Function Forward Physical Therapy LLC

01/23/2026

Worried about falls? You’re not alone—and you have options.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults, but the good news is many falls are preventable with the right support. Our latest blog breaks down how physical therapy helps reduce fall risk, improve balance and walking, and restore confidence in everyday movement.

At Function Forward Physical Therapy, we provide in-home fall prevention care, focusing on the activities you navigate every day—stairs, transfers, and walking within your own home—so gains in therapy translate into safer, more confident movement in daily life.

👉 We also explain when fall prevention physical therapy may be covered by Medicare and who may qualify.

Read the full blog to learn how staying strong, steady, and independent at home is possible.
📍 Serving the Kansas City area with expert, in-home neurologic and fall prevention care.

🔗 https://www.functionforwardpt.com/post/fall-prevention-how-in-home-physical-therapy-helps-you-stay-safe

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults in the Kansas City area. A single fall can lead to fractures, hospital stays, loss of confidence, and decreased independence. Fortunately, many falls are preventable—and physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce fa...

12/04/2025

We spend so much time worrying about our teens scrolling on their phones…
but what about our seniors?

Because the real danger isn’t screen time — it’s sitting still.
A sedentary lifestyle can quickly lead to frailty, loss of independence, and a much higher risk of falls.

That’s why Function Forward Physical Therapy offers a proactive Senior Wellness Program that brings expert care right to your home.
No driving. No weather. No excuses.
Just consistent, personalized movement support that makes staying active easy.

💪 What sets our in-home senior wellness services apart?
• Evidence-backed fall prevention programming proven to reduce fall risk
• Services delivered by a neurologic physical therapist with advanced training in balance, gait, and fall prevention
• Built-in accountability to keep movement consistent and motivating
• Functional strengthening that improves real-life independence
• Targeted balance + reaction-time training for confidence and safety
• Convenience that removes every barrier — we come to you!

Aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down — not with specialized, evidence-based care delivered right to your door.

If you know a parent, grandparent, or neighbor who wants to stay safe, independent, and confidently at home, we’d love to help.

Send a message to learn more or schedule a visit. 💙

11/26/2025

✨ Clearing Up the Confusion: What Direct Access to Physical Therapy Means

This post came about after seeing (and helping clear up!) some misinformation shared in a local neighborhood Facebook group — so here’s the real, legally accurate scoop on Direct Access to Physical Therapy in Kansas and Missouri.

💡 What Is Direct Access?

Direct Access means you can see a licensed physical therapist without needing a physician’s referral or prescription first — no extra appointments or hurdles.

📍 Kansas Rules (KSA 65-2914)

Kansas allows full direct access. A PT can evaluate and treat you without a referral. If you show no measurable improvement after 10 visits or 15 business days → the PT must obtain a referral before continuing.

📍 Missouri Rules (RSMo §334.506 — Updated 2023)

Missouri’s direct access law expanded in 2023 — and here are the exact requirements:

PTs may evaluate and initiate treatment without a referral if:
They hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), or they have 5+ years of clinical experience.

BUT:

If your condition appears outside the PT scope, they must refer you out immediately.

If after 10 visits or 30 days you aren’t improving, the PT must refer you to an “approved health care provider.”

If you are improving beyond that point → the PT must consult with your provider to continue and notify them every 10 visits or 30 days.

PTs cannot diagnose medical conditions, prescribe meds, or order imaging — those still require a physician.

✨ Bottom Line

Direct Access exists to allow improved access to care with less barriers, and both Kansas and Missouri allow you to start PT without a referral under specific guidelines.

Always keep in mind that insurance companies may have their own separate requirements.

If you ever have questions about your situation or what’s allowed, reach out — I’m always happy to help clear things up (including in lively neighborhood Facebook threads 🤣).

11/11/2025

Did you know that gentle, conservative physical therapy techniques can often help correct mild skull asymmetry (plagiocephaly) before a helmet becomes necessary? Early intervention—through positioning strategies, therapeutic play activities, and gentle mobility and bodywork can make a big difference in promoting healthy, symmetrical head shape development.

Check out my blog post, where I share more information on this topic.

💡 Read more here 👉 https://www.functionforwardpt.com/post/skip-the-helmet-how-early-physical-therapy-can-help-shape-your-baby-s-head-naturally

Early action, gentle movement, and a little guidance can go a long way toward helping your baby grow strong and balanced! 💕

How Conservative Physical Therapy Can Help Prevent the Need for a HelmetWhen infants develop flat spots on their heads—commonly known as positional plagiocephaly—parents are often told about helmet therapy, also called cranial remolding orthosis. While a helmet may be indicated, many families do...

09/16/2025

Have you heard of PWR! Moves®? They’re specially designed exercises that help people with Parkinson’s improve strength, balance, and mobility — and they can be adapted for any level.

In my latest blog post, I break down what PWR! Moves are, why they matter, and how they can make everyday activities easier. 💪✨

➡️ Check it out here:
https://www.functionforwardpt.com/post/move-big-live-better-how-pwr-moves-help-with-parkinson-s

If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, this is a great place to start learning how movement can be powerful medicine. ❤️

Live BIG with PWR! Moves®If you’re living with Parkinson’s disease, you’ve probably heard that exercise is medicine. And it’s true—staying active can make a huge difference in your strength, balance, and confidence. One program designed just for people with Parkinson’s is called PWR! Mo...

05/03/2025

Essential learning for all PTs working with folks with PD.

Are you up to date on clinical practice recommendations??

ANPT is proud to provide a pair of Education Courses on the Parkinson CPG. After learning about guidelines and exercise prescription principles for people with Parkinson Disease, learn how to apply them to individuals with different disease severity.
https://anpteducationcenter.org/

02/06/2024

I recently watched a video presentation (more focused towards the public vs healthcare providers) from a well regarded Multiple Sclerosis neurologist on MS and exercise. In the video, he advocated people seek out a neuro-specialized physical therapist 🙌. There were several comments on the video in line with "How do I find a neuro PT?" or "I've never heard of neuro PT!". This is consistent with comments I've heard from patients throughout my career. I wrote up this blog post to help direct people to find neuro-specialized physical therapy in their area.

Over the years, I've had many patients say, "I never knew neurologic physical therapists existed!". It's true, and it's not just the general public that doesn't know we exist. I very commonly see individuals with neurologic health conditions such Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis referred t...

06/22/2023

Getting sweet reviews from families just makes my day 😍

03/07/2023

Attention all KC (and surrounding area) pediatric physical and occupational therapists! The fabulous will be in Kansas City April 29th to teach about Spinal and Functional Electrical Stimulation. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful Gerti’s protocol is, and I would love to see more therapists out there learn how to implement this program. Please reach out if you have questions. I’ve taken the course already virtually and am thrilled to be able to now learn from Gerti in-person!