What is your name?
Frank Grispino
What is your role at ARC Physical Therapy+?
OT/Certified Hand Therapist/Maryville Clinic Director
What year did you begin working at ARC Physical Therapy+?
I started at ARC in 2020 to open the ARCPT+ Maryville Clinic. I had been at St. Francis Hospital for 23 years prior. I served as a CHT and the Director of Rehab and Sports Medicine. My last 3-4 years, I was also Vice President of Operations/COO.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Maryville, Missouri.
Where did you go to school?
I did my undergraduate work at the University of Missouri in Columbia. My degree was in behavioral science/military science. I completed the Army ROTC program while there. I received a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst College in Kansas City. Yes…it was “college” way back then. It snowed a lot, and I had to walk uphill to class both ways. 😊
Who or what inspired you to get into the physical therapy space?
My wonderful wife, who is also an OT and CHT, inspired me and was instrumental in my going back to grad school for my OT education.
What do you like most about your work at ARC Physical Therapy+?
I stayed at St. Francis for 23 years and didn’t leave until we were sold. I stayed for so long because my core values and St. Francis core values were a match. It also had a family atmosphere and a responsibility to serve those you work with and the community. I came to ARC Physical Therapy+ because I feel that our core values are a match and I’m able to continue serving my local community.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about the body or physical therapy?
I frequently hear the saying, “no pain, no gain”. I really disagree with this. I think in the world of hand therapy, the better therapists don’t necessarily always know what to do, but they know or have a very good idea of what not to do to first keep the patient and surgery safe.
Are you involved with any outside organizations? If so, what?
I’m a member of the Maryville School Board. I’m also a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists, and an affiliate member of the American Society of Surgery of the Hand. I’m also a current reviewer for scientific study submissions to the Journal of Hand Surgery. I’ve been involved with the Hand Therapy Certification Commission as a question writer for the Certified Hand Therapist certification examination. I’m also a member of the M1 Garand Collectors Association.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have many activities I enjoy doing in my free time. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my wife Susan and our two boys Gage and Gunnar, and my working line German Shepherd Dog, Ivan (he’s East German/Czech). I also enjoy: Beekeeping, metal detecting old historical sites/homes, flying RC airplanes, shooting, hunting, traveling, reading technical manuals and historical/old books, and ghost hunting. I have my Federal Firearms License, so I can delve into that side of my leisure activity a little deeper than some can.
How do you like to celebrate a win or a good day?
My ideal celebration would be a quiet evening at home interacting with my family. I used to like playing chess with them, but I’m finding it hard to win now. Maybe that should motivate me to play more?!
What is your favorite quote or saying?
“The good thing about scar tissue is it sticks stuff together. The bad thing about scar tissue is it sticks stuff together.” – Dr. Roy Meals
“Taking glucosamine to rebuild a joint is like a bald man eating hair to cure his baldness.” – paraphrased quote of Dr. Roy Meals
“It’s all mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t[sic] matter” – Colonel Timothy Karcher (said to me while puking during road marches, but applicable to life)
“If I go down, I’m gonna go down swinging. If I grow old, it won’t be gracefully.” – Bob Walkenhorst
Favorite Sports Team?
Mizzou Tigers football
Sweet or salty?
Salty, but sweet and salty is good, too.
Coffee or tea?
Hot, black, and bitter black coffee. Coffee so thick, a spoon will stand up in it without touching the sides.
Beach or mountains?
Mountains, but I like the beach, too.
Go out or stay in?
Absolutely stay in. I’m a natural introvert.
What do you like most about your work at ARC Physical Therapy+?
The challenge of learning a new system and building a new clinic and programs for my hometown community.
What inspires you?
Family! My wonderful wife inspires me. She is the best wife, mother, OT, and friend in the world. I’m inspired to act and react like she does, but it isn’t easy. My parents inspire me to be the best dad I can be. I had no idea how tough a job it was until I had kids of my own.
