Crossing Rivers Health Announces Rehabilitation Services Expansion

Prairie du Chien, Wis. — As Crossing Rivers Health celebrates 69 years of serving the region with compassionate, community-centered care, the organization is proud to announce plans for a significant expansion and redesign of its Rehabilitation Services Department.

The project reflects years of growing demand for rehabilitation services across the region and represents a major investment in the future of local healthcare access.

“Demand for our rehabilitation services has grown consistently over the past several years,” said Nicole Martin, Chief Operating Officer. “This expansion allows us to meet that growing need by increasing capacity, enhancing patient care spaces, and supporting future program growth — all while continuing to provide high-quality rehabilitation services close to home.”

Martin shared that the expansion project will increase the Rehabilitation Department’s footprint by 45 percent, creating significantly more space to support a wide range of patient care needs.

The redesigned space will better support:

• Growing demand for Physical Therapy services

• Improved Pediatric Therapy space

• Continued expansion of Sports Medicine and Orthopedics programs

• Additional staffing needs

• Larger open gym and treatment areas

• Enhanced patient education space

• Continued support for the Healthy Hearts exercise program

• Improved patient access and navigation through a redesigned North Entrance

“This redesign allows us to better prioritize the patient experience,” Martin said. “By expanding treatment areas and relocating administrative functions, we’re creating a more accessible, efficient, and welcoming environment that supports rehabilitation, recovery, and long-term wellness.”

Transforming Lives Close to Home

For many patients, rehabilitation services are more than healthcare appointments — they are turning points in recovery, independence, and quality of life.

Local resident Diane Steger faced a major setback when she broke her shoulder in three places.

“At one point, I was told I may not regain full use of my arm,” Steger shared. “But week by week, through occupational therapy, I kept improving.”

Today, Diane has regained nearly 90 percent mobility and says the program “means a lot” to her.

After receiving Physical Therapy following a shoulder surgery, Bob Helgerson said he liked what was going on in the rehabilitation department, so he joined the Healthy Hearts Program—and never left.

“For over a decade, the program has helped me stay active, manage arthritis, and stay connected,” Helgerson said. “It’s not just about exercise; I’ve made lasting friendships and have seen so many benefits from this program.”

Aaron and Mel Straka have also experienced the impact of rehabilitation services firsthand. Aaron, who is currently on the lung transplant list, began pulmonary rehabilitation able to exercise for about 16 minutes at a time. Today, the couple exercises together for up to an hour.

“The rehab team is so friendly and good - they are very observant and always seem to be able to sense what us patients need,” the Strakas shared. “It will be great to make more room for more care.”

Investing in the Future of Rural Healthcare

In rural communities, access to specialized rehabilitation care can mean the difference between receiving treatment locally, traveling long distances, or going without care entirely.

Crossing Rivers Health leaders say the project is one of several strategic initiatives planned over the coming years to support sustainable growth, expanded access, and continued progress across the organization.

“This rehabilitation expansion reflects Crossing Rivers Health's ongoing commitment to reinvest in local healthcare services and expand access to care close to home,” said Chris Brophy, Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to see measurable improvements in patients’ health, recovery, and quality of life through these programs, and this investment positions us to meet the growing needs of our communities for years to come.”

Additional details and timelines regarding the project will be shared as planning progresses at crossingrivers.org/rehabexpands.