping you is what we do.

The post Axes Gives Back: Supporting Marcy’s Project appeared first on Axes Physical Therapy.

Feeling dizzy isn’t just frustrating. It can make everyday activities like walking through the grocery store, driving, rolling over in bed, or simply looking up at a shelf feel uncomfortable or even unsafe.

The good news is that many causes of dizziness and balance problems can be successfully treated with vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy designed to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and help you regain confidence in your daily life.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we’re excited to announce that we’ve expanded our vestibular therapy services to make expert care more accessible throughout Missouri and Illinois.

Patients can now receive vestibular rehabilitation at our clinics in:

• Troy, MO
• Glen Carbon, IL
• Columbia, MO
• Ashland, MO

This expansion means more patients can receive specialized care closer to home without traveling long distances.

What Is Vestibular Therapy?

Vestibular therapy is a specialized type of physical therapy that evaluates and treats disorders affecting your vestibular system, the part of your inner ear and brain that controls balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

When this system isn’t functioning properly, people may experience:

• Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
• Persistent dizziness
• Feeling off balance
• Motion sensitivity
• Difficulty walking
• Falls
• Blurred vision while moving
• Nausea with movement

Many people assume these symptoms are simply something they have to live with.

In reality, they often respond extremely well to targeted physical therapy.

What Conditions Can Vestibular Therapy Treat?

Our vestibular therapists evaluate and treat many conditions, including:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Vestibular neuritis
• Labyrinthitis
• Unilateral vestibular hypofunction
• Persistent dizziness
• Balance disorders
• Fall risk
• Concussion-related dizziness
• Motion sensitivity
• Cervicogenic dizziness
• Vestibular migraines (when appropriate as part of a multidisciplinary plan)

Every patient receives an individualized evaluation to determine the source of their symptoms and develop the right treatment plan.

Vertigo Isn’t Always “Just Vertigo”

One of the most common reasons patients seek vestibular therapy is vertigo.

BPPV, often called positional vertigo, occurs when tiny calcium crystals inside the inner ear move out of place. This can cause sudden episodes of spinning when:

• Rolling over in bed
• Looking up
• Bending over
• Standing up quickly

Many cases of BPPV can be successfully treated in just a few visits using specialized repositioning techniques performed by a trained vestibular physical therapist.

Vestibular Therapy Looks Different Than Most People Expect

Many patients are surprised to learn that vestibular rehabilitation doesn’t usually involve machines or complicated equipment.

Instead, treatment may include:

• Balance training
• Eye movement exercises
• Walking and gait training
• Head movement exercises
• Habituation exercises
• Canalith repositioning maneuvers for BPPV
• Strength and mobility exercises
• Home exercise programs

The goal is to retrain your brain and balance system so you can move confidently again.

When Should You See a Vestibular Physical Therapist?

If you’ve been experiencing dizziness or balance problems that aren’t improving, don’t assume they’ll go away on their own.

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you:

• Feel dizzy when changing positions
• Experience spinning sensations
• Have frequent balance problems
• Have fallen or worry about falling
• Feel unsteady while walking
• Continue to experience dizziness after a concussion
• Avoid activities because of your symptoms

Early treatment can often shorten recovery and help prevent falls.

Expanded Care, Same Expert Treatment

Axes Physical Therapy has continued investing in advanced vestibular rehabilitation education so more patients can receive specialized care close to home.

We’re proud to now offer vestibular therapy at additional locations, including:

• Troy, Missouri
• Glen Carbon, Illinois
• Columbia, Missouri
• Ashland, Missouri

Whether you’re experiencing occasional dizziness or persistent balance issues, our therapists are trained to identify the underlying cause and create a treatment plan designed specifically for you.

Find Relief From Dizziness at Axes Physical Therapy

Living with dizziness isn’t something you should simply accept.

Many vestibular conditions respond remarkably well to physical therapy, and early treatment can help you return to work, exercise, travel, and everyday life with greater confidence.

If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems, schedule an evaluation with one of our vestibular specialists today.

With 25 convenient Axes Physical Therapy locations throughout Greater St. Louis, Southern Illinois, Mid-Missouri, and surrounding communities, expert vestibular rehabilitation is never far away.

