Central Physical Therapy Unique in Stat

Helen Balzli founded Central Physical Therapy in September 2001. She was almost killed in a tragic automobile accident years ago. That accident required her to undergo years of physical therapy. But the experience helped lead her to a life of service to others and the desire to help others recover from disabilities.
Her partner in Central Physical Therapy, Tom Coplin, said, “Helen’s experience and her way of helping people recover from physical disabilities is really at the heart of everything we do here.”
Tom himself first came from Minnesota to Louisiana to work for Helen in the spring of 2002. He earned his Louisiana license and began working here full time in 2005. He and Helen became partners in 2008.
Central Physical Therapy built a brand new facility on Hooper in 2016, just in time for the Great Flood of August 2016. Fortunately, Tom had insisted that the building be elevated as high was possible. As a result, the flood waters missed them by six inches, which saved the new building from the devastating flood.
The new facility offers many innovative types of therapy. One of the most effective and most popular is the new aquatics therapy pool. It is not for swimming but rather for some very interesting and effective physical therapy.
“The Aquatics Program can help so many people very effectively because of the bouyancy of the water,” Tom Coplin said. “The patient can move with less pain. It can be very effective for patients with back or neck problems. It helps get pressure off the back. Results can come in minutes, rather than months.”
“People with bad backs are often overweight. Using traction can be impossible because of the size and weight of the person. However, in the pool, they can get good traction.”
“We approach aquatics therapy differently. We put floats under the arms. There can be good decompression. Strength can return right away.”
Coplin explained what some of the physical therapists at the clinic do. “Greta and Erik are both certified in dry needling. One of the things this can do is relax muscle spasms without the use of drugs.”
He said the concussion program is one of only two in the state. “Richard and Erik can help with injuries stemming for car accidents, falls, and sports injuries. Neurologists often work directly with Richard for evaluation and care. It’s a good program.”
“We use many different approaches in treating patients but the common thread of all our physical therapists is our genuine concern for the patient. We make sure we do things right!”
“We really specialize in one-on-one care. When you visit the clinic, you will see this. You may see 12 therapists working with 12 patients. People like that. It shows that they are receiving the personal care and attention they deserve.”
Tom said Central Physical Therapy interacts with patients they way Helen Balzli wants them to, based on her own years of recovery.
Tom said Central Physical Therapy keeps a light atmosphere. “A lot of patients come with great pain but we know they especially need to laugh. So we keep it light.”
Tom said Central Physical Therapy keeps up with the latest advances and techniques. For example, the treatment and care after knee surgery has changed dramatically in recent years. Years ago, a patient would be in a cast from hip to knee for six weeks. Now movement and physical therapy begin immediately after surgery.
The most recent advance and perhaps the most important at Central Physical Therapy is stem cell therapy, which allows your stem cells to be implanted where the surgery occurs, such as in the knee.
For more information on Central Physical Therapy, drop by for a visit at 13111 Hooper Road or for information, call 225-261-7094.