We help individuals grow to better their practice of physical therapy.

Physical Therapy Pledge

As a physical therapist, I am committed to the education I was given at my university/college and I will pursue and continue my knowledge base through individual pursuits and continuing education courses. I am committed to providing the highest quality care for my patients through evidence-based education. As a practicing therapist, I will provide care and compassion for each patient’s health and well-being as a teacher, guider, supporter, and caregiver.

Vision Statement

As a physical therapy provider, we will provide hands on treatment to all individual patients in a caring, legal, ethical, and high quality manner. We will work towards encouraging individual ability and creativity, while adhering to basic ideas and clinical research to improve quality of life for all patients. Each individual therapist will pursue an active responsibility for educational expansion and the ability to think multidirectional for the growth of themselves, the physical therapy profession, and the well-being of the people he or she serves. MotionCare will strive for our vision through work in a private outpatient clinic and additional experiences that help each individual grow to better their practice of physical therapy.

Our Treatment (FRMT®)

MotionCare® physical therapy has its own branding at this time. Facilitation Release Manual Therapy (FRMT®) was developed and owned by MotionCare® using evidence based research. The care is a hybrid of techniques taught by Mariana Rocabado, PT from Santiago, Chile, Ola Grimsby, PT from Kristiansand, Norway and Gregory Grieve, PT, from England.

The basis of patient intervention at MotionCare® is directed by a trilogy of dysfunction. 1. Mechanical dysfunction elicits some level of 2. irritation, which then causes a tertiary 3. spasm above and below the joint. Mennell, MD was the first to describe this fundamental trilogy and has written several books covering joint, back, foot and musculoskeletal pain.

Muscles spasms are almost always a tertiary event as a protective phenomenon to a primary dysfunction. Therefore, tertiary muscle spasms and primary joint dysfunction direct care and intervention with the patient at MotionCare®, not pain. Pain is only a reactor.

Facilitation Release Manual Therapy (FRMT®) is the label coined for the hybrid treatment at MotionCare®. Joints are facilitated at MotionCare®, not manipulated. Joints are released from their dysfunctional position and facilitated to be in their normo-function position. This is done through manual therapy techniques that are gentle, specific, and highly effective interventions. The basis for treatment is established by manual therapy evaluation tests that are used to detect segmental or micro dysfunction. These tests are not only for practitioner recognition, but are established as a basis for patient recognition and understanding.

The care at MotionCare® is more specific, gentle and effective than the manipulation, stretches and exercises found at other practices. The care at MotionCare® elicits a sense of awareness by the patient to understand the change in their condition.

Our Practitioners

  • James R. Olson

    James is a licensed physical therapist, certified by the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy with a strong interest in manual therapy and athletics. He is a graduate of The College of St. Scholastica, and received his Psychology degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Jim is also a certified athletic trainer. He completed his certification at Bethel University.
    • Credentials
      • Licensed Physical Therapist, certified by the MN Board of Physical Therapy
      • Athletic Trainer Registered, certified by the MN Board of Medical Practice
      • CPR/AED/Professional Rescuer certified by American Red Cross
    • Education
      • Bachelor of Arts, Physical Therapy, The College of St. Scholastica
      • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Minnesota
    • Professional Highlights
      • Founded MotionCare, Inc, 2000
      • International Paralympic Classifier, Ice Sledge Hockey
      • USA Paralympic Ice Sledge Hockey Team Athletic Trainer
      • Twin Cities Marathon Medical Team
      • Minnesota State High School League Medical Board
      • Member of Private Practice Section of APTA
    • Professional Interests
      • Manual Therapy
      • Sports Medicine
      • Orthopedic (Joint Dysfunction)
      • Elite Athlete Performance
      • Chronic Pain Conditions
  • Erin F. Blackford

    Erin F. Blackford, MPT is an established and highly skilled licensed physical therapist with over 14 years of experience. Erin is a graduate from The College of St. Scholastica with a degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology. She then pursued her Masters of Physical Therapy degree at The College of St. Scholastica. Erin played 4 years of women's basketball for St. Scholastica and received Academic All-American awards while playing. Erin has a strong interest in manual therapy (FRMT), MotionCare's hands on approach for patients. "I especially enjoy caring for and teaching people; building relationships and working with patients to establish better direction with their healthcare goals and needs." In addition to her practice at MotionCare, Erin is active in the Private Practice Section for physical therapy and recently completed an Administration Certificate Program. She continues to be a lifelong supporter of the American Physical Therapy Association, Private Practice Section.

