Deconditioning In Bozeman

Deconditioning in Bozeman, MT: Regain Strength, Mobility, and Independence

Deconditioning – the loss of strength, endurance, and mobility due to prolonged inactivity – quietly robs you of independence. If getting out of a chair feels harder than it used to, if a short walk leaves you exhausted, or if daily tasks now seem overwhelming, deconditioning may already be taking hold. Whether caused by an injury, chronic illness, hospitalization, or years of a sedentary lifestyle, this decline won’t reverse itself.

But it’s not too late to regain strength, restore confidence, and take back control of your body. At Root Therapy & Wellness, our licensed physical therapists specialize in rebuilding your foundation for movement and vitality. Call (406) 219-5388 today and start your recovery before another day of muscle loss sets you back.

Understanding Deconditioning: Why “Use It or Lose It” Matters

Your body is designed to move. When it doesn’t, muscles weaken, bones become fragile, and stamina fades. Even a short period of inactivity can trigger a rapid decline:

  • Just 10 days of bed rest can cause up to 12% loss of leg strength.
  • Inactivity accelerates bone loss, raising the risk of fractures.
  • Weak core and leg muscles increase fall risk and instability.
  • Reduced cardiovascular endurance makes even simple tasks exhausting.

What Causes Deconditioning in Bozeman, MT?

We commonly treat patients recovering from surgery, those managing chronic illnesses like heart disease or long COVID, seniors struggling with mobility after a fall, and individuals whose desk jobs or pain avoidance have led to physical decline. No matter how long you’ve been inactive, recovery is possible – but only if you act now. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to regain lost function.

Our Deconditioning Recovery Program

At Root Therapy & Wellness, we don’t just get you moving again – we restore your strength, mobility, and endurance using a science-backed, personalized approach.

Phase 1: Restore Baseline Function: We begin with gentle mobility exercises to reactivate dormant muscles, manual therapy to relieve stiffness and discomfort, and breathing techniques to improve oxygen flow. This phase lays the groundwork for rebuilding your strength without overwhelming your body.

Phase 2: Rebuild Strength and Endurance: Once your body is ready, we introduce low-impact conditioning such as aquatic therapy or recumbent cycling, targeted resistance training using bodyweight and light weights, and stability exercises to improve balance and prevent falls.

Phase 3: Return to Life: Our goal isn’t just recovery – it’s regaining full independence. We incorporate task-specific training, cardiovascular progression, and home exercise plans to ensure long-term success. Whether you want to climb stairs with ease, lift groceries without strain, or simply walk without fear of falling, we guide you toward lasting strength.

Why Choose Root Therapy & Wellness?

We meet you where you are, whether you’re recovering from months in a hospital bed or years of inactivity. Your safety is our priority, with vital sign monitoring during sessions and tailored progressions designed for your unique needs. We collaborate with your doctors, nutritionists, and other healthcare providers to ensure a fully integrated recovery plan.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, mobility challenges, and personal goals. A movement analysis helps us pinpoint areas of weakness, tightness, or imbalance. From there, we develop a custom roadmap to restore your strength – one step at a time.

Common Questions About Deconditioning Therapy in Bozeman, MT

“I haven’t exercised in years. Is it too late to start?” – Absolutely not. No matter your starting point, progress begins with the first step. We build from your current abilities, whether that means simple seated exercises or standing for short periods.

“Will therapy make me feel more tired?” – Some initial fatigue is normal as your body adjusts, but our approach prioritizes gradual progress to prevent exhaustion. Many patients report increased energy and endurance within weeks.

“How long until I see results?” – Most patients notice improvements in stamina within 2-3 weeks, with significant strength gains in 6-8 weeks. The key is consistency.

“Is therapy safe for seniors or those with heart conditions?” – Yes. Our team is trained in cardiac rehab and geriatric physical therapy, ensuring that every exercise is adapted for safety and effectiveness.

Take the First Step Toward Strength and Independence

Every day of inactivity leads to further muscle loss, greater fatigue, and increased fall risk. Don’t wait until it’s too late to regain control of your body. Call (406) 219-5388 now to schedule your evaluation. Let’s create a plan to help you stand stronger, move freely, and reclaim your independence.

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Diane O

The staff are friendly, easy to talk to and helpful. Kezia explained to me how scar tissue from surgery can keep the muscles in a tight position. Even with physical…

Shain G

Karna does a phenomenal job with my daughter! Great facility and great people who help find solutions based on years of experience.

Kezia Peterson

MOTR/L

Owner, Occupational Therapist

Kezia Peterson is an Occupational Therapist and founder of Root Therapy & Wellness. As a result of multiple car accidents, resulting in chronic back and neck pain, as well as migraines and vision concerns, she understands this impact that this has on an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities, as well as work and play, and the mental challenges that can result from coping with pain on a daily basis.

Her understanding of pain has led her to pursue multiple different modalities of training, with the goal of helping her patients by meeting them where they are at, understanding their goals, and ensuring that they have the best team of providers to help them get to the root of their dysfunction in order to allow their systems to achieve healing from every level possible.

Clinical Focus Areas:

  • Upper extremity injuries
    • Hand/wrist/elbow/shoulder pain
    • Fractures
    • Arthritis
    • Sprains / Strains
  • Chronic pain
    • CRPS – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
    • Back/neck
    • Headaches / Migraines / Concussions
    • Abdominal pain

Education & Training

  • B.S in Psychology, North Dakota State University, 2003
  • M.S. in Occupational Therapy, University of Minnesota, 2009
  • Visceral Manipulation [VM1, VM2, VM3, VM4]
  • Myofascial Release
  • Craniosacral therapy [CS1, CS2]
  • Somato Emotional Practitioner Certification
  • Kezia is currently undertaking the certification process to become an SEP – a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. This allows for her to support her patients in moving on from past traumas that may be contributing to their inability to move past pain patterns. She will complete her advanced level training and earn her certification in January 2024.