HURON — “Have equipment, will travel,” could be etched on the business cards that physical therapist Dr. Amanda Sneed of Huron carries with her as she sees patients.

Dr. Sneed brings the practice of providing physical therapy for patients to the patients’ homes, as opposed to having them visit an office setting.

“In many ways it is simpler and more economical to the patient to receive treatment in the home,” she said recently.

She gave an example.

“Let’s say that I am working with someone who has had surgery and cannot drive,” she said. “To travel to an appointment, that patient needs to arrange transportation - either a friend or family member, or public transport - both to the appointment and back home again afterward. By having the appointment in the patient’s home, it saves them time, perhaps the struggle of getting in and out of a vehicle, and can save a friend or family making changes to their schedule.”

She works with a wide range of patients, with a current roster that runs the gamut from a four-month old up to a 94-year old. “And sometimes,” she smiles, “they get scheduled back-to-back.” Much of working with infant patients, she said, is really educating the parents.

Dr. Sneed graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Indianapolis in her home town, then went on to earn her doctorate in physical therapy from Andrew University, located near Berrien Springs in southwestern Michigan.

After interning at rehabilitation facilities in and around Indianapolis, Dr. Sneed joined the PT staff at Huron Regional Medical Center in 2017. She worked there for three years, until going out on her own in May of 2020.

She is affiliated as a private contractor with Modern Day Health Care, which has South Dakota offices in Aberdeen and Sisseton.

“They handle all the billing and first appointments and such,” she said. “All the paperwork. That leaves me more time to do the fun stuff, which is work with my patients!”

Sneed brings all the equipment needed for each appointment with her, preferring to stay within 30-or 40 miles of Huron, although she has the ability to do virtual visits as well, an important factor with winter on the horizon.

“I bring the bands or weights - whatever that particular patient needs,” she said. She also travels with a portable table, if one is needed for a patient.

And the reception?

“There is a bit of hesitation on that first visit, for sure,” she said. “Then they realize that I am there to help them. I really don’t much notice if there are dishes on the counter or the carpet has not been vacuumed. I am there to help them regain strength and balance and return to a more normal life.”

She is also trained in treating Lymphedema, the buildup of lymph fluid, often seen in the lower extremities.

Sneed has training in wound care and the healing of wounds.

Modern Day Health Care was founded in 2018 as a way to increase access to health care in rural communities. The company has nurse practitioners, and nurses serving communities, in person, in the patient’s home or online.

First appointments with Sneed may be scheduled by calling 605-220-1200, the Modern Day office in Aberdeen, or by emailing office@mdhc-llc.com