
5.0 Google Star Rating
Years of Experience
Expert in Recovery

Physical therapy can reduce pain, restore mobility, and help you get back to doing what you love. Whether it’s daily tasks or favorite hobbies, life feels better when your body moves freely. The first step is simple—just ask for help.
At Achieve Therapy & Fitness, we believe you deserve to live life on your terms, and we’re here to help you get there.
"I can't say enough good things about Achieve! I was suffering from horrible shoulder pain for over a year. It was so bad I couldn't even bench press 40 pounds without incredible pain. My job was almost impossible to do, and I most certainly couldn't participate in my favorite hobbies.
It was so bad I figured I was going to need surgery and I was dreading it. I saw an ad for a shoulder workshop at Achieve and decided it was worth a go. It was a major WOW moment for me as they demonstrated their knowledge of the shoulder. At that moment I decided to give physical therapy a shot.
Within a few months, benching 50 pounds wasn't a problem and I was able to do so many things again. I've followed their regimen for strengthening and building the shoulder, and now almost a year later I have hit my soft goal of being able to bench 135 with no pain. It feels amazing to go from dread to hope to real results.
Thank you so much. I won't hesitate to recommend Achieve to anyone and everyone who could use some help."

Jordan Bowles
"I highly recommend Achieve Therapy.
I first found Achieve due to severe neck pain and whiplash I had been trying to live with for weeks. I had a state pool tournament to attend in a week and due to the pain I was experiencing I did not believe I would be able to shoot. I called and Greg P. was able to see me quickly. He assessed my neck and formulated a treatment plan. With a few treatments I was pain free and able to shoot and get back to life. It felt like a miracle.
Later, following a lymph node surgery I was in need of a lymphatic drainage massage therapist and I again called Achieve and was able to see Laurie H. Laurie has been so helpful to get me back on track and feeling healthy.
I recently injured my knee riding my horse and both Laurie and assistant Kindra B. have been so very helpful in working on a treatment plan to get me back riding without pain. Achieve therapy has basically helped me to get back to life several times!
Everyone has been knowledgeable, attentive, kind and compassionate. They just plain truly care about you... I highly recommend you call Achieve, you will not be disappointed!"

Lynn McGarry
"As an athlete recovering from injury a positive environment is an extremely important part of the recovery process! Achieve has such a positive atmosphere and during my sessions with Tom he is always pushing me, and letting me know when that I’m doing well when I get hard on myself. I’ve been to a lot of PT places in the GF area and this is by far the one I’d recommend the most.
The minute you walk through the front doors you are greeted by name by the lovely ladies in the front who are always so kind! I have nothing bad to say about this place and highly recommend coming here!"

