Residents of Tucker County and neighboring counties will now be able to receive quality physical therapy services without leaving the county.

Through a partnership with Elkins Physical Therapy and Sports Injury Clinic, St. George Medical Clinic will be opening its new specialist wing, where a wide range of physical therapy services will be available to patients.

We sat down with Becky Poling, the physical therapist who will be offering these on-site services, to find out her professional background and how she feels about this new partnership.

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I am from Tucker County. I moved to Parsons at the age of 12 and graduated from Tucker County High School. I married my high school sweetheart, Matt, and after living in a neighboring county for one year, I moved back to Parsons. I now reside in the St. George area.

Q: What is your educational background and how does it qualify you for this new position?
A: In 1993, I graduated from the West Virginia University School of Medicine with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy and became licensed by the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy. I have worked in various physical therapy settings and have provided out-patient services in Barbour County for several years.

Q: Do you have any specialties or professional interests?
A: Physical Therapy is a field that allows one to work with a multitude of diagnoses throughout the lifespan. I find vestibular rehab and the treatment of vertigo particularly interesting. I also greatly enjoy working with patients post-injury or post-surgery as well as treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders or deficits. I am looking forward to becoming certified in Functional Dry Needling and quickly incorporating this as a regular part of my practice this spring.

Q: What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
A: Honestly, the patients. I enjoy providing patients the tools and treatment they need to experience less pain and improve function. I enjoy the rehab process, guiding patients and providing a personal touch as they recover.

Q: What are parts of your job that people don’t see?
A: I try to communicate with physicians and practitioners regarding patient progress. Many times this happens behind the scenes. I remain available to participate in community events as well as one on one conversations with patients. I try to stay up to date on current trends and techniques in physical therapy.

Q: As an employee of Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic, what attracted EPT&SIC to partner with St. George?
A: EPT&SIC is excited to offer quality physical therapy to the residents of Tucker and the surrounding counties at the new facility in St. George. We have seen many patients over the years and are excited to offer our services to them closer to home.

Q: What do you hope to achieve through your partnership with St. George?
A: I would like the partnership between EPT&SIC and St. George to create a place where local people can receive quality physical therapy services in a well-equipped facility with well-trained, local staff that are invested in the well-being of our community.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I enjoy my time with my three sons, Luke, Owen and Clay, and my husband, Matt, no matter what we are doing. Attending local sporting events is something I have enjoyed for years. It is especially my pleasure to sing the National Anthem at TCHS home basketball games. Singing is my favorite hobby. I can often be found singing with or to my patients. I attend St. George United Methodist Church and enjoy planning and participating in activities with my church. I love the outdoors and working outdoors around my home.

To schedule an appointment with Becky, give St. George a call at 304-478-3339.