After 41 years of dedicated service, Tom Jensen “TJ” has retired as the director of physical therapy at St. Cloud Orthopedics, but not before helping welcome the new director – a longtime colleague. Jensen not only started the original physical therapy and athletic training program at the clinic but also helped select the new director, Chad Ritter, who has worked at St. Cloud Orthopedics for 18 years, and prior to that was a recipient of Jensen’s training and mentorship during high school.
“It’s been incredible to see the growth and success of the physical therapy program (throughout) the years,” Jensen said of his years at the clinic. “And it’s been rewarding to see patients get back to the activities they wanted to and meet their goals at every age.”
Though Ritter and Jensen worked side-by-side for 18 years, Jensen was also Ritter’s athletic trainer when he played football and baseball for Sartell High School. In addition, Jensen taught Introduction to Sports Medicine when Ritter was in school. That early connection helped impact Ritter’s career path in the medical field.
“Becoming director of physical and occupational therapy here at St. Cloud Orthopedics is definitely a career highlight for me,” Ritter said. “TJ is not only a mentor but a friend; I couldn’t think of a better person to learn from than him.”
The Orthopedic Sports Center at St. Cloud Orthopedics offers award-winning physical and occupational therapy, as well as sideline services and athletic training for area athletics at the high school and college levels.
St. Cloud Orthopedics is an independent medical practice that has provided advanced orthopedic care in central Minnesota since 1955. With locations in Sartell and south St. Cloud, their services cover all treatments for every bone, joint and muscle in the body, including physical and occupational therapy. Learn more at StCloud Orthopedics.com.
Chad Ritter (left) and Tom Jensen “TJ” in front of the St. Cloud Orthopedic Sports Center.
