LARNED — Jason Rath began his physical-therapy career caring for patients in 2013 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) where he was recently promoted to Rehabilitation Manager.

“I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to step up to the rehab-manager position,” said Rath, a Larned resident. “We have a great group of associates who have the knowledge to guide our patients toward achieving their goals, along with a deep sense of compassion and desire to enhance their lives.

“As physical therapists, we help patients regain optimal function and reduce pain with activities of daily living and work duties. We also guide the rehabilitation and healing process after surgical interventions such as joint replacements and tendon/ligament repairs, just to name a few.”

In general, anyone with acute or chronic pain that affects their lifestyle and employment responsibilities “would be a great candidate for physical therapy,” Rath said, noting a doctor’s referral is not necessary. “We design a regimen that provides the best opportunity for them to get back to their hobbies and careers as soon as possible.”

Rath also uses his education and sports-medicine experience at Larned High School football games, along with all other USD 495 athletics, where he can offer his physical-therapy skills when necessary.

“I still have a passion for sports medicine, and working with young athletes and helping them succeed,” Rath commented.

This passion was evident throughout Rath’s academic background. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at Fort Hays State University “and was lucky enough to have earned an internship with the Denver Broncos.”

His next stop was Tennessee Technological University where he earned a Master’s in Exercise Science; he then graduated from Tennessee State University with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2013. While in Nashville, he was also chosen for an athletic-training internship with the Tennessee Titans for two summers.

Rath and his wife have two sons who are very active in sports; he also enjoys golf, hunting, and “believe it or not, mowing and landscaping.”

Theresa Roe, Interim Director of Rehabilitation Services at PVCH, said “Jason has been a dedicated physical therapist at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital for more than 11 years. During that time, he has acquired solid leadership skills.

“We are excited for Jason to assume a more formalized leadership role as the rehabilitation department continues to grow and expand services for our community.”