Shalyn Pryor
Personalized One-on-One Care
Our physical therapists create a customized plan tailored to your unique needs—delivered through dedicated, one-on-one sessions for focused and effective treatment.
We Accept Insurance
As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before your first visit so you'll know in advance if there’s a copay, deductible, or coinsurance for therapy services.
Care That Fits Your Life
We understand your time is valuable. With flexible scheduling options, you won’t have to put your life on hold to get the expert care you deserve.
Tom Carson, PT, DPT, FDNS
Physical Therapist | Functional Dry Needling Specialist
Tom Carson is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a native of Walhalla, ND. His passion for physical therapy began after a football-related back injury in high school. He earned his DPT from the University of North Dakota in 2005, completing clinical rotations in a variety of settings—from private outpatient clinics to the Mayo Clinic’s renowned neurological rehabilitation program.
Tom treats a wide range of conditions, with special interests in back and neck pain, headaches, TMJ, post-surgical rehab, chronic pain, orthopedic injuries, and neurological disorders like stroke and brain injury. He is a Certified Astym Provider, Functional Dry Needling Specialist (Level 2), and is certified in Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy.
Tom currently sees patients at our South Columbia Road clinic in Grand Forks. Outside the clinic, he enjoys hunting, fishing, archery, and spending time outdoors with his wife Katherine and their two sets of twins in Thompson, ND.
Laurie Holte, PT, MPT
Co-Founder | Physical Therapist | Women’s Health & Chronic Pain Specialist
Laurie Holte earned her Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 2001. She began her career with HealthSouth before co-founding Achieve Therapy in 2003 alongside three colleagues.
Laurie specializes in outpatient orthopedic care, treating both conservative and post-surgical cases. She also has extensive training in chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia and arthritis, as well as women’s health services such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and postpartum recovery. Laurie is a Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES) and has advanced training in lymphedema management, Dry Needling, Primal Reflex Release, and Pain Neutralization Techniques. She is also a Certified ASTYM and Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy provider.
Laurie lives in Grand Forks with her husband Rick and their three daughters. They enjoy lake life, sports, and quality family time.
Greg Paintner, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Pediatric & Neurological Rehab Specialist
Greg Paintner brings over two decades of service in the ND Army National Guard—and that same drive and dedication to every therapy session. After a deployment in Iraq, Greg pursued his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of North Dakota, graduating in 2010.
Greg began his career working with children in Early Intervention and joined Achieve Therapy in 2016. He continues to serve patients of all ages, with a special focus on pediatric care and neurological conditions. He is certified in LSVT BIG therapy for patients with Parkinson’s and similar conditions and holds credentials as a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP), Certified Astym Provider, and Dry Needling Specialist.
Greg’s treatment philosophy blends motivation with fun, helping patients take ownership of their progress. Guided by his soldier’s mindset—“never accept defeat”—Greg adapts every plan to meet each patient’s unique needs. He lives in East Grand Forks with his wife Stacey and their four children, and the family is actively involved in their local church community.
Mike St. Onge
Fitness Instructor
AT ACHIEVE THERAPY AND FITNESS, WE WANT TO GET YOU FEELING LIKE YOURSELF AGAIN.
Our services have been proven to be very effective in helping you achieve the outcomes you need to get back to your life.
We work with all types of injuries both surgical and non-surgical, on all body parts from head to toe. We have therapists who specialize from joint replacements to sports injuries.
The treatments we provide are useful and beneficial for so many injuries. Your therapist will discuss all the appropriate techniques and create a treatment plan for you on your first visit.