Because Missouri and Illinois both offer Direct Access, you can often begin physical therapy without a physician referral.

Schedule an appointment at any of our Axes locations today!

The post Dizzy? Vertigo? Vestibular Therapy Is Now Available at More Axes Physical Therapy Locations appeared first on Axes Physical Therapy.

Creating Opportunities for Friendship, Inclusion, and Belonging

At Axes Physical Therapy, improving lives extends far beyond rehabilitation. Through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation, we are proud to support organizations that strengthen our communities and create opportunities for people of all abilities to thrive.

As part of our Axes Gives Back initiative, we are honored to support Best Buddies Missouri, an organization dedicated to building meaningful friendships, expanding opportunities, and promoting inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout Missouri.

About Best Buddies Missouri

Best Buddies Missouri is the Missouri chapter of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization committed to creating a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Across Missouri, the organization offers programs centered on one-to-one friendships, leadership development, integrated employment, inclusive living, and family support.

From elementary schools and college campuses to workplaces and local communities, Best Buddies Missouri helps individuals with and without IDD build genuine relationships while fostering confidence, independence, and a greater sense of belonging. Their programs empower participants to become leaders, advocates, coworkers, and lifelong friends.

Why This Cause Matters

At Axes Physical Therapy, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live an active, fulfilling life while feeling connected to their community. Inclusion is about more than accessibility. It’s about creating environments where every person feels valued, supported, and empowered.

The mission of Best Buddies Missouri reflects these values by breaking down social barriers and creating opportunities for meaningful connections. Through friendship, leadership, employment, and family support programs, the organization helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain confidence, develop important life skills, and participate more fully in their schools, workplaces, and communities.

How Axes Is Giving Back

Through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation, Axes is proud to provide monetary support to Best Buddies Missouri as part of our monthly Axes Gives Back initiative.

As a locally owned physical and occupational therapy provider serving the Greater St. Louis area and Mid-Missouri, we are grateful for the opportunity to support an organization that is making our communities more welcoming and inclusive for individuals of all abilities. We believe investing in organizations like Best Buddies Missouri helps create stronger communities where everyone has the opportunity to build friendships, pursue goals, and reach their full potential.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support Best Buddies Missouri and help expand opportunities for inclusion across our state.

You can volunteer, become a Buddy, participate in local fundraising events, advocate for inclusion, or make a donation through the organization’s website. Every act of support helps create more opportunities for friendship, leadership, employment, and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Building More Inclusive Communities Together

As a provider of physical therapy and occupational therapy services throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Mid-Missouri, Axes Physical Therapy is proud to support organizations that help people build confidence, strengthen connections, and improve their quality of life.

We are honored to support Best Buddies Missouri through Axes Gives Back and grateful for the important work they do to create a more inclusive future where everybody belongs.

Learn more about the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation, explore our physical therapy services, or find one of our Greater St. Louis area and Mid-Missouri locations.

Support Through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation

If you’d like to join us in supporting Best Buddies Missouri, you can make a donation through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation. Every contribution helps us continue supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference throughout the Greater St. Louis area, Mid-Missouri, and beyond.

To donate, visit the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation HERE and help us continue giving back to the communities we proudly serve.

Helping you is what we do.

The post Axes Gives Back: Best Buddies Missouri appeared first on Axes Physical Therapy.

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends of the summer for travel, cookouts, lake days, fireworks, and spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the busiest weekends for preventable orthopedic injuries.

Whether you’re loading the car for a weekend getaway, carrying heavy coolers to the lake, setting up lawn games, or enjoying an evening fireworks display, a little preparation can go a long way toward helping you stay injury-free.

Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself and your family so your holiday memories are made around the grill, not in the emergency room.

Protect Your Hands Around Fireworks

Fireworks are a holiday tradition, but they can quickly turn a celebration into a trip to the emergency room.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are treated for fireworks-related injuries every year, with hands and fingers among the most commonly injured body parts. Even sparklers, which many people consider harmless, can burn at temperatures exceeding 2,000°F, hot enough to cause severe burns.

