Sequim Gazette staff
Aaron Staeben is a man of many talents — and he has the credentials to prove it.
Staeben, who also is owner of Peak Performance Therapy in Sequim, is a licensed occupational therapist, a certified hand therapist and a certified ergonomic assessment specialist. He also is certified in Graston Technique “soft tissue mobilization.”
All of these skills come in handy in his business. Peak Performance specializes in providing therapy for patients who are experiencing difficulties with their hands, upper limbs, or, as Staeben says regularly occurs, both.
Staeben provides both evaluation and treatment, which may include pre-operative or post-operative care.
Sometimes he treats these maladies before they occur. As a certified ergonomic
assessment specialist, Staeben provides consulting services for workspace design. “I can treat some problems before they happen,” he said.
All the latest
Staeben’s office at 578 N. Fifth Ave. is filled with machinery, both fancy and decidedly mundane. The latter includes a “shovel station” where patients … shovel. He said it’s great exercise for improving grip and elbow motion. Staeben says he prefers teaching his patients exercises and therapeutic techniques they can do at home without specialized equipment.
When that won’t do, he can turn to the other stuff, which includes the latest and greatest techniques and technologies, including ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
He also custom-crafts splints for the hand and upper limb.
Staeben stipulates that he’s a therapist, not a medical doctor. He always recommends seeing a doctor before turning to his services. “I treat, I don’t diagnose,” he said. “It just works better that way.”
When it comes to treatment, he likes the one-on-one he’s able to provide. “I like to get to know (the patients) and to know what their lives are like.”
“That way they get better faster — and they enjoy it more.”
Peak Performance accepts “all types of insurances.” That includes, he said, many workers compensation injuries.
Staeben, who also was a therapist in the U.S. Army, first arrived on the peninsula about 10 years ago, joining a local orthopedics clinic.
Peak Performance is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 683-8331 or visit www.peakperformancetherapycenter.com.
