SSM Health Day Institute - Kirkwood Day Institute

10/04/2026

Living with chronic pain is scary and common — whether it’s low back, shoulder, knee, head (migraines), neck or hip pain.

But here’s the thing about chronic pain from our latest blog that may be truly shocking: The mental and emotional component can actually limit your physical recovery.

And the really surprising part is that physical therapy doesn’t just help with the physical part. Structured and supervised movement from physical therapy can help your brain realize that you can move without extreme pain, giving you the power to keep going, which is crucial for proper and lasting improvement. It’s a positive feedback loop for your body.

There’s so much more to treating chronic pain, so read the blog to see how long treatment usually takes and whether you have any “red flags” that could affect your treatment plan. https://bit.ly/4rPWudi

10/03/2026

Martha Blaess loves being active, especially running and swimming. When an injured hamstring uncovered underlying pelvic floor issues, she had to take a break from running.

Initially, Martha worked with Physical Therapist Vanda Wilder at our Creve Coeur, where she met CoreVia Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Alex Baran. After several months of working on her hamstring and not finding complete relief, she decided to try pelvic floor therapy with Alex at Cesterfield - Female Sports Performance Center.

"It is not an exaggeration when I say that working with Alex was life-changing," Martha shared.

Working through therapy, she started to see changes in her daily life and activities. They focused on comprehensive, meaningful and functional improvements. Before pelvic floor therapy, Martha had never comfortably worn a tampon, limiting her abilities as an athlete.

"Alex was incredibly empowering," Martha said. "Pelvic floor therapy is invasive and vulnerable, but she truly created an environment that felt safe and comfortable."

What started as physical therapy for her hamstring ultimately resulted in relief that Martha never imagined.

Today, she's back to running without monthly limitations.

10/03/2026

Which of these did you think you needed? Send this to someone who's been waiting it out.

10/02/2026

The SSM Health Day Institute - Arnold is back open, more than 18 months after an EF-2 tornado destroyed the original building.

Our team is pleased to welcome patients again for comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation in our newly rebuilt center designed to help patients regain independence and achieve their personal goals. From physical and cognitive rehabilitation to community reintegration and specialized therapy programs, we're proud to once again provide expert care close to home for the Arnold area.

Thank you to our patients, families, employees and community for your support throughout this journey. We look forward to our official open house happening Oct. 15.

10/02/2026

Breast cancer can change everything — how you move, how you feel and how you navigate everyday life.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor every person facing breast cancer and every survivor continuing their journey. This month is about more than pink ribbons. It’s about supporting patients at every stage of treatment and recovery. Recovery looks different for everyone, but no one should have to face the challenges alone.

Our ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation program helps patients manage treatment-related side effects, regain strength and function and return to the activities that matter most, whether it’s returning to the dance floor, getting back to work or being more present with your loved ones.

We're proud to stand beside patients every step of the way.

10/01/2026

October is National Physical Therapy Month! We asked our therapists: "What do you wish every patient knew about physical therapy?" From dispelling major myths to sharing true words of inspiration and encouragement, they did not disappoint.

Whether it’s sports injuries, joint pain, pelvic health, cancer rehabilitation or specialty care, our dedicated therapists put their skills to work to help you move better, heal faster and get back to what you love.

Join us throughout the month in thanking physical therapists for their vital role in helping patients restore mobility, reduce pain and regain independence.

09/30/2026

09/28/2026

Antonio Payton is a husband, father and police officer. Most of what he enjoys in life revolves around being active with his family, playing and running around the house with his kids. After tearing his right quad and undergoing multiple surgeries, however, he was unable to spend time with his children and perform his work duties.

“It was a no-brainer,” he said. “I needed physical therapy to rebuild my strength, mobility and confidence.” That’s where Physical Therapist Sal Sesti from our Dardenne Prairie center came in.

Early on in his physical therapy journey, Antonio was frustrated and discouraged. He was dealing with pain, had limited movement and wasn’t feeling like himself. Hearing that his recovery would take longer than he expected was bothersome and at times he felt close to being depressed because he had never suffered an injury like this before.

One of the biggest turning points for Antonio was hitting his goals set out by Sal. “Those moments meant a lot because they showed real progress,” said Antonio. “We were stuck at 40-45 degrees on bending. Sal set goals and then we started hitting, 50, 60, 100. It gave me confidence and reminded me that pain is temporary and growth comes from pushing through.”

Antonio is working his way back to being able to run around the house and go up and down stairs with his kids without hesitation. He’s getting closer every day.

“Every so often, you run into someone who’s found their calling, not just a job – this is Sal,” he said. “We built a real connection throughout the process. He pushed me to new levels, even when it wasn’t easy, and kept me motivated the entire time.”

Antonio is feeling strong, confident and grateful. He’s looking forward to being back to normal soon and running around with his kids.

09/26/2026

This is the advice you need to hear.

Read our blog to learn the key takeaways that will help you reach your physical therapy goals faster: https://bit.ly/4yn8Egc

09/24/2026

For a Christmas gift last year, Stephen Hansen’s son and daughter-in-law surprised him with a backpacking permit to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Stephen, at age 77, loves backpacking but knew he needed to get his sciatica sorted out before he could go on the trip of a lifetime.

Stephen, an Emeritus Professor and Dean at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was already seeing Physical Therapist Ellen Milton at our Edwardsville center, so he asked her for advice to get him physically prepared for the rigors of backpacking throughout the Grand Canyon. Ellen gave Stephen instructions on how to strengthen his core and legs and improve his cardio.

“Because of Ellen, I was physically able to make this trip and fully enjoy my backpacking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon,” he said. “Ellen’s guidance made this Christmas gift a treasured reality.”