Posted on March 18, 2025
Mary Free Bed at Munson: Expanding Access to Top-Tier Rehabilitation Care
Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare continues to expand its team of highly skilled physiatrists in Traverse City. Dr. Barent Bradt and Dr. Kaitlyn Vanias bring a wealth of expertise to the region, providing specialized rehabilitation care to patients facing a wide range of diagnoses, from musculoskeletal to complex neurological conditions. Patients across northern Michigan will get the help they need to get back to their favorite activities.
Meet Barent Bradt, DO
Dr. Bradt is a board-certified physiatrist and provides services for outpatient clinics in Traverse City, as well as the inpatient rehabilitation unit on weekends. He specializes in spine and musculoskeletal rehabilitation in addition to performing EMGs, diagnostic and procedural ultrasound, interventional spasticity management and trigger point injections.
He brings a passion for physical medicine and rehabilitation after his work at the athletic training program at Michigan State University.
“I believe in the body’s able to heal with the right environment and time,” says Dr. Bradt. “When we can improve strength and range of motion, we not only treat the pain but also prevent further injuries.”
Some of the most common conditions Dr. Bradt treats are lower back, neck pain, acute and chronic joint problems. “We’ll use techniques when needed to help decrease pain, so patients can work harder in therapy,” says Dr. Bradt. “Rebuilding strength around the joints is critical for long term pain reduction and improved function.”
Meet Kaitlyn Vanias, MD
Dr. Vanias provides physiatry services for outpatient clinics and consultative care in Traverse City. She focuses on patients with chronic neurological conditions, including stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury. She also performs electrodiagnostic studies and spasticity management.
As a lifelong endurance athlete, Dr. Vanias brings that unique perspective and experience to her patients.
“Training and racing at high levels has taught me a lot about both physiology and psychology,” says Dr. Vanias. “Every patient is similar to an athlete because they have specific goals, strengths and limitations. My job as their doctor is to help them make a training plan to chart a course forward.”
In seeing a wide range of patients and complex conditions, Dr. Vanias helps assemble a multidisciplinary approach and team including, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. “There’s always ways we can improve patient’s symptoms and work towards their goals,” she says.
The addition of Dr. Bradt and Dr. Vanias elevate the exceptional rehabilitation care provided at Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare. With a focus on restoring hope and freedom to patients recovering from injury or illness, Mary Free Bed offers personalized care tailored to individual patient needs. Whatever your specific needs, outpatient locations are located throughout Northern Michigan to help reach your goals.
Visit www.munsonhealthcare.org/maryfreebed for more information or call 231.935.Mary to schedule your visit.
Learn more about Dr. Bradt and Dr. Vanias in a livestream video below:
