John Koth couldn’t return to Iowa after experiencing mountain life. His entire trajectory changed after attending university in Oregon. In addition to meeting his wife Sherri in the Pacific Northwest, John discovered that the ocean, the mountains, and the activities they inspired had captured him. He left the mountains one last time to study physical therapy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with the full intention of returning west. He applied to positions in Oregon, Washington, Northern California and, on a lark, Idaho. He accepted a job in Sun Valley, knowing nothing about the place when he arrived in June 1991. Thirty-three years later, he can’t imagine a better place to live and work.
Koth appreciated the relaxed mountain culture, noting the town’s refinement, educated environment, good restaurants, and vibrant art scene. Although he has recently discovered the talents of Ballet Sun Valley, the finer things are not what has kept physical therapist John Koth MPT, MS, ATC, in the Wood River Valley. Koth reminisces that his first ever mountain bike ride was following a sadistic friend straight up Proctor Mountain. He enjoys running and hiking with his golden retrievers, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
The abundance of outdoor pursuits makes Sun Valley an ideal place to practice physical therapy. The types of injuries and people Koth gets to work with and rehabilitate are quite interesting. These cases often stand out compared to those seen in the general population for two key reasons: first, the injuries often arise from situations that only very athletically skilled or motivated individuals can encounter, and second, the patients often want to return to their high level of activity as soon as possible.
“My work is rewarding,” said Koth, “but I am dealing mostly with the negative aspects of people’s lives, like injury, boredom, frustration, and depression. I act as a consultant and a guide. How can I get you safely back to activity after traumatic injuries?”
Koth often refers to a mantra used by the Navy SEALs, ‘Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.’ Recovery is patient-driven, and people can be impatient to get back to activity, especially when those people come from a community of generally high-functioning overachievers.
As Koth said, “In this community, if a little is good, then more is better.”
Koth actually enjoys this local mindset because it allows him to get creative with his methods of physical therapy. Generally, the primary goals are to get a patient to walk on flat ground again or to stand up from a seated position. Many of Koth’s patients are trying to mountain bike, ski, trail run, and/or go kite foiling again. The creativity in Koth’s work comes from trying to replicate the same actions the patients utilize in their sports or activities.
There isn’t a specific protocol for getting someone back up on their paddleboard on Redfish Lake after a hip replacement. For example, Koth uses a creative tool called ‘Rehab by Trail, Hiking Edition,’ where rehabilitation is measured by a patient’s ability to comfortably accomplish a specific hike. Starting with the enjoyably mellow Adams Gulch trail, moving up to the reliable Baldy trails (that offer a rehab-friendly gondola decent) and graduating to the rapid elevation gain and summiting of Sun Peak.
“I can’t tell people what risks to take,” Koth said, shrugging, “but I hope to put people back in action as prepared as they can be. And most people will say that they’re in better shape after rehab than before they were hurt.”
Koth attributes his success as a physical therapist to listening and learning from his patients, a skill he attributes to his parents’ teachings. His father was a preacher, and his mother a teacher. He has fostered a practice that is both personal and highly effective. His ability to connect with the community and his passion for the active lifestyle they share have made him an integral part of the Valley. He has made a meaningful impact and, in return, has found a sense of fulfillment and belonging.
As Koth reflects on his time in this close-knit town, he acknowledges the profound responsibility and joy of his role. “There’s a group of physical therapists who have been around for the last 20 years, and we all stay for the same reasons,” he said. “Because we get it. We understand the people here.”
John Koth’s journey from the Midwest to the mountains of Sun Valley is a testament to the transformative power of nature and community. Over three decades, in a place where mountains inspire a drive for excellence and adventure, he has built a life and career deeply intertwined with the lively spirit of the Wood River Valley. His innovative approach to physical therapy highlights his commitment to helping patients not just recover but thrive. ï