What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a medical treatment focused on restoring functional movement—such as walking, standing, or moving specific parts of the body. It is commonly used to treat injuries or medical conditions that cause pain, limited mobility, or movement dysfunction. For example, if you're a runner experiencing knee pain, a physical therapist can assess your movement patterns and create a personalized treatment plan to help you return to running pain-free.
Physical therapy serves both corrective and preventive purposes. Therapists work to address existing imbalances or dysfunctions caused by injury or illness, while also applying techniques that help prevent future injuries and enhance physical performance.
Physical therapists—also known as physiotherapists or PTs—are licensed healthcare professionals who guide patients through individualized treatment plans. They educate, perform hands-on care, and prescribe specific exercises to improve strength, mobility, and overall function.
What does Physical Therapy Treat?
Physical therapy can help address a wide range of conditions, including:
- Sciatica and back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip and knee pain
- Foot and ankle pain
- Elbow, wrist, and hand pain
- Arthritis-related pain
- Balance and gait disorders
- Chronic pain
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Headaches
- Injuries from motor vehicle accidents
- Pre-surgical physical therapy
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Sports-related injuries
- Work-related injuries
…and more.
Not sure if physical therapy is right for your condition? Give us a call—we're happy to answer your questions and discuss treatment options tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy
1. How do I choose a physical therapy clinic?
As a patient, you have the right to choose where you would like to receive your physical therapy services. Most patients prefer a clinic that is close to their home. At our facility, we pride ourselves on our “hands on” approach, meaning we utilize our hands to promote adequate joint and muscle mobility, improve circulation, reduce pain and address your cause for your symptoms.
2. Is my therapist licensed?
All of our physical therapists are Board Certified through the state.
3. What’s next after physical therapy?
Throughout your sessions of physical therapy, your therapist will be providing you with home exercises and self-management techniques to promote independence towards reaching your goals and returning to your prior level of function.
4. What if my problem or pain returns?
Many patients may go weeks, months or years before their symptoms return. It is our duty to provide you with the techniques and self-management exercises to manage your symptoms independently throughout your time at physical therapy. In the instance that your symptoms do return, we offer a 15-minute consultation to discuss your symptoms and concerns to determine if returning to physical therapy is the right option for you.
5. What types of treatments will I receive?
Physical therapy treatments can consist of a series of interventions including electrical stimulation therapy, ultrasound therapy, cold therapy, heat therapy, strengthening and stabilization exercises, flexibility training, balance and neuromuscular retraining as well as manual interventions including soft tissue mobilizations or joint manipulations. Depending on your course of treatment, your physical therapist will decide which of these interventions will provide you with the best results.
6. Is physical therapy painful?
Physical therapy should not be painful. However, it is normal to experience soreness following your sessions.
7. Are there physical therapy specialists?
Our physical therapists are specialized in manual physical therapy, as they have their Manual Therapy Certification. We also have providers who specialize in migraine relief, pelvic floor rehabilitation, trigger point dry needling, cupping and functional movement analyses.
8. Who pays for the treatment?
Health Insurance coverage can vary from plan to plan. Our staff will verify your benefits with your insurance company prior to your sessions to find out exactly what your plan will cover. Based on your coverage, you and your physical therapist will create a plan that is targeted to meet your budget needs.
9. Why should I choose a private practice physical therapist?
As a private practice, we pride ourselves on individualized treatment plans that are specific to each and every individual’s goals and lifestyle. When you come to our private outpatient facility, you can expect to see the same physical therapist that evaluated you throughout your entire experience. We believe that this develops consistency and accelerates your rehabilitation journey.
10. Why are people referred to physical therapy?
There are many reasons patients may be referred to physical therapy, including neck, low back pain, migraines, pre and post-operative rehabilitation, migraine management, pre and post-partum pelvic floor management, arthritis symptom management, vestibular rehabilitation or generalized strengthening and balance training to reduce fall occurrences. Our main priority is to get you to regain your functional independence and return to your desired lifestyle.
11. What do physical therapists do?
As physical therapists, we have the ability to specifically identify musculoskeletal dysfunctions based on abnormal movement patterns, reduced range of motion and expressed symptoms utilizing various tests and measures that are specific to each patient and specific target tissues that may be affected. After determining your specific impairments, we are then able to provide patients with manual interventions, strength and stabilization exercises, flexibility training, promoting proper body mechanics with functional movements, such as bending, lifting, carrying and squatting. Each patient is different and will be provided with an individualized approach to their specific symptoms.
12. Why is physical therapy a good choice?
As doctoral prepared physical therapists, we have the ability to determine if physical therapy is the best option for you by ruling out systemic and non-musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Once we determine if you a good candidate for physical therapy, it can have many benefits including promoting healthy movements, improved quality of life, adequate sleeping patterns and providing our patients with the resources they need to be successful following their time in therapy.
13. How many visits will I need?
On your first visit, you will have the opportunity to discuss your plan of care with your physical therapist, where they will estimate the number of visits you will need. We often see results quickly and the number of visits can range from as little as 2 or more, depending on your rehabilitation diagnosis. We highly encourage our patients to complete their physical therapy plan to maximize their benefits and return to their functional lifestyle.
14. How long will each treatment last?
You should expect your initial evaluation to last from 60-90 minutes, with follow up appointments lasting 45-60 minutes depending on your plan of care.
15. How should I dress?
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothes including T-shirts, sweats, shorts and good supportive shoes, such as gyms shoes. Sandals, high heels, office attire are not recommended.
16. What do I need to bring with me?
For your first visit, you should be sure to bring an identification card, as well as your insurance card to verify your insurance benefits.
17. What happens during my first visit?
During your first visit, a thorough interview, evaluation and examination will be performed that is tailored to your expressed symptoms. This can include various manual techniques, exercises, movement analyses and general education to assist with self-management techniques. You should expect to move throughout your treatment, so we recommend bringing comfy clothes and supportive shoes. Other interventions that may be utilized including electrical stimulation therapy, cold therapy, heat therapy, as well as ultrasound therapy to address pain and inflammation management.

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