At Mann Method Physical Therapy and Fitness (MMPT), the ethos of the team's “Get Moving, Be Awesome” is a lesson deeply felt. The team at MMPT specializes in working with children, teens and adults with Down syndrome (DS). For MMPT founder Dr. Sarah Mann, PT, DPT, having a passion for working with members of the DS community began in 2004 with her first experience working with a 40-year-old client with DS.
Not only did she find that she had much to learn, but she also noticed the disjointed continuity of care as children with DS became teenagers and adults. “There is a huge gap in care for our adults with developmental disabilities,” she explained. “I started MMPT to provide increased access to specialty physical and occupational therapy for teens and adults with DS. There are many underlying conditions that come with having a diagnosis of DS that can make movement and participation in school, work, and community activities more challenging.”
Dr. Jennifer Spiric, PT, DPT, has additional specialization in working with infants and toddlers with torticollis, as well as other visual vestibular issues and balance challenges, and children with chromosomal differences. “At MMPT, we love for everyone to feel successful. Our physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) approaches are specific and individualized to each person, at every age, along the lifespan,” shared Dr. Spiric, PT, DPT.
Dr. Mann and Dr. Spiric are passionate about working to develop resources, best practices, and enhancing educational opportunities for individuals with DS. “I've been lucky through my passion and my commitment to help serve teenagers and adults with DS to get connected with so many other providers in different disciplines who have a similar interest,” shared Dr. Mann.
“My driving force is to get information to more providers so that they feel confident in having a strategy to help our people with DS.” Dr. Spiric, who loves sharing her knowledge with up-and-coming providers, is also a mentor for the Regis University DPT and Warren Tech programs.
“We have been blessed by the contributions of Dr. Spiric and Jamie McGrew to share not only purposeful PT, but purposeful OT, and provide care to infants and children, as well as teens and adults. We love that we can help our people move better so they can participate in everything they want,” said Dr. Mann.
“We start with a comprehensive evaluation designed to help us learn about individual goals, parent goals, strengths each person already demonstrates, areas where improvement would yield positive benefits, and the unique motivation that makes each 60-minute session meaningful,” explained Jamie McGrew, Occupational Therapist, MOTR/L.
“Sessions are one-on-one with a skilled specialist and designed to promote success and progress. Comprehensive home exercise programs are provided to promote independence and maximize progress in all goal areas.” The MMPT team also includes Dr. Heidi Hanson, PT, DPT; JJ Olson, Clinic Coordinator; Shannon Young, Occupational Therapy Assistant C/OTA; and Jordan Pittman, Certified Orthotist Assistant CPOA.
MMPT also partners with a variety of organizations that have different roles in serving the DS community. Together, MMPT and these organizations are impacting families here in the Arvada area and around the state, country, and world.
Dr. Mann is a member of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group, a national organization of medical providers dedicated to working with individuals with DS. Dr. Spiric and Dr. Mann developed the national GiGiFIT program for GiGi’s Playhouse, which has both physical locations and an on-demand virtual Playhouse, providing free therapeutic programs for people with DS.
They also support the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, an organization that drives research to better understand the science behind DS and is developing adult care guidelines for medical and musculoskeletal needs.
The MMPT team has also been working with the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association since 2009, proudly supporting the organization that connects families in Colorado and supports direct programs and outreach across the state. Dr. Mann – and several familiar faces at MMPT – are also partners with Dr. Thessa Hilgenkamp, PhD at UNLV, supporting research on the impact of exercise on adults with DS.
At Regis University, you may see Dr. Mann, as well as former Warren Tech Intern, Scarlette Vair, leading the MMPT-based exercise program for the Global Inclusive Education program, a post-secondary program for adults with developmental disabilities, Dr. Mann explained. At their annual presentations at the National Down Syndrome Congress this year, Dr. Mann and Dr. Spiric were joined by two MMPT patients who are now Assistant Coaches, helping lead the way in PT-based exercise instruction across the country.
“My favorite part about being a pediatric PT is witnessing the smile of delight when a child learns a new skill, the smile of pride that a parent displays when watching their child make those first steps, gain independence on the bike, and achieve all the ‘firsts,’ and the smile of joy we see day in and day out,” said Dr. Spiric. Dr. Mann agreed, “We find joy in being present and celebrating achievement alongside our patients and their families at every step of the way.”
For more information on therapies or to schedule a consultation, visit mannmethodpt.com or call 720-524-4659.
“We find joy in celebrating achievement alongside our patients ... every step of the way.”