Spire Physical Therapy and Wellness has arrived at 30 E. Main St. in Cortez.
After years working for large health providers, owner and physical therapist Jacki Gilpin decided to enter into private practice.
“I wanted to provide more personalized, individual care for my patients and address the needs of the whole person,” she said.
Gilpin has a doctorate in physical therapy and is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist. She moved to Cortez three years ago after discovering the area while working as a physical therapist in Shiprock.
Whether it’s aches and pains, or recovering from surgery or a sports injury, physical therapy is essential for returning people to good health, she said.
“It’s about optimizing function and working on strength and flexibility to get back to doing what you love to do without lingering issues.”
Gilpin also has background in dance and disability studies, and is a certified Stott Pilates instructor. She offers mat and springboard Pilates classes in her spacious studio and clinic that are open to all levels.
Other services she specializes in are pelvic health and functional dry needling.
“Dry needling uses a small diameter needle to release and reset muscles,” Gilpin said. “It helps relieve knots and muscle soreness.”
She points out that Pilates pairs well with physical therapy because it is a low-impact workout that strengthens the core and improves stabilization.
Once a month, as part of her Pilates for a Purpose class, she donates collected fees to local nonprofits.
Her physical therapy clinic accepts Medicare patients and is otherwise fee-for-service. She serves kids, adults and the elderly. Walk-ins and referrals are accepted.
Moving to a prominent location on Main Street has been helpful in getting people more aware of her wellness services.
“There has been good interest, and I’m looking forward to serving the community,” Gilpin said.
Her Spire business name symbolizes some of her favorite words: Aspire to get better, perspire while working hard and inspire to improve yourself. A natural spire signifies reaching upward.
“Those words fit well with what I do,” she said.
For more information on services, Pilates classes and rates visit her website at spireptw.com, or contact Gilpin at (970) 715-1719 or at jacki@spireptw.com