From Construction to Community Care

How Rehab Director Casey Van Natta Is Growing Haxtun Health’s Rehab Services

For Casey Van Natta, DPT, the path to leading Haxtun Health’s Rehabilitation Services began far from a clinic. He spent years working in construction management and quality control with demanding travel and long workweeks. A joke from a family member eventually sparked the idea that he might be a good fit for physical therapy. He looked into it, decided to make a major change, and never looked back.

“I loved the work, but the hours were insane,” Van Natta said. “When I explored physical therapy, it made sense for the kind of life I wanted for my family.”

He returned to school and completed his bachelor’s degree at an accelerated pace, followed by his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Iowa. During his time there, he gained experience in several highly specialized areas, including burn units and pediatric care. His previous leadership roles in construction prepared him well for managing teams in a healthcare setting.

“I have managed people since I was about twenty,” he said. “Leadership takes practice. I was fortunate that several employers invested in my development.”

The Value of Rural Care

Van Natta says rural healthcare offers something unique and meaningful. In larger systems, he often never saw patients again once they left the building. In small communities, the story is completely different.

“It is tremendously different,” he said. “I know my patients. I see them at football games or the grocery store. You get to see the real impact of the work you do.”

He also appreciates the ability to spend more time with each patient. Haxtun Health habitually books forty-five to sixty-minute appointments. This extra time allows therapists to tailor treatment to the patient’s lifestyle and personal goals.

“What a farmer needs and what a teacher needs can be very different,” he said. “We get to personalize care in a way that simply is not possible in larger, high-volume clinics.”

Casey Van Natta, DPT

Teamwork Across the Hospital

Haxtun Health’s rehabilitation team includes Van Natta, Amanda Mavis, PTA, who grew up in Haxtun, Linda Falk, Speech Language Pathologist, a Haxtun native, and two traveling therapists. Linda is currently the only speech therapist in the region and provides services for both adults and children.

The rehab team sees patients in outpatient therapy, swing bed services/Inpatient Rehab Program, the Extended Care Unit, and the Acute Care Unit. They also collaborate closely with the medical clinic.

“Our clinic is right behind us,” Van Natta said. “If an order needs clarification, we can walk over and talk to the provider the same day. You won’t find that level of collaboration in many other facilities.”

Goals for the Future

Van Natta’s top priority is recruiting additional permanent staff. The current team works hard and the traveling therapists contribute greatly, but long-term continuity remains an important goal.

“I want patients to see familiar faces and to know the people who are caring for them,” he said. “Local and permanent staff help make that possible.”

Once staffing levels increase, Van Natta hopes to bring back more community programming. This includes balance classes, fall prevention education, fitness and wellness resources, and outreach opportunities with local schools.

“I would love to work with student athletes on ways to prevent common injuries such as ACL tears, ankle sprains, shoulder problems, or concussions and TBIs” he said.

Serving Patients of All Ages

The rehab team treats a wide range of patients, including pediatric and geriatric populations. Van Natta notes that many families do not realize how much physical therapy can offer for infants and young children.

“One common condition we treat is torticollis, where tight neck muscles cause a baby to prefer looking to one side,” he said. If it’s caught early, it can usually improve within a few weeks with easy exercises families can do at home.”

Haxtun Health also provides pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical rehabilitation for patients receiving knee, hip, or shoulder procedures. The team works with student athletes as well, helping them safely return to sports after injuries.

A Vision for Community Impact

When asked what success will look like in the next few years, Van Natta focuses on community trust and long-term value.

“Full staffing would be wonderful,” he said. “But even more important is how the community views us. If people know they can count on us and feel confident in the care they receive, that is what matters.”

He is excited about the potential of the new facility and the direction the department is heading.

“I love positive growth,” he said. “It is not just about numbers. It is about the impact we can make in the community, in the schools, and in the lives of our patients.”

How to Access Rehab Services

In Colorado, most rehabilitation services begin with a referral. If you are experiencing pain, balance concerns, weakness, or recovering from injury or surgery, talk with your primary care provider about receiving a referral to Haxtun Health Rehabilitation Services.

You may schedule an appointment with one of Haxtun Health’s trusted providers or inquire more about the Rehab Programs by calling the clinic at 970-774-6187.