AfterEx Post-Rehab ARFTA Story

In April of 2013 an industry-changing idea was born in a small East Texas nursing home. Danny Harber, a PRN therapist and Cathy Lynn, the restorative aide were having a conversation. During this conversation Cathy commented that all the therapists had licenses on the wall and she said, "I want a piece of paper that says I'm somebody because I work for these patients just as hard as you all do."

Danny agreed with Cathy and stated he would try to make that happen. Danny just happened to be a multi-certified personal trainer in addition to being a therapist, and owned a private company called AfterEx Post Rehab. AfterEx specialized in personal training for people who had finished formal therapy and wanted to continue recovery exercise in their homes. After much reflection, it was realized that restorative aides and in-house rehab techs do much of the same work AfterEx was doing in post-rehab exercise. The two biggest differences noted between a personal trainer and a restorative aide/rehab tech were 1: A certificate/training; 2: A trainers mindset. A skillset was already in place as restorative staff function as post-rehab exercise technicians on a daily basis.

In the following months a training program was designed to credential these special staff members. AfterEx would deliver the training and an organization to uphold the credential was formed. The American Restorative Fitness Trainers Association or ARFTA. ARFTA is comprised of the certified members and an advisory board with representatives from physical and occupational therapy, nursing and personal training.

As Cathy was promised certificate #0001, the first training was done on January 4, 2014, and the certificate was awarded. It has become affectionately known as "Cathy's piece of paper." More certificates have been issued since and more trainings are scheduled. ARFTA certified members represent all four settings of SNF, ALF, HH and Hospice.