Celebrate Freedom of Choice This Month

Pakolea Rehab News Release

October is National Physical Therapy Month and on behalf of all the physical therapists on the island of Molokai, Pakolea Rehab would like to say a warm mahalo to all of our patients, families, and friends who have become a part of our ohana.

In November, 2010, Hawaii passed confirmation of universal direct access for physical therapy services in the state. What does this mean? In one word, freedom! You can now choose to go to your physical therapist as a walk-in without a referral in hand, eliminating the need to visit your physician first.

Pakolea Rehab continues to communicate with your physician regarding your status and progress throughout your treatment just like before. The passing of this law, three years ago, acknowledges education and clinical skills of our profession in determining the need for direct services. We still accept any and all referrals from our healthcare provider partners on-island; however, if you have pain, difficulty with doing certain activities, or want to be more independent then you now have the ability to come right on into our office for a physical therapy (PT) evaluation!
Physical therapists and PT assistants can help improve your quality of life by restoring and improving your ability to move.

Shauna K. Russell, DPT of Pakolea Rehab, obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Saint Augustine in Florida in 2006. She practiced at johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Weston Inn Nursing Facility in Texas, Hale Makua and Maui Memorial Med ical Center on Maui. She specializes in outpatient orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation, and manual physical therapy. She has been practicing on the island of Molokai since 2010.

Pakolea Rehab is located in the Moore Center across from the Drive Inn on Kamoi Street in Kaunakakai. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Physical Therapy is covered by most all insurances.

Please call Kanani Adolpho in our office at 553-5199 for more information. Happy Physical Therapy Month!