Jim McConnell credits his back surgeon and the therapy team at Myrtue Medical Center with saving his life. After a work-related injury, Jim went through six back surgeries over six years, and nothing seemed to work. Jim lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a town of 60,000 people that borders Omaha, Nebraska.

Finally a doctor recommended a back surgeon who practices in Omaha, Council Bluffs and Harlan, Iowa – a town of 5000 people about 50 miles from his home. Jim had his surgery in July and started physical therapy in September.

His surgeon recommended doing rehab in Harlan because Jim had family in the area and the therapy staff is outstanding. Additionally, the facility has a state-of-the-art therapy department, including a therapy pool and attached wellness center. Rehab Director Steve Finn, PT said Jim’s physical therapy has been pretty standard but his access to the rest of the facility probably lent to his recovery. “I think the largest benefit has been Jim going directly from PT to the wellness center pool to continue a walking program every day after PT and coming to the pool an additional 2-3 days a week when he was not attending PT,” Steve said.

Steve is being typically humble in this scenario. The PT that Jim received at Myrtue Medical Center significantly impacted the quality of his life. Prior to this, he had been in constant pain and now he couldn’t say enough to credit his surgeon and therapists. This is why we love what we do and are proud of the fact that our patients have the opportunity to receive exceptional rehabilitation services in their own rural communities.