Whether you’re lighting fireworks at home or watching from the sidelines, follow these safety tips:

• Leave fireworks to trained professionals whenever possible.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.
• Only light one firework at a time.
• Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
• Never attempt to relight a firework that doesn’t ignite.
• Keep spectators a safe distance away.
• Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them away.

If a burn or hand injury does occur, seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment can help protect movement, strength, and function, especially when fingers, hands, or wrists are involved.

Don’t Let Heavy Lifting Ruin Your Holiday

Fireworks aren’t the only thing that can leave you hurting this Fourth of July.

Packing the car for a weekend getaway, carrying heavy coolers, loading the boat, moving lawn chairs, hauling bags of ice, or lifting boxes of fireworks all place extra stress on your back.

Fortunately, a few simple lifting habits can make a big difference.

Before lifting something heavy:

• Tighten your core muscles.
• Bend at your hips and knees instead of your waist.
• Keep your back in a neutral position.
• Hold the object close to your body.
• Lift with your legs, not your back.

These techniques help distribute the load more efficiently and reduce unnecessary strain on your spine.

Build Strength Before Injury Happens

One of the best ways to prevent lifting injuries is to build strength before you need it.

Exercises like Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs), bridges, squats, and core strengthening exercises help improve hip strength, stability, and proper lifting mechanics.

However, technique matters just as much as the exercise itself. Performing strengthening exercises with poor form can actually increase your risk of injury.

A physical therapist can evaluate how you move, identify weak or tight areas, and recommend exercises that fit your body, activity level, and goals.

Don’t Ignore Pain That Lasts After the Holiday

It’s normal to feel a little sore after an active holiday weekend.

It’s not normal if pain:

• Lasts more than a few days
• Continues getting worse
• Limits your movement
• Keeps you from sleeping comfortably
• Prevents you from returning to work, exercise, or everyday activities

At Axes Physical Therapy, we commonly evaluate patients after busy holiday weekends for back strains, shoulder injuries, hand injuries, and other aches that began while lifting, carrying, or participating in summer activities.

Addressing these injuries early often leads to faster recovery and helps prevent a minor issue from becoming a long-term problem.

We’re Here When You Need Us

Whether you’ve suffered a fireworks-related hand injury, strained your back loading the car, or are simply dealing with pain that’s keeping you from enjoying your summer, our team is here to help.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our physical therapists and Certified Hand Therapists create individualized treatment plans designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and get you back to doing what you love.

Thanks to Direct Access in Missouri and Illinois, you can begin physical therapy without a physician referral. If you’re unsure whether therapy is the right next step, Axes also offers Free Injury Screenings to help you understand what’s causing your pain and whether treatment could help.

With 25 convenient locations throughout Greater St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Mid-Missouri, expert care is always close by.

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July

The best Fourth of July memories are made with family and friends, not in the emergency room.

By practicing firework safety, lifting smarter, and listening to your body, you can spend less time worrying about injuries and more time enjoying everything the holiday has to offer.

If an injury does happen, don’t wait for the pain to become a bigger problem. The team at Axes Physical Therapy is ready to help you recover safely and get back to enjoying your summer.

From all of us at Axes Physical Therapy, have a safe, happy, and healthy Fourth of July!

To schedule an appointment with Julie, Lauren, or any of our expert therapists, request an appointment online today!

The post Fourth of July Safety: Celebrate Without the Setbacks appeared first on Axes Physical Therapy.

If you regularly deal with a dull ache across your forehead, pressure around your temples, or tightness that starts in your neck and works its way up into your head, you’re not alone.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, affecting people of all ages. They can make it difficult to focus at work, stay productive throughout the day, exercise comfortably, or simply enjoy time with family and friends.

Many people reach for over-the-counter pain medication when a headache strikes. While medication may provide temporary relief, it often doesn’t address what’s causing the problem in the first place.

For many individuals, the real source of tension headaches is muscle tension, poor posture, stress, or movement dysfunction. That’s where physical therapy can help.

What Is a Tension Headache?

A tension headache is often described as a dull, aching pressure around the head.

Unlike migraines, tension headaches typically do not cause nausea, sensitivity to light, or visual disturbances. Instead, they often feel like a tight band wrapping around your head.

