Business Spotlight: Mountain States Hand and Physical Therapy - Arvada Economic Development Association

Contact Information

(720) 898-7010

[email protected]

5603 Yukon Street, Unit A
Arvada, Colorado 80002

Business Spotlight: Mountain States Hand and Physical Therapy

Outdoor garden for physical therapy, tools for physical therapy, patient doing exercises

Pam Bohling, Megan Brunell, and Sheila Morton were all working as clinicians in the corporate health world when they realized they wanted something more for their patients. They desired a clinic that was more patient- and clinician-focused, rather than productivity-focused. In 2006, they took a leap of faith, opening Mountain States Hand and Physical Therapy. Their practice, with locations in Wheat Ridge, Louisville, and Arvada, centers around providing the clinician adequate time and an ideal clinical environment to facilitate healing.

“Treatment shouldn’t just focus on the injury. It should address the whole body and acknowledge the emotional and psychological impact that comes with a loss of function,” says Pam Bohling. “We aim to bring positivity into the conversation around injury and healing, because reframing how you think about recovery is an important part of the process.”

Ultrasound therapy being done on a patient's wrist

The challenge

Integral to healing the whole person is the physical space where that healing happens. Bohling and her partners wanted each of their locations to feel like a neighborhood clinic.

“We wanted it to feel like a small local shop, where you feel like family and you can trust the team. Does it feel good to walk in the door? Do you feel heard? All of that helps you heal,” Bohling explains. “Each clinician has their own private treatment space, and we encourage them to bring pictures and items into the space that inspire them and bring them positive energy. Environment for both the patient and the clinician matters.”

In 2019, the Mountain States team saw an opportunity to move across the street from their first Arvada location near 80th and Kipling. A former daycare facility had gone up for sale, with the potential of an outdoor space for nature-focused healing.

Patient being led over an uneven bridge during physical therapy.

The solution

Working with the City of Arvada and AEDA, Bohling moved in and started turning the facility’s old playground into a one-of-a-kind balance garden.

“We wanted to create an outdoor space that simulates hikes and being outdoors, with uneven ground like when you’re shoveling your driveway or walking across dry river beds,” Bohling says. “It was really helpful during COVID-19, because we were able to have distanced, masked balancing classes, and everyone could be safe.”

Bohling says AEDA and City planning and building teams worked together to help her and her partners make the outdoor space possible. City staff listened to understand their vision, helping them navigate the permitting process to make the unique concept happen. AEDA supported Mountain States with an Exterior Improvement Grant. It was the kind of helping hand that had a real impact on someone whose own mission is to help others.

“Sheila, Megan, and I continue to enjoy clinical care. In addition to clinical care, we divide managerial duties, which keeps us very busy. As a small business, we are grateful for the resources provided by AEDA. We feel supported and valued by the City of Arvada.”

Mountain States Hand and Physical Therapy is located at 8020 Lee Drive in Arvada. Check out their website to schedule a visit.

Skip to content