By: Nancy Dowling
Very soon, Crofton will be welcoming a new healthcare professional to the community.
Amber Jansen, PT, DPT is preparing to open her physical therapy office in downtown Crofton this September.
Jansen is a native of rural Crofton, the daughter of David and Toni Lynn Merchen. She graduated Crofton High School, earned her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science at Augustana University, and graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2009 with a doctorate in physical therapy.
While residing in Sioux Falls, Jansen began her career employed at an outpatient clinic in a small hospital in rock Valley, Iowa. In 2014, she returned to Crofton with husband, Craig, and sons: Breckin and Baker, with the desire to raise their sons in her smaller hometown.
Jansen was then employed for two years with Peloton Therapy in Yankton (now In-Reach), and for eight years at Good Samaritan in Bloomfield.
Jansen’s plans to open her own practice were motivated by her goal of providing individualized and person care tailored to the needs of each person.
Her plans were temporarily slowed during the COVID pandemic in 2020, but she held fast to her hopes for a hometown practice.
In the fall of 2024, Jansen contacted Ryan Loecker about renting space in the building on the northwest corner of downtown Crofton’s main intersection.
With Ryan and Janel’s assistance, Jansen worked out the floor plan and chose the decorating details like flooring and paint. With approximately 12 local contractors and material suppliers performing the interior work, Jansen and the Loeckers are aiming for completion on September 1 with the office opening sometime in September.
Jansen will be employing Melissa Slate as office manager.
Services will include treatments for orthopedic injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, falls/balance issues, and neck/back pain.
Crofton Physical Therapy will accept most insurance plans. Questions about referrals and insurance can be directed to Amber or Melissa. Office hours will be Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and appointments can be made by calling 402-388-2749.
When the office opens, Crofton Physical Therapy will be looking forward to providing “valuable physical therapy services for people of all ages in the Crofton community and beyond.”