Common symptoms include:

• Pressure across the forehead
• Pain around the temples
• Tightness at the base of the skull
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Mild to moderate headache pain that gradually builds throughout the day

For many people, the discomfort begins in the neck and shoulders before spreading into the head.

Common Causes of Tension Headaches

Several factors can contribute to recurring tension headaches.

Poor Posture

Hours spent looking down at phones, working on computers, driving, or sitting at a desk can place significant strain on the muscles of the neck and upper back.

Over time, that strain can contribute to headache symptoms.

Muscle Tightness and Trigger Points

Muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can develop areas of tightness known as trigger points.

These “knots” can refer pain into the head, temples, and behind the eyes, contributing to recurring headaches.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress often causes people to unconsciously tighten muscles in their shoulders, neck, and jaw.

The longer that tension remains, the more likely headaches become.

Lack of Movement

Many people spend most of their day sitting. Limited movement can increase stiffness, reduce mobility, and contribute to muscular tension throughout the upper body.

How Physical Therapy Helps Relieve Tension Headaches

Physical therapy focuses on identifying and treating the underlying factors contributing to your headaches rather than simply masking symptoms.

1. Improving Posture

Posture is one of the most common contributors to tension headaches.

Your physical therapist will assess how you sit, stand, and move throughout the day and provide strategies to reduce unnecessary stress on your neck and shoulders.

Even small adjustments can make a significant difference.

2. Manual Therapy

Hands-on treatment can help reduce muscle tightness and improve mobility in the neck, upper back, and shoulders.

Techniques may include:

• Soft tissue mobilization
• Trigger point release
• Joint mobilization
• Stretching techniques

These treatments can help decrease tension and restore normal movement.

3. Dry Needling

For many patients, dry needling is an effective tool for treating tension headaches.

Dry needling targets trigger points within tight muscles to help release tension, reduce pain, and improve movement.

When combined with an individualized exercise program, dry needling can provide significant relief for patients dealing with recurring headaches.

4. Targeted Exercise

Weakness and stiffness often contribute to poor posture and muscle fatigue.

A customized exercise program may focus on:

• Improving neck mobility
• Strengthening postural muscles
• Increasing shoulder stability
• Reducing muscle tension

The goal is to create lasting improvements that help prevent headaches from returning.

5. Ergonomic Education

The way you work, study, drive, or use technology can have a major impact on headache symptoms.

Physical therapists can provide recommendations to improve:

• Desk setup
• Computer monitor positioning
• Chair height
• Phone and tablet usage habits
• Workstation ergonomics

These simple changes often help reduce daily strain on the neck and shoulders.

When Should You Seek Help for Tension Headaches?

Occasional headaches happen.

But if headaches are becoming frequent, interfering with your daily activities, or causing you to rely on medication regularly, it may be time for an evaluation.

Early treatment can help prevent headaches from becoming a chronic issue and may reduce your dependence on temporary symptom management strategies.

Get to the Root Cause of Your Headaches

You shouldn’t have to plan your day around recurring headaches.

If you’re experiencing frequent tension headaches, neck tightness, or ongoing muscle tension, physical therapy may help identify what’s causing your symptoms and provide a long-term solution.

At Axes Physical Therapy, our team helps patients across the Greater St. Louis area and Mid-Missouri find relief from tension headaches through personalized treatment plans designed to address the root cause of their pain.

With 25 convenient locations, expert care is never far away.

Request an appointment today or find an Axes clinic near you to get started.

To schedule an appointment with Jen, or any of our expert therapists, request an appointment online today!

The post Tension Headaches: Why They Keep Coming Back (And How Physical Therapy Can Help) appeared first on Axes Physical Therapy.

Honoring the Service and Sacrifice of America’s Heroes

At Axes Physical Therapy, caring for people extends beyond rehabilitation and recovery. Through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation, we are proud to support organizations that strengthen communities and provide meaningful assistance to individuals and families facing life’s greatest challenges.

As part of our Axes Gives Back initiative, we are honored to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving first responders, military service members, veterans, and their families.

Inspired by the legacy of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who gave his life on September 11, 2001, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation continues to honor America’s heroes through programs that provide housing assistance and support to those who have sacrificed in service to others.

