About Us
Dedicated to Your Recovery and Long-Term Wellness
Meet the Doctor:
Dr. Heather Mitchell, PT, DPT
Dr. Heather Mitchell earned her Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Science from MSUM in Moorhead before completing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. She began her career as the lead Physical Therapist at a long-term and short-term care facility in Detroit Lakes, MN. She then spent 10 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, specializing in outpatient orthopedics and inpatient care, working closely with orthopedic surgeons to deliver exceptional patient care. While there, Dr. Heather also spent eight years as the lead Physical Therapist for the concussion program, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide evidence-based care for both children and adults.
In 2020, Dr. Heather began contracting with Back in Motion Physical Therapy and opened the Frazee clinic location. She also served three years as the in-house Physical Therapist for BTD in Detroit Lakes, providing employee therapy and ergonomic assessments in a manufacturing environment. In January 2026, she purchased Back in Motion Physical Therapy and opened its location in downtown Perham.
Dr. Heather has extensive continuing education training in myofascial release, Graston technique, cupping, soft tissue mobilization, vestibular rehab, concussion therapy, and spinal manipulations. She specializes in empowering her patients to take an active role in their own recovery, with a particular focus on treating chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain, concussions, sports injuries, and dizziness or balance issues.
Living in rural Frazee with her husband (whom she married in 2010), their three children—Winter, Ronin, and Amara—two dogs, and nine chickens, Dr. Heather is a true local who understands the active lifestyle of the community. When she isn’t in the clinic, she and her family enjoy exploring the outdoors, swimming, hunting, fishing, and camping. She brings this same passion for an active life to her practice, helping every patient find a more pain-free way of living.
Meet the Doctor:
Dr. Matthew Kaufenberg, MS, PT, Cert. SMT
Matthew’s 25+ year career began in Warroad, MN working in a variety of clinical settings. In 2001 he joined MultiCenter Physical Therapy in Roseville, MN where he served as their clinic supervisor until 2011. He was then hired as the Rehab Services Manager for St Joseph’s Area Health Services in Park Rapids, MN.
In 2015 he purchased Perham Physical Therapy in Perham, MN, later renaming it Back In Motion Physical Therapy. Two offices were later added, first in Park Rapids, MN and lastly in Frazee, MN. Currently Matthew works out of the Park Rapids office M-F and twice per month in Perham, MN.
Matthew has travelled the country as an instructor with Clinical Specialty Education, teaching a course entitled Shoulder Rehabilitation and Treatment. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and its Sports Physical Therapy Section. His current areas of interest are in the treatment of muscle and joint conditions with specialization in the treatment of headaches, low back pain, concussions, running injuries, and neck pain. He has received his certification in spinal manipulative therapy and in dry needling.
More recently, Matthew began offering Acoustic Hydro-Electric Shockwave therapy as part of his practice. This innovative technology, called StemWave, is ideal for treating both acute and chronic conditions. Acoustic soundwaves penetrate injured and painful areas of our musculoskeletal system facilitating the reduction of inflammation, the recruitment of stem cells and endothelial cells to the region and the release of natural pain relievers. This is truly a regenerative therapy as the endothelial and stem cells work together to assist the body in repairing damaged tissue.
His outside interests include travelling, running and cycling, and being a great husband and father. He is married to Sarah and has 2 children, Leo and Laura, who are both 20 years of age.
Experience the Difference of One-on-One Care
Ready to work with a physical therapist who truly listens? At Back In Motion, your health is your choice. Whether you’re visiting us in Perham, Frazee, or Park Rapids, we are ready to build a recovery plan as unique as you are.
Contact Us Today for More Information