    Erin contributes to her community through 10 plus years of volunteering at the Twin Cities Marathon. She is a clinical site supervisor for Bethel University Athletic Training Curriculum promoting continued growth of the physical therapy and athletic training community. Erin also gives her time as an International Paralympic Classifier for sledge hockey, which has taken her all over the world and to numerous hockey rinks!
    • Credentials
      • Licensed Physical Therapist, certified by the MN Board of Physical Therapy
      • CPR/AED/Professional Rescuer certified by American Red Cross
    • Education
      • Master of Arts, Physical Therapy, The College of St. Scholastica
      • Bachelor of Arts, Health Sciences, The College of St. Scholastica
    • Professional Highlights
      • Co-owner MotionCare (2012-Present)
      • International Paralympic Classifier, Sledge Ice Hockey
      • Twin Cities Marathon Medical Tent Support
      • Member of Private Practice Section of APTA
    • Professional Interests
      • Manual Therapy
      • Sports Medicine
      • Orthopedic (Joint Dysfunction)
      • Elite Athlete Performance
      • Post-Surgical Rehab
      • Chronic Pain Conditions
  • Kris A. Olson

    Kris A. Olson, DPT is a licensed physical therapist, certified by the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy, with a strong interest in manual therapy. At St. John’s University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Kris was a member and voted captain of the lacrosse team. He later went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at St. Catherine University. Kris engages patients through clear education of their condition and delivery of the hands-on approach to treatment for which MotionCare is known.

    Kris participates in the American Physical Therapy Association and its Private Practice Section. He gives his time to his local youth athletics association, where he coaches and encourages his sons and their peers to be active. As an International Paralympic Classifier for ice sledge hockey and a volunteer in the medical tent for the Twin Cities Marathon, Kris continues to support athletic participation for the greater communities.
    • Credentials
      • Licensed Physical Therapist, certified by the MN Board of Physical Therapy
      • CPR/AED/Professional Rescuer certified by American Red Cross
    • Education
      • Doctor of Physical Therapy, St. Catherine University
      • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, St. John’s University
    • Professional Highlights
      • Co-owner MotionCare (2015-present)
      • International Paralympic Classifier, Ice Sledge Hockey
      • Twin Cities Marathon, Medical Tent Support
      • Member of APTA, Private Practice Section
    • Professional Interests
      • Manual Therapy
      • Sports Medicine
      • Orthopedic (Joint Dysfunction)
      • Elite Athlete Performance
      • Post-Surgical Rehab
      • Chronic Pain Conditions
  • Levi J. Hibma

    Levi J. Hibma, DPT, ATC is a licensed physical therapist with a background in athletic training and sports medicine. Levi is a graduate from Bethel University with a degree in Athletic Training, (receiving his athletic training certificate from the Board of Certification). He then pursued his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Southwest Baptist University. Levi played 4 years of football for Bethel University, receiving Academic All-Conference awards while playing.

    Levi has had a variety of clinical experience, including inpatient rehabilitation, home health, and long-term care. His passion for sports medicine, along with manual therapy, led him to pursue a career at MotionCare. Levi participates in our American Physical Therapy Association and National Athletic Training Association.
    • Credentials
      • Licensed Physical Therapist, certified by the MN Board of Physical Therapy
      • Athletic Trainer Registered, certified by the Board of Certification
      • CPR/AED/Professional Rescuer certified by American Red Cross
    • Education
      • Doctorate of  Physical Therapy, Southwest Baptist University
      • Bachelor of Arts, Athletic Training, Bethel University
    • Professional Highlights
      • Member of APTA
      • Member of NATA
    • Professional Interests
      • Manual Therapy
      • Sports Medicine
      • Orthopedic (Joint Dysfunction)
      • Elite Athlete Performance
      • Post-Surgical Rehab
      • Chronic Pain Conditions
  • Patient Success Stories

    Great care!  -H.S.

    Their care is magnificent! Erin, Kris, Jim and Levi have the magic touch!  -L.P.

    The people at MotionCare are all fantastic! Levi is a miracle worker and I would highly recommended him as your physical therapist!  -S.E.

    Staff is very friendly and helpful! Thanks Kris! -G.N.