About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established to honor the courage and selflessness displayed by Stephen Siller and countless other heroes who dedicate their lives to protecting their communities and country.

Today, the organization supports military families, veterans, and first responders through a variety of programs designed to provide stability, security, and long-term support. Their work includes providing mortgage-free homes to eligible families of fallen military service members and first responders, building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, and addressing veteran homelessness through housing initiatives and support services.

Through these efforts, Tunnel to Towers helps ensure that America’s heroes and their families receive the care and assistance they deserve.

Why This Cause Matters

At Axes Physical Therapy, we witness the impact that injury, illness, and life-changing events can have on individuals and families. Recovery often requires more than medical care alone. It also depends on strong support systems, accessible resources, and communities that come together to help one another.

The mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation reflects many of the values that guide our work every day. Service, resilience, compassion, and commitment to others are qualities shared by the first responders, military personnel, and veterans the organization serves.

Supporting those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others is an important way to strengthen the communities we all call home.

How Axes Is Giving Back

Through the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation, Axes is proud to provide monetary support to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation as part of our monthly Axes Gives Back initiative.

As a locally owned organization serving the Greater St. Louis area and Mid Missouri, we believe in investing in causes that make a lasting difference. We are grateful for the opportunity to support an organization whose work honors sacrifice while providing meaningful assistance to heroes and their families.

Community involvement remains a core part of who we are, and we are proud to stand alongside organizations that help improve lives across the country.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its mission to serve veterans, military families, and first responders.

You can learn more about the organization’s programs, make a donation, participate in fundraising efforts, or help spread awareness about the resources available to America’s heroes and their families by visiting the Foundation’s website.

Every act of support helps further a mission built on honoring sacrifice and providing hope.

Caring for Our Communities Together

As a provider of physical therapy and occupational therapy services throughout the Greater St. Louis area and Mid Missouri, Axes Physical Therapy is committed to supporting organizations that strengthen lives and communities.

We are proud to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation through Axes Gives Back and grateful for the important work they do on behalf of veterans, military families, and first responders.

Learn more about the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation, explore our physical therapy services, or find one of our convenient locations.

Helping you is what we do… and we love doing it.

Join Axes in support of Tunnel to Towers Foundation by donating to the Axes Physical Therapy Foundation HERE or at any of our 25 Greater St. Louis Area locations.

Helping you is what we do… and we love doing it.

Learn more about Tunnel to Towers Foundation HERE!

The post Axes Gives Back: Tunnel to Towers Foundation appeared first on Axes Physical Therapy.

Scheduling Patients Today! | Appointments Available Within 24–48 Hours | No Referral Required to Start Therapy

Axes Physical Therapy is proud to announce the opening of our newest clinic in High Ridge, Missouri, bringing expert physical therapy, vestibular therapy, concussion management, sports rehabilitation, and post-surgical care to patients throughout Jefferson County and the surrounding communities.

Located along the Highway 30 corridor, our High Ridge clinic expands access to the personalized, evidence-based care Axes is known for across Missouri. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, dealing with dizziness or balance issues, returning to work after an injury, or simply trying to get back to the activities you enjoy, our team is here to help.

Physical Therapy When You Need It

Physical therapy works best when you can start quickly. That’s why Axes is committed to offering appointments within 24–48 hours—so patients can begin addressing pain, injury, dizziness, mobility concerns, and recovery goals without unnecessary delays.

In many cases, patients can begin care without a referral.

Convenient Care for High Ridge and Jefferson County

Our High Ridge clinic serves patients throughout:

• High Ridge
• House Springs
• Cedar Hill
• Byrnes Mill
• Fenton
• Murphy
• Dittmer
• And surrounding Jefferson County communities

For many people, finding the right physical therapist isn’t just about proximity—it’s about finding a team they trust.

From your first phone call, our team works to make the process as easy as possible. Whether you have questions about insurance, need help understanding your benefits, are unsure if physical therapy is right for you, or simply don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Our staff helps patients navigate the process from start to finish, answering insurance questions, coordinating with physicians when needed, and helping ensure patients are matched with the therapist best suited to their condition, goals, and recovery needs.

