SCOTT JOHNSON, Maximum Performance Physical Therapist

When Chase and his family were looking for a physical therapy option closer to home, they turned to Maximum Performance.
With a focus on strengthening and functional movement, we’ve been able to help Chase reach milestones once thought out of reach.

A Different Approach

Chase Gray has been in physical therapy most of his life. He had been receiving therapy in Kansas City and through school, but the
travel was too much. His mother, Amanda, heard of us from her mother and a friend who had received treatment at Maximum Performance
and asked if he could switch to treatment in Manhattan.

I was initially unsure what I could do differently than the specialized physical therapist he had been seeing for years. What I found out was
most of his treatment was stretching and bracing. I felt he could benefit from strengthening and started using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular
Facilitation (PNF) techniques for core and lower extremity strengthening.

Chase has continued to show improvement in strength, endurance, or function in some way every visit. He primarily used a wheel chair
and occasionally used a walker for short distances. He had never moved sit to stand independently, never used stairs, never did anything
without an assistance device.

Our first goals were to use a walker for 300 feet for community ambulation and to move sit to stand independently. Chase now primarily uses one Loftstrand crutch and was able to walk into a Kansas City Royals game independently. He can now squat sit to stand from normal chair height with 40 lbs, use stairs independently with a handrail for balance, and can walk independently for 150 feet. His foot and ankle would completely collapse in standing without his AFO and orthotics, now he walks 150 feet without braces and in shoes that actually fit, with good foot and ankle control.

Chase inspires me every time I see him. I have never heard a negative comment from Chase or his family. He works hard every session and his family is so supportive. I feel Blessed to have the opportunity to work with him.

What is PNF?

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a therapeutic approach that uses specific movement patterns, guided resistance
and sensory cues to help improve muscle activation, strength, coordination and functional movement.

By encouraging the muscles and nervous system to work together, PNF can help individuals develop movement patterns that support
everyday activities.

Source: Higgins, M. & Greer, C. (2025). International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. Read the research.

Chase’s Progress, In His Mom’s Words

When Chase started working with Scott in January, he was essentially wheelchair dependent. After years of physical therapy at our local children’s hospital, he had reached a point where we felt like he had plateaued and we weren’t sure how much more progress was possible.