Teton Therapy’s Zac Schaller is a Masters-level Occupational Therapist in practice since 2021. Providing upper-extremity rehabilitation in Fremont County with an emphasis on shoulder recovery, he is now practicing full-time at Teton Therapy’s Lander clinic. His guides to shoulder issues and rehabilitation are a weekly feature.
A shoulder injury in college is the end of some student’s dreams, but for Teton Therapy Occupational Therapist Zac Schaller, it was the beginning of a calling. “I went through the entire journey of injury, surgery, and rehabilitation. That experience gave me a unique appreciation for the challenges [shoulder] patients face,” he says.
Originally from Lancaster, PA, Schaller was attending Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, when his shoulder injury occurred. He went on to receive his Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2020.
While Schaller treats all injuries related to the OT field, he’s especially fascinated by the most mobile joint in the body.
“I enjoy working with shoulders specifically because they are complex joints, which allows me to design more intricate strengthening and stabilization programs. Plus, shoulder patients tend to be active individuals, which aligns with my passion for helping people return to the activities they love.”
“Some patients rock climb, play sports, or enjoy outdoor recreation, while others have different goals,” he says. “I tailor each treatment plan to the individual’s hobbies, interests, or daily activities that are problematic, keeping in mind the specific stresses those activities place on their bodies.”
Schaller incorporates advanced tools into his work, as well. “I use modalities like dry needling and blood flow restriction training to optimize healing and strength,” he says. “I also draw from my own experience recovering from a shoulder injury to design individualized programs that restore mobility and stability.”
His specialty has earned him the reputation of being Lander’s outpatient “Shoulder Guy,” a nickname that Schaller’s given the cold shoulder to. “I’m not sure if that title is entirely true… yet. But, I genuinely enjoy working with shoulders. Getting the chance to help patients recover from complex injuries and regain confidence in their movement is incredibly rewarding, and if being “The Shoulder Guy” implies I’m making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, then I’m all for it.”
For those navigating shoulder surgery, Schaller recently shared a clear guide on what to expect after a rotator cuff repair. Read it here!
To schedule a free consultation with Schaller at Teton Therapy’s Lander clinic, call 307-332-2230 or visit TetonTherapypc.com.
