Staff

Our Staff

Our Staff

We are a team of licensed, experienced Doctors of Physical Therapy and Physical therapists, committed to state-of-the-art care and dedicated to your success. We bring over 75 years of combined experience and over 20 certifications and specializations. We have a strong team approach in order to share our combined strengths and areas of specialization for your specific needs. Many of today's most common conditions can be successfully treated or corrected with evidence-based physical therapy techniques.

When you need help for pain and injury you deserve professionals who understand what you're going through. Our therapists and staff are available every step of the way providing a personalized treatment plan tailored to your physical needs and time constraints.

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists are licensed professionals who work with people who have sustained disabilities, impairments or limitations in their overall physical function.

These deviations can be the result of disease, injury or pathological processes. Physical therapists examine, evaluate, diagnose, develop treatment plans and provide prognosis for each patient on an individual basis. Through various modalities, physical therapists work to restore function, improve mobility, and decrease pain with the goal of re-establishing a patient's prior functional level.

Physical therapists and assistants focus on the assessment of strength, balance, range of motion, co-ordination, endurance and posture of each individual patient. From the initial examination, the physical therapist then develops a treatment plan specific to correcting pertinent physical findings. Each patient's individual treatment plan is geared toward reaching specific rehabilitation goals that are set by the therapist and the patient together as a team. However, the physical therapist will help in determining realistic goals through their knowledge of pathology and prognosis.

What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?

A physical therapist assistant is a licensed, trained individual who works alongside physical therapists. They work closely with the therapist to augment the therapeutic program established by the therapist and carry out treatment sessions. Assistants have been trained in the various therapeutic modalities to ensure a safe and effective treatment session.

Rehabilitation strategies often involve specific exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles as well as to improve posture, balance and endurance. Physical modalities including heat, cold, ultrasound and electrical stimulation are also incorporated into most treatment sessions. Traction machines and massage are two other valuable techniques for functional improvement and pain reduction. Assistive devices such as crutches, canes and walkers are often used to increase patient independence.

Jill Olson, PT, Owner

Jill Olson is a 5th generation Missoulian and graduate of the UM Physical Therapy Program. She has been practicing physical therapy in Missoula for over 30 years. She is certified in ASTYM, a revolutionary rehabilitation program that stimulates the regenerative healing process. Jill also specializes in dance medicine and sports medicine.

Jill established Peak Performance Physical Therapy in 1995. The clinic found its first home on South Ave. In 2002, Peak Performance joined Missoula Bone & Joint. With a desire to provide even better patient care, Peak Performance Physical Therapy moved to 1940 Harve Street in 2011. The new clinic boasts a central location by Southgate Mall and a larger gym for rehabilitation.

Peak Performance is motivated by Jill's deep love for Missoula and the community that calls this valley home. Jill, joined by her staff, is dedicated to give back to the community that provides such a high quality of life. Jill is often found on the soccer sidelines, dance schools and gymnastics centers consulting with athletes and parents. When not in the office, you will often find her recreating with family and friends running, skiing, biking, fishing and knitting! Jill, and her son Kjel Olson, are the founders of the non-profit DYLAN STEIGERS CONCUSSION PROJECT. She is also a volunteer for Missoula Young Life and on the board for the Alpha Omega House, because she loves to "hang out" with Missoula's next generation of leaders.