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By Anita L. Sherman
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
Sore shoulder? Aching back? Wondering if you’ve got legs to get back in the saddle again?
There’s help. His name is Tom Papke. And, he’s close by.
With over 20 years experience, Papke opened his physical therapy office this past December at 261 Main Street in Washington. It’s not his main office. Capitol Metro Physical Therapy primarily operates out of Old Town Alexandria but Papke, who is restoring a farmhouse in Flint Hill, is testing the market in Rappahannock.
“We got the bug about eight years ago," smiled Papke who has been a confirmed weekender and has plans for a small vineyard and orchard on his property someday. In the meantime, he spends Thursday through Sunday in Rappahannock and word of mouth has brought customers through his door.
Papke greets you warmly in his sun-filled office. “There are no ugly spaces here,’ admitted Papke who thoroughly epjoys the quiet and traffic free ambiance of having a country location.
“He’s very thorough, professional and knowledgeable,’ said a satisfied Denise Chandler who was one of Papke's first visitors. Chandler was energized by some simple routines that Papke gave her to ease pressure on her neck. “I have someone I can go to and I don’t have to drive for miles,’ added Chandler.
This is what Papke is hoping will be the case for many local residents who currently have to drive to other counties for physical therapy services.
Papke specializes in orthopedics with a particular emphasis on sports injuries. He should know having been a consultant to head trainer George Anderson of the LA Raiders for ten years. While in California. Papke had a unique arrangement where his physical therapy office was located within a health club setting. “It all tied in,’ said Papke. “You had people working out, staying healthy and if they had need of physical therapy, it was right there, all in one place.'
Papke applauded recent news that a local Eagle scout would be putting up exercise stations at the county park and certainly the school's RappFitness Center was another resource available.
But Papke is a firm believer in getting the help you need with what you have at hand. So, if you don't have a treadmill or Bowflex sitting in the next room, that’s not a problem.
“You use what’s available in your own surroundings," said Papke. “Once we figure out what is needed, I work with them to individualize
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