Allison Hamre

A car accident during her 7th grade year led Allison Hamre to her current profession as an Occupational Therapist. Allison, her younger sister, dad, and mom were driving to a cheerleading competition when they were involved in a wreck that resulted in her mother’s broken arm. It was going through that experience and seeing her mom go through rehabilitation that opened Allison’s eyes to a career in occupational therapy. “After seeing my mom go through therapy and her journey to get better, I decided this is what I want to do. I want to help others to feel better and get back to doing the things they enjoy, ”said Allison.

Allison joined the MCH Therapy Services team at the end of 2022 and loves her role as an occupational therapist. According to Allison, the small town feel at MCH is a benefit, and getting to know her patients on a deeper level and forming relationships with them is something that often times is lost at a larger facility. She loves teaching the senior exercise class twice a week and all the opportunities for growth that exist at MCH.

Allison is currently working to develop a new program at MCH for people dealing with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. She recently completed training through the Herman and Wallace continuing education program that is specific to the treatment of this condition. Pelvic floor dysfunction is weakness, hypertonicity, or incoordination of pelvic floor muscles that may lead to pain, sensation of heaviness incontinence, or other symptoms. “Though this is a common condition, affecting 25% of people, there are still not a lot of facilities that offer treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. There is definitely a need and for MCH to offer treatment is very exciting,” said Hamre. Treatment consists of proper breathing mechanics, body awareness and proprioception (the sense that lets us perceive the location, movement, and action of parts of the body), strengthening abdominals, glutes, hips, the lower back and pelvic floor. Relaxation techniques are also used to treat the condition, and an understanding of how a person’s lifestyle and wellness habits can affect pelvic dysfunction is important.

“MCH is happy to have Allison on board and to offer this new treatment option to patients. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for her work is admirable. There is no doubt she will have an impact on those she treats,” said Amy Zimmer, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse Executive. “She is a wonderful addition to the MCH team and we are fortunate to have her.”

Growing up on an acreage between Bennington and Blair, this community continues to be Allison’s home. She graduated from Bennington High School before attending College of Saint Mary to attain her degree if Occupational Therapy. While in college, she was a member of the dance team. When she isn’t working, Allison enjoys spending time outside, running, and playing with her dog, Winnie.