Physical Therapy
What Is the Purpose of Physical Therapy?
At Ashley Regional Medical Center, we offer personalized physical therapy programs to help individuals who have experienced an injury, illness or medical condition get back to their previous level of activity.
Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are licensed professionals who help identify movement problems, improve mobility, restore function and support you in staying active and moving safely.
We create personalized, results-oriented programs that help patients return to their highest level of functional independence. We take pride in our ability to work closely with our patients, giving them the attention they deserve to help reach their maximum rehabilitation potential.
Ashley Regional's physical therapy department provides the only one-on-one therapist care in the Vernal area. This means when you come to the physical therapy department your direct care will be supervised by a licensed physical therapist. Our patients do not see aides during their visit, as they are with our physical therapists or physical therapy assistants throughout treatment to better monitor their progress and progress treatments.
Ashley Regional Physical Therapy was awarded “Best of the Basin” physical therapy clinic in 2025.
Clinic Hours
Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fax: 435.781.2040
Who Benefits from Physical Therapy?
PT services provide essential support for a wide range of conditions, injuries and recovery needs. Patients who may benefit from these services include those experiencing:
- Amputation
- Arthritis and joint disorders
- Balance and dizziness
- Cancer-related concerns
- Childhood disabilities
- Fibromyalgia
- Industrial and workplace injuries
- Jaw pain
- Lymphedema
- Motor vehicle injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Neurological conditions
- Pain management
- Pelvic girdle dysfunctions
- Pregnancy-related back pain
- Shoulder, arm and hand care
- Sports injuries
- Stroke and head injuries
What Happens During Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy involves a variety of specialized treatments tailored to each patient’s specific recovery goals. Depending on the clinical assessment, a treatment plan may include:
- Anodyne therapy
- Balance and fall prevention
- Body mechanics instruction
- Dry needling
- Electrical stimulation and TENS
- Exercise programs
- Gait training
- Home exercise instruction
- Iontophoresis and phonophoresis
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Manual therapy and massage
- Traction
- Ultrasound
Meet the Physical Therapy Team
Russell Erickson, PT, DPT, SCS
Physical Therapist, Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
Russell earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Idaho Status University in 2014. He then furthered his education by becoming a Board-Certified Sports Specialist in 2021. He excels at returning athletes to play, treating not just the injury but the whole athlete. He is a member of the Justin Sports Medicine team, providing care to PRCA athletes and covering rodeos across the region. He stays current on the latest research to provide the most up to date treatment options. He believes in providing individualized care to every patient that helps with recovery and sets them up for long-term success. Russell is also active in the community volunteering to provide coverage for community races and coaching youth sports teams.
When Russell is not in the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. His interests include all sports, hunting, fishing, and being outdoors.
Andrew Bestenlehner, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Andrew earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in December 2025. He is dedicated to helping patients improve movement, build strength, and safely return to both work and recreational activities.
Andrew loves treating sports-related injuries and has a strong focus on analyzing movement to improve overall function; not just helping patients return to their prior level, but exceed it. He stays up to date on the latest research and is continually striving to expand his knowledge and earn additional certifications to better serve his patients. His approach combines hands-on care, individualized exercise programs, strength training, and patient education to create lasting results.
Outside of the clinic, Andrew enjoys all things sports, especially soccer and golf, and is a big fan of The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and both the DC and Marvel Universes.
Hayden Bunderson, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Haden earned his undergraduate degree in Human Movement Science at Utah State University and completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Central Arkansas, graduating in 2023. Haden is certified in trigger point dry needling and has experience treating post-operative patients, geriatrics and sports-related injuries. Haden takes a hands-on, patient-centered approach to care, working closely with both patients and their surgeons to help ensure the best possible outcomes. Having grown up in Vernal, he is passionate about serving his community and helping individuals return to the activities they enjoy. Outside of the clinic, Haden enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys mountain biking, golfing, hunting, camping and fishing.