As Kalani McLaughlin, a physical therapist with Berube Physical Therapy, advised Anouk Lee, his patient, about the recovery process for her upcoming ACL surgery, Cassidy Dennison listened and watched.

Dennison, a Flathead High junior, spends two days per week in the clinic, surrounded by workout machines and learning what exercises help patients with their goals or challenges. In Lee’s case, McLaughlin explained, they were working on low-impact exercises to keep her strong ahead of her surgery. He handed her a resistance band to put around her knees. Dennison stood watch as Lee did a series of clamshell exercises, lifting one knee up and putting it down before switching to the other side. When Lee finished, Dennison took the band from her and put it away.

Dennison’s interest in the healt

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