Kerri Hurning brings more than 20 years of physical therapy experience to her own hometown.
She’ll lead an all-Eldridge staff opening Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s new office at 110 N. First St., Eldridge, next to Whitey’s Ice Cream.
Meet them, 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16, when Rock Valley hosts a ribbon cutting and open house.
Therapist Katelyn Warner and office manager Laura Tofanelli also live in Eldridge.
Hurning, a 1991 North Scott graduate, earned her St. Ambrose University undergraduate degree in 1995, and the school’s first graduate physical therapy degree in 1997. She worked four years with Genesis, and celebrates her second decade with Rock Valley.
“I absolutely love it. It’s not every day you have opportunity to help people improve their quality of life. That’s very rewarding,” she said.
The staff can handle most any physical therapy need, and offers some specialties.
“We have a little bit of everything: general orthopedic, and definitely sports injuries,” Hurning said.
She also has experience with vestibular, or balance and dizziness disorders; and treating TMJ jaw conditions.
Hurning also has been trained in dry needling, which uses acupuncture types of needles in a different way to help improve blood flow and decrease pain. No referrals are needed. Clients can initiate their own treatments, or use Rock Valley for therapy ordered by other physicians.
“I want people to see me as their forever therapist. You have your dentist, doctor and chiropractor. You can find your own therapist, too,” she said.
Hurning was raised in Park View and now lives in Eldridge with husband, Ike. They have two children at home, Nolan Hanna at North Scott, and Anna Hurning at DeWitt Central.
The couple also has grown children, Nicole Hanna at the University of Iowa, and Sydney Hanna at St. Ambrose; and James Hurning in DeWitt, and Madeline and Emma Hurning, in Australia.
Hurning said the most satisfying part of her work is seeing clients become more mobile, active and engaged.
“You’re so happy they’re better, but sad they’re moving on. You make good friends,” she said.