Meet Our Physical Therapists

Nate Moldestad, PT, DPT Clinic Director and Physical Therapist

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), The College of St. Scholastica (2007)

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology, The College of St. Scholastica (2004)

My passion is helping patients return to activities they enjoy, helping patients move with increased ease and comfort, and educating patients on a healthier life. I know no single approach is right for every individual. Therefore, my philosophy toward treatment includes an individualized care program, which incorporates a combination of passive and active treatments. Initial passive treatments may include joint/soft tissue mobilization and modalities in order to reduce soft tissue irritation/tightness with gradual progression to active care, including flexibility, strength/stabilization, and neuromuscular control exercises. I strongly believe in providing patients with the tools necessary to improve their condition and reduce the risk of reoccurring injuries/pain. I especially like working with patients and being a part of their progress in achieving their goals. Since earning my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007, I have been an integral part of Back in Action Rehab.

Throughout my education, I worked for 10 years alongside medical doctors, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals at a medical clinic. I was also a CPR instructor for eight years, primarily certifying the medical staff at that clinic in CPR.

I have continued my education through courses and conferences specifically for:

• Shoulder rehab with emphasis on rotator cuff pathology, instability, and posture

• Knee rehab with emphasis on ACL rehab/prevention

• Spine rehab with emphasis on radiculopathy, core/cervical stability training, and lifting/bending mechanics

• Therapeutic taping, including Kinesiotape and McConnell taping techniques

• Sports and orthopedics, including post-op care (ACL, rotator cuff repair, total knee replacement, and spinal fusion)

About

My wife, Angie, and I enjoy living in the area with our two daughters, Sophie and Lauren. We enjoy being active and exploring the outdoors, whether we are hiking, biking, snowmobiling, or playing sports. I am active with my girls’ sports and coach basketball and fastpitch softball.

I enjoy working with patients of all ages in recovery from sports injuries, work injuries, and acute or chronic pain issues. I utilize individualized treatment plans with a combination of manual therapies, modalities, and therapeutic exercises designed to improve flexibility, strength, core/postural stability, and muscular coordination. I believe physical therapy is a means of restoring improved functional mobility, quality of life, and a healthy lifestyle. It incorporates teaching patients the skills they need to help manage their condition at home to reduce the risk of future injuries or pain beyond the care they receive while in the clinic. I additionally work within the geriatric skilled nursing facility setting with patients following general and orthopedic surgeries, including total joint replacements, fractures, strokes, falls, and deconditioning.

Special Interests/Continued Education Courses Completed

• Shoulder, knee, hip, ankle/foot-orthopedics, including post-op care

• Spine/core stabilization rehab

• Cervical pain/headaches

• Sports medicine/athletic injuries

• Geriatrics

• Balance/gait training

Research and Publications

During my time at the University of Minnesota, I was involved in a research project for stroke rehabilitation, analyzing the use of telerehabilitation, which included subjects training remotely from home with a computer. The goal was to improve ankle ROM, strength, and control of movement with training requiring attention, in our case, tracing a line on a screen with ankle movements. Pre and post-testing included functional MRI to assess neural changes in the brain, gait analysis, balance, and ankle ROM. Telerehabilitation has the potential to be utilized in future treatments.

About

When not practicing PT, I enjoy living locally with my husband, our two sons and one daughter, and lab. I enjoy being outdoors, kayaking, exercising, hockey, and spending time with friends and family.

Kristen Cook, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (2010)

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Kinesiology; Minors in Spanish and Coaching, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (2005)

NASM Certified Personal Trainer (2006)