Oasis Physical Therapy in Stillwater is owned by Kelsi Odell , age 27 , who is changing the model of healing in more ways than one . Odell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who is specialized in pelvic health therapy – a type of physical therapy rarely found among practitioners in Oklahoma .
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 43
Oasis Physical Therapy in Stillwater is owned by Kelsi Odell , age 27 , who is changing the model of healing in more ways than one . Odell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who is specialized in pelvic health therapy – a type of physical therapy rarely found among practitioners in Oklahoma .
Odell has partnered with Aubrey Rimer , 43 , also a DPT ( 2015 , University of New Mexico ) and PT . Rimer previously worked at Total Health Stillwater Medical Center from 2015 to 2022 , then joined Odell at Oasis Physical Therapy in March 2024 . Rimer is also specialized in pelvic health therapy .
Odell was working at Total Health Stillwater Medical Center at the same time as Rimer and the two were colleagues .
“ We met there and she went on a year sabbatical with her husband . When she was away was when I opened the business , and when she came back I asked if she would come on board ,” Odell said , and that ’ s when Rimer joined Odell at Oasis .
Odell runs her practice using a fee-for-service model , cutting health insurance – unless it ’ s wanted by the patient – completely out of the picture . This is revolutionary for many people who are no longer being approved by their healthcare providers for what they really need on their road to wellness .
“ My practice developed out of a lack of options ,” Odell said . “ When we ’ re in the medical world as a physical therapist , a lot of what we do is governed by insurance . Working just one year after graduating school I realized I needed and wanted to give more to people that I wasn ’ t able to give them because of insurance restrictions .”
Odell said using her model of cash-for-service allows her to work without the restrictions of insurance and her patients feel more confident that she can give them exactly what they need , and what will actually make them better .
Most often with therapists and clinics using insurance , people are going to shorter visits or multiple when she opened her business , she said , “ Let ’ s do it . Let ’ s make something to allow for the longevity of the practice and maximize what my patients get .”
Odell said starting up her business was not that difficult in Stillwater .
“ I rented a small space in the town center and I shared my initial space with a massage therapist . We split the rent and then over time we ’ ve just been able to add things here and there ,” she said . And now this summer their first expansion .
Odell said she chose Stillwater to open her business after she attended OSU for school , and where she met the man who now is her husband . They stayed .
“ We love the community , we love OSU and being
AUBREY RIMER
able to recognize people in yoga and out riding bikes and around town . We like how small it is but also how it ’ s growing fast , but it ’ s still able to maintain its small town feel with good options of things to do ,” she said .
For Rimer she said the rewards of being in Stillwater are helping the community .
“ Although the number of pelvic physical therapists is growing in Oklahoma , there are relatively few of us in Stillwater . It is wonderful to be able to treat people locally ,” she said .
In terms of introducing a new healthcare model to the community and how the middleman of health insurance is cut out , Odell said , “ I knew things were not going to change unless I changed them . It is working and I think a lot of therapists will be following what we do .”
For anyone wishing to be a young entrepreneur , Odell said it ’ s important to trust that “ if you feel passionately enough about certain things other people will , too – and if you see a lack , just go for it – if you never do it , you ’ ll never know .”
Rimer advised , “ For folks who might be interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy , I highly recommend shadowing professionals who work in different areas to find what area suits you . This is a great way to get a better sense of the options and roles that exist and to begin learning about the necessary training and credentials required .”
In terms of the future for Oasis Physical Therapy in Stillwater , Odell said , “ I hope that everyone can receive the health therapy that they need , which can allow for people to function in the beautiful ways their body needs to , and I hope to be a part of that to provide to community .”
Rimer said , “ For anyone seeking treatment , we invite any questions they may have regarding their pelvic health . There are no dumb questions or issues too small . If it is important to you , it is important to us . We are here to answer those questions .”
Odell and Rimer can be reached by email at contact @ oasisphysicaltherapyok . com or by phone at 405- 871-5826 . SwOk
STORY BY : KIERSTEN SHAUN Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
PHOTOS PROVIDED
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 43