KVCH Welcomes New Director of Physical Rehabilitation Services

10/30/2008

Ellensburg, Wash, October 30, 2008 ---KVCH is pleased to announce Ken Kladnik M.Ed, A.T.C has joined Kittitas Valley Community Hospital as the director of Physical Rehabilitation Services.

Previous to joining the team at KVCH, Kladnik served as the Head Athletic Trainer and Adjunct Professor of Exercise Science at Central Washington University for over seven years. Kladnik’s total experience as Head Athletic Trainer encompasses an expansive thirty-four years. In addition to his work as an athletic trainer, Kladnik has also worked in clinical therapy settings at Wenatchee Valley Clinic and in La Grande, Oregon.

Kladnik said that he feels at home in his new position. “We have an exceptional new facility and a very supportive staff who give a lot of themselves to the clinic and to our patients.”

Patient support and education is one of the responsibilities Kladnik takes seriously as director of Physical Rehabilitation. Kladnik and his team are in the process of creating additional wellness programs for the community. Kittitas Valley Physical Therapy is planning on expanding their successful aquatics program to meet the demand of the public and they will also begin scheduling physical therapy workshops throughout the year.

The first workshop focused on ski fitness, is scheduled for November 12, 2008 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Guest speaker, Dr. Anthony Longo will discuss injuries associated with skiing; physical therapists will demonstrate stretches and strengthening exercises for the ski season; and Mountain High Sports will provide proper fitting techniques for skis and boots.

Kladnik is a four-time Hall of Fame recipient from associations including: National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Northwest Athletic Trainers’ Association, Central Washington University and Oregon Athletic Trainers’ Society. He earned a master’s degree in Health Education from the University of Arizona and is due to complete his doctoral degree in Leadership at Northcentral University in the fall of 2009.

In his free time, Kladnik enjoys running, cross-country skiing, fishing, pitching horseshoes, and other outdoor activities.