Sallie Rediske of Homer Physical Therapy is Alaska’s first member of an elite group of physical therapists in the country. American Board-certified, Rediske is now a clinical specialist in women’s health physical therapy services.

The Women’s Certified Services is a program certifying physical therapists who have demonstrated advanced skill sets and knowledge. According to a press release from Homer Physical Therapy, 

Rediske had to document more than 2,000 hours of specialty practice and complete a reflection of a case in a way that demonstrated advanced knowledge of clinical skills and current available scientific information. After completing the application process, she had to pass a series of tests in the different areas of women’s health.

The certification recognizes Rediske’s ability to treat internal issues such as bladder or bowel issues, sexual dysfunction, breast cancer rehabilitation, osteoporosis and pregnancy related issues.

“This was a way to have knowledge that consumers may not even know physical therapists are involved with,” said Rediske. “Physical therapists don’t just take care of back rehab or ankle injuries.”

Knowing that she has these skills allows patients and doctors referring them a chance to know the kind of treatment they will be receive. She stressed the importance of this certification is for the people she serves.

“The main thing is showing professional knowledge and ability,” said Rediske. “It’s a way for consumers to be assured of a certain level of professionalism.”

Fifteen years into her career, Rediske had been considering returning to school before she took on this application process. But going back to school would take her away from her clients and her practice, hurting both in the long run. 

“I wanted to take the knowledge the next level. Going back to school doesn’t have as much value in private practice.  In a hospital setting they might reimburse you for the process. But that doesn’t happen in private practice,” she said.

Rediske said her skills would be a big asset to the community of Homer and to the larger community in the surrounding area that Homer Physical Therapy serves.

“Women are very large consumers of health care with different needs than men. And there’s science to back this up. This recognizes this need in the community,” she said.

She is the first and only physical therapist with this certification in Alaska.

“It’s a small group. There are only about 194 of us that do this (in the nation). There’s a list you can look at,” she said.

Katir Britton is a freelance writer who lives in Homer.