    I had more improvement to my SI joint and lower back in two visits to MotionCare than I had in over 150 visits (over two years) to other chiropractors! If I could do it over again, I would have gone to them right away and saved hundreds of dollars.  -M.E.

    I was told about Motion Care 2012 when I was bothered with pain in one shoulder, received injections, & told to go to therapy. I did not want just any therapy, i wanted one that would actually help me to start turning my life around, and more use of my arm. After several years of awesome therapy, the arm just finally gave out, surgery needed to be done left arm,rotator cuff, Oct 2016, then right one 2017. Motion Care has given me back my strength, encouragement, support for getting through all of that, plus now giving me more to get my strength back. It works, if you want it, and you go to Motion Care you will be good again. Awesome place, they care about you, the staff is a Number 10, always smiles, and action. You have an entire family looking out for you. You are important, and they don’t do the normal rub ultra sound on the sore spot, they do a unique handling of where the pain is. I have sent many there with awesome results. If you have been injured, fallen, continued pain, don’t miss going to Motion Care, you deserve the best, and you will get it here. Just fyi, both of my arms are usuable, flexible, getting stronger every day, and they continue to watch over me and give me support and therapy. Thank You Motion Care, and your entire family.   The only place to go if you have an injury, or pain in your body. They will tell you upfront if they can do anything, and you will be amazed. read my story above. 😊 -S.M.

    Thanks to Jim and Erin for great care. Always grateful that I was referred to try a different sort of physical therapy. -J.B.

    The people at MotionCare are all fantastic! Levi is a miracle worker and I would highly recommended him as your physical therapist!

    I injured my back and had a tough time doing anything without pain. After 1 visit I had immediate relief. Something I hadn’t felt in a while. I have been to multiple chiropractors, physical therapists, had massages, and nothing gave me the relief from my pain like MotionCare. Most places give you a temporary fix and try to get you to commit to a lifetime of weekly visits and “adjustments”. MotionCare actually seemed to care about getting me moving and feeling 100% not trying to commit me to a lifetime of “treatment”. I have been back to MotionCare several times and recommend it to everyone, especially those who have tried everything else, or been told they “need surgery”-D.L.

    1-10 I rate MotionCare a 10 because I play multiple sports year round and they have helped me stay healthy and moving without any pain.    -A.S.

    Our son can run faster without any discomfort from his care at MotionCare. All the staff are friendly and helpful. We highly recommend MotionCare!   -J.M.

    Great results and they want you to get better long term!!  -S.S

    I like MotionCare A lot!!!   – T.H.

    MotionCare is great. They treat the root causes of injuries.  –L.N.

    Angela and Kayla are wonderful & get me prepped so well! Then Kris takes care of all my needs and helps keep me functioning at my best! Thank God Jim created MotionCare!!  -K.T.

    Amazing staff! Have been with MotionCare many years and highly recommend them.  -J.K.

    MotionCare has kept me progressing through two hip replacements and a knee replacement along with chronic arthritis. Erin and Levi listen to my concerns and involved me in my therapy and has shown me how to  understand my physical issues! -K. N.

    All I can say is a heartfelt THANKS for all you have done to correct me and keep me stable since my motor vehicle accident. You re-opened my life and world. What could be more precious?  -R. S.

    Jim Olson is the only person who can give my husband and I relief. From our spine problems and help us be more mobile. At our ages, 80+ that is such a blessing! The staff is great also.  -J.B.

    MotionCare has helped out family recover from both chronic pain and a motor vehicle accident. Helping reduce pain and stress through excellent care and pleasant staff. -K.S.

    I love this place and I want to come here every day and it makes me feel better. I rate this place a 10. -A. S.

    MotionCare is amazing! They Listen to what you have to say and they know just how to fix it.      -L.P.

    Love this place. Excellent & knowledgeable physical therapist. Warm and friendly front desk gals. -P.E.

    This is my second round of treatment from MotionCare. About 15 years ago I saw Jim for help with severe neck & mid-back pain/spasms due to injuries. After trying many different types of treatment through the years, without any help, I was ecstatic to find a treatment approach that helped. Since that time I developed rheumatoid arthritis. I returned to MotionCare for help. I see Kris this time around and have been really pleased. The FRMT has helped me get out of bed & back into life! Thanks MotionCare!    -L.D.

