Eighty-seven-year-old Dale Gibson lifted his leg straight out as he lay on an exam table at Premier Physical Therapy earlier this month.

Gibson has undergone a complete knee replacement, but the Umatilla man smiled easily as he talked about his service in the Army with physical therapist Justin Kitchen. Kitchen helped Gibson make slow but sure movements with his knee, just one example of how he tries to give everyone one-on-one attention at the Hermiston office. Kitchen generally spends a half-hour at least with each of the 16 to 19 patients he sees per week.

We try to minimize the pain (and) maximize the benefits, Kitchen said.

Kitchen served as a physical therapist in Milton-Freewater for a time before moving to Hermiston to be closer to his wifes family. Since making the move, he decided to open a branch of Premier Physical Therapy on Main Street in mid-March. His 2,000 square-foot office as space for two treatment rooms as well as weight equipment and other machines.

A graduate of Brigham Young University in Utah, Kitchen has the credentials and experience needed for his profession but continues to educate himself more to serve the public.

Neck and back problems are so prevalent,?he said, adding he is constantly trying to find ways to better serve his customers.

He helps rehabilitate patients suffering from any muscle or joint pain, sports injuries and for knee, neck and back injuries. His patients range from the very old to the very young.

We mobilize the joints so that theyre moving correctly,?Kitchen said. We really try to do muscle re-training during treatment, so people can know how to get better at home.

Kitchen is glad he made the move to Hermiston and to have his business situated in the downtown.

You really feel like youre in the community,?Kitchen said.

Kitchen is hosting a grand opening with refreshments from noon to 1 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the business, 252 E. Main St.

For more information, call 541-701-0708.