Meet Your Clinic Director: Rachel Steinlage, MPT, AIB-VRC, CMPT, CDN

Leading the High Ridge clinic is Rachel Steinlage, MPT, AIB-VRC, CMPT, CDN, an experienced physical therapist whose career has spanned nearly two decades across multiple areas of rehabilitation.

Rachel earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University in 2005. A former three-sport collegiate athlete in volleyball, basketball, and track and field, she developed an early appreciation for movement, recovery, and performance while working in athletic training environments throughout college.

Since graduation, Rachel has worked in outpatient rehabilitation, workers’ compensation, and home health settings before returning to her true passion—outpatient physical therapy.

Her advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation, manual therapy, and dry needling allows her to treat a wide range of conditions, from orthopedic injuries and chronic pain to dizziness, vertigo, balance disorders, and concussion-related symptoms. Her vestibular expertise makes Axes High Ridge a valuable resource for patients experiencing conditions that often require specialized evaluation and treatment.

Outside the clinic, Rachel enjoys coaching club volleyball and watching her four children grow in the sports they love.

Comprehensive Physical Therapy Services in High Ridge

The High Ridge clinic offers a full range of physical therapy services, including:

• Physical Therapy
• Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
• Acute Injury Management
• Chronic Injury Management
• Work Conditioning/Hardening
• Vestibular Therapy & Concussion Management
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Trigger Point Dry Needling
• Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM/ASTYM)
• Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
• Free Injury Screenings
• Kinesio Taping®
• Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our team works closely with physicians, surgeons, employers, case managers, and other healthcare providers when appropriate to help ensure a smooth recovery experience.

The Axes Difference: Consistent, Personalized Care

One of the things patients tell us they appreciate most about Axes is the consistency of their care.

At many healthcare providers, patients may work with multiple clinicians throughout their recovery. At Axes, we prioritize continuity of care. The therapist who evaluates you is typically the therapist guiding your recovery—building a relationship, tracking your progress, and adjusting your plan as you improve.

That continuity allows for stronger communication, more personalized treatment, and a better overall rehabilitation experience.

Recovery isn’t just about exercises and appointments. It’s about having a team in your corner that understands where you’ve been and where you’re trying to go.

Recovery Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Getting started with physical therapy shouldn’t feel overwhelming.

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, dealing with an injury, experiencing dizziness, managing chronic pain, or trying to get back to work or sports, our team is here to help guide the process.

From scheduling and insurance questions to coordinating care with your healthcare team, Axes is committed to making recovery as straightforward as possible.

Now Scheduling New Patients

Our High Ridge clinic is officially open and accepting new patients.

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, struggling with pain, managing dizziness, preparing to return to work, or looking to improve your performance in sports and daily life, we’re ready to help.

Ready to Get Started?

Call today to schedule your appointment or learn more about how physical therapy can help.

Axes Physical Therapy – High Ridge, MO

Appointments available within 24–48 hours.
No referral required.

Start your recovery today! 

The post New Location: Axes Physical Therapy is Now Open in High Ridge, MO! appeared first on Axes Physical Therapy.

Whether you’ve been referred by a surgeon, are recovering from an injury, or dealing with pain and dysfunction in your arm or hand, starting hand therapy can come with a lot of questions — and sometimes, anxiety.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we want to take the mystery out of the process. Our team of 20 Expert Hand Therapists across 13 locations — and growing — serves patients throughout the Greater St. Louis region in both Missouri and Illinois. That means expert care is not only available — it’s accessible.

From same-day appointments for custom splints to therapy appointments within 24–48 hours, we make sure patients get the care they need quickly and with a personalized touch. We’re proud to be a trusted resource for local surgeons, physicians, and case managers who rely on our consistent, proven process — and we’re here to make your recovery experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.

To help you feel more confident about starting therapy, we sat down with Chantell Unnerstall, OTR/L, CHT, one of our most experienced clinicians, to walk through what you can expect as a new hand therapy patient at Axes.

Meet Your Hand Therapy Guide: Chantell Unnerstall, OTR/L, CHT

A Washington native and upper extremity rehab expert, Chantell has over 20 years of experience treating patients with complex hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions. She’s a trusted partner to local surgeons and has helped thousands of patients regain independence and function.

