Prime Physical Therapy Journey — Our Vision and Commitment to Healing and Wellness in Lee’s Summit

Prime Physical Therapy began in 2022, and our vision was to grow a private practice where people in Lee’s Summit could have easy access to quality care and integrated physical therapy services.

At Prime Physical Therapy, our ultimate mission is to provide customized orthopedic and vestibular rehabilitation treatments for each client. We aim to make this process quick and easy from start to finish.

Prime Physical Therapy’s philosophy is centered on one-on-one, personalized care because we believe the most effective path to recovery is a direct partnership between the patient and the therapist. We focus on understanding each individual’s specific goals, lifestyle, and challenges to create a truly tailored treatment plan, ensuring that every session is dedicated entirely to the patient’s progress.

One specialty that truly sets Prime Physical Therapy apart is Dr. Hwang’s team’s advanced expertise in vestibular and concussion rehabilitation. We provide comprehensive one-on-one assessments and treatments for complex conditions like vertigo, dizziness, balance disorders, and persistent post-concussion symptoms. This specialized care is delivered through advanced manual therapy techniques and personalized rehabilitation plans, ensuring each patient receives the focused, expert attention required for recovery from these often debilitating issues.

We listen to his patients and emphasize their needs. He is always working with each patient to determine their goals and implement a plan of care accordingly.

At Prime Physical Therapy, each day is a new experience, as every patient has a different and unique situation. Our typical day is busy, but we enjoy every moment because each patient helps us advance our knowledge.

At Prime Physical Therapy, we care for our patients, and we are dedicated to one-on-one treatment. Each of our patients gets our full attention all the time for the best treatment results.

Prime Physical Therapy’s proudest moments occur every time a patient doesn’t just recover but reclaims a cherished part of their life. It’s more than just meeting a therapeutic goal; it’s the profound moment when a patient is able to get back to playing with their grandkids, return to a sport they love, or simply sleep without pain. We are proud because it confirms that our one-on-one, personalized care truly helped that individual achieve a lasting outcome that was meaningful to them.

Personalized. Adaptive. Goal-driven.

Prime Physical Therapy builds trust by actively practicing deep listening and transparency. Instead of rushing, the dedicated one-on-one time allows therapists to truly empathize with the patient’s challenges and fears. We foster trust by clearly explaining the injury, outlining the exact treatment plan, setting realistic expectations, and inviting the patient to be a collaborative partner in every decision.

We have had quite a few experiences that were challenging. The one that stands out most was a complicated case where the patient had previously received an incorrect medical diagnosis, and the patient’s symptoms didn’t match. Eventually, we found the correct problem and provided successful treatment.

On another occasion, a patient came to have their physical therapy treatment, but Dr. Hwang had to send the patient to an emergency department as they demonstrated symptoms related to urgent neurological conditions. The patient was admitted, the ED found the problems, and resolved the medical issues, which could have been worse if not treated on time.

These experiences shaped our team to be more alert and better communicate with other specialists in an interdisciplinary way to help patients get the treatment they most need.

Dr. Hwang’s own experience of frustration and loss of direction in medical care when he had a back injury inspired him to study physical therapy. His doctors hadn’t known how to help him. This experience helps him empathize with patients sincerely and really listen to them.

Dr. Hwang completed one capstone project, that is, the effect of partial weight-bearing treadmill walking post a total knee replacement. The capstone project, which was a randomized clinical trial, revealed a quicker return to a normalized gait of a patient after a total knee replacement through the partial weight-bearing gait training on the treadmill than other rehab groups.

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Educational Background:

● Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Graduated from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO, in 2008
● Bachelor of Physical Education (PE): Graduated from Yong-In University in South Korea in 2001

Credentials:

● Physical Therapist (PT)
● Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
● Certified by AIB (The American Institute of Balance) and ERI (Education Resources Inc.) in Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion
● Certified by EIM (Evidence In Motion and Kinetacore) in Functional Dry Needling (FDN)