Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A new location is making working together a relaxing experience for a local couple – both for staff and clients – with Northern Physical Therapy and Rehab Services, LLC and Northern Massage & Wellness Center relocation to 180 Academy St., Suite 3.
Owners Troy and Stephanie Caverhill, of Caribou, said the move was necessary when their business outgrew the space they had on North Street.
“I’d had my office in with Troy’s physical therapy office but he eventually needed more space, so I moved to Main Street in Presque Isle for a time. When we found out this space was available, we knew it was just the place to house both businesses under one roof,” said Stephanie, who runs Northern Massage & Wellness Center.
Northern Physical Therapy continues to offer therapeutic sessions for clients of all ages. In addition to helping clients regain limb movement following surgeries or various health conditions, NPT also offers the NESS L300 Foot Drop System.
“This system is designed to provide a more natural and smooth way of walking for those living with foot drop,” explained Troy.
“We also continue to offer a wide range of physical therapy options, using stretching exercises, peddle machines, treadmills and more,” said Troy.
Stephanie has been a licensed massage therapist for seven years. She said she’s always dreamed of having a well-lit, spacious facility to work from, offering a variety of wellness options.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to have a wellness center. We found this place and everything fell into place,” said Stephanie. “We’ll be offering classes for pilates, yoga, as well as an adult dance class, and a conditioning class for the young at heart – 50 and above.”
The goal of the center, according to Stephanie, is to “get people to be more active.”
“It’s been proven that activity releases endorphins, helps clear the mind,” she said.
Over the years, Stephanie said she’d spoken with many people who just didn’t know what to do and how to do it to get on the right track to a healthy lifestyle.
“People didn’t know where to start,” said Stephanie.
Joining Stephanie will be Dotty Smith, who’ll offer pilate instruction.
“I was really excited when she wanted to come on board with us. She’s offering classes six times a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays The 7 to 9 a.m. class is geared toward mothers who’re getting their kids off to school; 10 a.m. is geared for elderly clients,” she said.
Because Smith is certified, Stephanie said she’s able to modify her classes so that the moves fit the needs of clients, especially the elderly and those using wheelchairs.
Smith’s classes will also include a noon session – or “power lunch,” as Stephanie calls it; a 4 p.m. session and a 5:30 p.m. class.
“They’re offered in six-week sessions at a cost of $60,” continued Stephanie.
Sarah Domonik will be instructing yoga classes on Wednesdays.
“The whole point is to make fitness fun, so you don’t realize you’re exercising,” said Stephanie.
Yoga classes will take place from 12-12:30 p.m. for a lunchtime class, another at 4 p.m. geared for beginners and one at 5:30 p.m. geared for all levels.
Jeanette Peters will be joining the staff doing a conditioning class for baby boomers.
“She was a physical education teacher for over 30 years and has a background in nutrition,” said Stephanie.
Abby and Paige Small, sisters from Caribou, will also serve as instructors.
“They’ve offered to come do an adult dance class Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.,” she said.
Also joining the business is Tracy Whittaker, a licensed massage therapist, who’ll be offering sessions from Monday through Saturday, by appointment.
“She trained under me and uses similar techniques, so people know what to expect when they come here,” Stephanie said.
Stephanie’s hours are Friday and Saturday, by appointment.
Working with her husband has actually been a plus, said Stephanie.
“It’s nice to work with Troy. He’s super knowledgeable. If I get stumped, he helps me determine the best approach to a client’s needs. He’s a big help and I enjoy working with him,” she said.
Treatment is offered in rooms with natural light.
“We were able to design the entire space to our needs. Dr. Prasanna was great. He didn’t hold us back on anything. We picked the carpets, our own color schemes – all earth tones. There’s plenty of parking, an elevator for clients who can’t use the stairs,” said Stephanie.
“We’re thrilled to be here. We’d outgrown the other facility. This location really suits our needs and the needs of our clients,” said Troy.
The facility has been open since May 27. Stephanie said the various classes begin June 7.
“Our goal is to increase our clients’ quality of life – help them to be happy with themselves. We want them to have a great social experience, while learning a healthful way to live,” said Stephanie.
“It’s like the wall in the studio says, ‘Live the life you love, but love the life you live.’ We want that for our clients,” said Stephanie.
For more information on NPT, call 764-0400; and for the Wellness Center, call 227-4453.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
TROY AND STEPHANIE Caverhill are pleased to announce the opening of their new offices, located at 180 Academy St., Suite 3. At Northern Physical Therapy and Rehab Services, LLC and Northern Massage & Wellness Center, the couple offer a wide variety of health-care options, whether clients are looking for stress reduction and relaxation techniques or require therapy following an injury.