    This is the best physical therapy group you could ever select. They are all so knowledgeable patient and effective. The results after one or two appointments are phenomenal. My situation was lower back pain, my husband was his shoulder issue. Other family members have also had very positive results with their treatments. Pleasant, professional staff. – K. R.

    After a lifetime- 80+ years, going to chiropractor, we discovered Jim Olson (MotionCare) and have enjoyed 25+ tears of painless improved mobility. He has performed miracles on us & passed on his techniques to the rest of the outstanding staff. Thanks so much! -D.B.

    To all the staff at MotionCare, I just want you to know that I completed walking 60 miles last weekend at the Breast Cancer 3-Day. I walked 20 miles a day for 3 days in a row without so much as a blister. Several years ago that would not have been possible with the plantar fasciitis and knee ache that I was living with. I am so thankful that I discovered you and that you have “fixed me up” so well that I was able to accomplish that. Just wanted you to know what a difference you have made in my life!

    deb

    Deb Cowan at the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk

    I am a former All-American collegiate distance runner who has taken pride in my continued athletic ability well into my thirties. Unfortunately, over the last two years my health started to rapidly decline. After a complicated pregnancy, giving birth to twins, and being side-struck in a car accident, I was having back and neck pain as well as breathing complications. The countless doctors and specialists I saw diagnosed me with allergies, asthma, and anxiety- none of which seemed accurate to me. After one treatment at MotionCare I saw more improvement in my overall health than any medications given to me by the doctors. Thank you MotionCare.

    Krista Fragola, Former All-American Distance Runner at St Thomas University

    I have been receiving treatment from Kelly Roberts since Aug. 2007 and it’s the best thing that’s happened to me. Prior to that, I had been experiencing pain in many parts of my body but especially in my knees for at least 3 years. I had gone to seven different physical therapy clinics throughout the twin cities to look for help. Most of them gave me strengthening and stretching exercise which only made my pain worse. Due to the pain, I started to limit my exercise which was a huge part of my life. After 10-15 treatments at each place, they’d tell me not to come back but to continue with the exercise they’d given me. Because the pain got so bad, I finally started wearing an electrical stimulation unit. I also saw different surgeons and in Oct. 2006, I had surgery on my left knee to try and release the tightness in my IT band on the outside of my leg. Once again, the pain was still there only now with a lot of scar tissue. Another orthopedic surgeon finally told me that I should just become a couch potato. This was very depressing. After another referral for PT, I decided to try MotionCare. By this time, I could hardly go for a walk. Due to the treatment I’ve received at MotionCare, I’m back to running and all the activities I love. Since I’m only 45, I wasn’t willing to become a couch potato.

    I’ve also referred my husband for planter fasciitis and several of my friends to MotionCare. Each one of them has been pleased with the results.

    If I can ever help in being a spokesperson for MotionCare, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I 100% believe in this treatment!! It’s like no other that’s out there.

    Machelle Applegate, Your Biggest Fan

    I cannot say enough about Jim and the awesome staff at MotionCare! Thank you for giving me my life back!!! I am now living, not just watching my life. I had been receiving treatment for a herniated disc at L4/L5 in Alaska. My pain kept worsening over the years. Nothing seemed to help and I was taking more and more prescriptions for pain. My quality of life was poor. With Jim, I learned that my sacroiliac joint was the main culprit, not my disc. Jim’s specialized treatment over the course of one week enabled me to get off meds and head back home with a treatment plan. I would have flown half-way around the world to see this man. He did in one week what MD’s, PT’s, DC’s and NP’s tried for years to do: alleviate my chronic pain.

    Amy Ippolito
    Palmer, Alaska

    Dear Jim, I just wanted to thank you for all of the great care I have received over the past year. I am happy to let you know that I shot my career best round of 73 at 56 years of age last week! Prior to seeing you I was in constant pain and had a difficult time even getting 50% of my potential rotation in my backswing. I had seen two doctors and a highly regarded physical therapy group and no one was able to diagnose the problem let alone fix it. After working with you I have a much better understanding of how the body functions and the exercises you suggested have helped immeasurably. Your treatment method is far different than any other physical therapist I know of, and it’s unfortunate they aren’t able to offer their patients the same level of care that you provide to yours. Thanks again for your help, you’re the best!
    Sincerely,

    Betsy Larey
    LPGA Teaching Professional
    St Paul MN
    St Augustine FL