“There’s almost nothing I haven’t seen,” Chantell says. “But even more important than experience is making sure every patient understands what’s going on — and that they feel supported every step of the way.”

Step 1 – Getting Started

How to Become a Hand Therapy Patient at Axes

Most patients are referred to us directly by their physician, but you can also reach out through Direct Access (no referral needed) to schedule an evaluation for pain, stiffness, or dysfunction. Some patients even come to us based on recommendations from friends or family who’ve had successful outcomes.

Scheduling Your First Appointment

Call your preferred Axes location — with 13 hand therapy clinics (and counting) across the metro area, we’re nearby when and where you need us. Many of our clinics offer appointments within 24–48 hours, and in some cases, we offer same-day splinting services for post-op or urgent cases.

What Axes Takes Care Of

Before your first visit, Axes will:

• Verify your insurance and provide a benefits quote

• Send you intake paperwork (or you can fill it out in person)

• Prepare your chart so your therapist is ready to go

Step 2 – Your First Appointment

What to Bring

• Insurance card and photo ID

• Any documentation from your doctor

• Any protocols or surgical notes

• A list of your current medications

What to Wear

Loose, comfortable clothing that allows your therapist to easily access the area being treated (e.g., short sleeves or tank tops for shoulder/elbow therapy).

What Happens During the Evaluation

Your Axes hand therapist will:

• Ask about your symptoms, injury/surgery history, and goals

• Measure range of motion, strength, and sensation

• Discuss your pain and any functional limitations

• Begin to form a treatment plan — often including exercises, education, or hands-on treatment right away

“You’ll leave your first appointment understanding what’s going on, what we’re going to do about it, and how we’re going to do it together,” Chantell explains.

Step 3 – Your Plan of Care

After your evaluation:

• Future appointments will be scheduled around your availability and physician orders

• Most patients come 2–3 times per week, with sessions lasting about 1 hour

• You’ll be assigned a dedicated therapist — at Axes, 72% of our patients see the same therapist throughout their care, helping build trust and clinical consistency

• Treatment may include exercise, manual therapy, custom splinting, wound/scar management, functional retraining, and more — tailored to you

Ongoing Communication and Support

Your Therapist = Your Teammate

Recovering from a hand injury often affects more than just physical function — it can impact your job, your independence, and your sense of normal. Our CHTs understand this and are ready to help physically and emotionally.

“There’s always an emotional component to a loss of function,” Chantell says. “We’re here for the whole journey, not just the rehab.”

We Keep Your Doctor in the Loop

Your Axes therapist will send written updates to your physician — especially before follow-ups or post-op check-ins — and many of our therapists work closely with area surgeons. We know their protocols and preferences, and in many cases, we have each other’s cell numbers. That’s how closely we coordinate your care.

What Makes Hand Therapy at Axes Different

• Same-day custom splints available at all hand therapy locations

• Appointments within 24–48 hours — no waiting to get started

• 18 hand therapists across 13 locations and growing

• Continuity of care – you’ll work with the same therapist for your entire recovery, whenever possible

• Trusted by physicians – many of our CHTs are hand-picked by local surgeons for their skill and collaboration

• Workers Compensation Experts – our team delivers simple, defensible documentation and understand the communication needs of work comp stakeholders

• Support beyond the treatment table – we care about you as a whole person, not just your diagnosis

Nervous About Starting? You’re Not Alone — and You’re in the Right Place

If you’re hesitant to begin therapy, know that’s completely normal. But as Chantell says:

“As nervous as you feel walking into that first session is how excited you’ll feel walking out of your last one. You’ll not only be stronger and more confident — you’ll have a healthcare partner in your Axes hand therapist.”

Ready to Begin?

Visit axespt.com/locations to find the Axes clinic nearest you and schedule your first appointment.

If you find yourself in situation where you are noticing pain throughout one or both of your arms, let us show you why thousands of patients — and their doctors — trust Axes for expert, compassionate hand therapy.

Find your local Axes Hand Therapist for a free consultation to help guide you in finding ways to both prevent pain and reduce any symptoms you may be experiencing.

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