The concept seems simple enough: Physical therapy patients can aid their recovery through technical but easy-to-perform exercises at home.
Shirley Kleiman, Grand Valley State University alumna, expanded that concept to a comprehensive treatment procedure applicable to nearly all patients.
I have a very strong mechanical background, said Kleiman, owner of Spine and Sport Biomechanical Rehabilitation Center, 2900 E. Beltline NE, in Grand Rapids, explaining the catalyst behind her trademarked procedure. I wanted to create a way for patients to self-assess their functions and treat disfunctions. Patients like direct results.
The goal behind Kleiman's Biomechanical Correctional Technique is to teach a patient how to obtain and maintain functional joint movement.
Milo DeVries practiced the technique and saw immediate improvement. The 63-year-old had suffered from back problems since breaking an ankle in 1972. Repeated trips to the doctors offered little relief. Then a friend recommended Kleiman's clinic.
I'm impressed with her, DeVries said. [The technique] works, it works very, very well. I have exercises to treat myself when I have pain.
Kleiman graduated in 1986 with GVSU's second class of physical therapy students. Prior to beginning her physical therapy career, Kleiman was a high school teacher and gymnastics coach in Illinois. Starting a new profession was challenging, Kleiman said.
When you find what you love to do, it's easy to devote yourself to a cause, she said.
Aside from maintaining a successful practice, Kleiman has taught physical therapy courses at GVSU and is active in local and state professional organizations. She is a member of the American Back Society Rehabilitation Committee and is an American Physical Therapy Association Orthopedic Certified Specialist. In 2000, Kleiman was named a GVSU Distinguished Alumna.
