The Fort was created to fill a gap in our community by offering a truly integrated approach to health, wellness, and performance. We provide exceptional care and expert guidance throughout every stage of their wellness journey, all within a single facility.
From rehabilitation and recovery to strength training and long-term fitness, our goal is to provide a seamless experience that empowers individuals to live healthier, stronger, and more functional lives.
At The Fort, excellence guides everything we do. From the professionals we hire to the services we provide and the environment we maintain, we are committed to delivering an experience that exceeds expectations.
Our team consists of highly qualified healthcare providers, fitness professionals, instructors, and wellness experts who share a passion for helping others achieve their highest potential.
Excellence Is the Standard
Excellence Is the Standard
Excellence Is the Standard
Excellence Is the Standard
Excellence Is the Standard
Excellence Is the Standard
What Makes Us Different
Our unique model allows clients to move seamlessly through every phase of care and wellness, including:
- Fort Fitness Gym
- Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Services through River Bend PT
- Personal Training
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Wellness Bar through Hayline Coffee
From rehabilitation and recovery to strength development, mobility enhancement, and elite performance training, The Fort offers a seamless path to better health and wellness—all under one roof.
Wellness Defined
To us, wellness means more than fitness. It encompasses a healthy body, a healthy mind, and the ability to live life fully and independently.
Our mission is to help every individual become the most functional version of themselves through expert care, personalized support, and a comprehensive approach to health.
Meet The Leadership Team
Years ago, Kaci, Joe, and Michelle sat down with Kaci’s father and shared a dream of creating a place where people could access exceptional rehabilitation, movement, and wellness services under one roof. Although Kaci’s father is no longer with us, his vision and legacy continue to inspire what has become The Fort.
Today, River Bend Physical Therapy and Apex Physical Therapy have come together under one name—River Bend Physical Therapy—uniting our team while continuing to serve patients throughout the Flathead Valley. Our main clinic is located at The Fort in Bigfork, with additional satellite clinics in South Kalispell as well as at the Montana Athletic Club in Bigfork.
The Fort was created to be more than a physical therapy clinic. It is a place where health, movement, and community come together. Home to River Bend Physical Therapy, pilates, yoga, personal training, and Hayline Coffee, The Fort reflects our commitment to helping people move well, stay active, and live healthier lives. We are honored to continue serving the Flathead Valley and look forward to welcoming you to our new home.
Johannes (Joe) Sikkema received a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from Brock University. He then completed a Masters Degree in Sports Medicine at California State University of Fresno. Upon completion of his Masters degree he was accepted into Loma Linda Medical University where he completed his Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy. While attending school Joe was also able to play Division I Volleyball at both Brock and Fresno State which gave him a unique perspective on dealing with high level athletes and their injuries. For the last 10 years he has specialized in Outpatient Orthopedic Therapy with an emphasis on manual therapy. He is certified in Manipulation, Dry Needling, and other manual techniques to assist all patients with all levels of discomfort and pain. While completing his Doctoral Degree Joe also won the award for excellence in research, specifically in the area of Vestibular dysfunction, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Concussions. For this reason Joe is competent in handling the most complex of medical cases and can assist both patients and families with the issues that arise from these serious conditions.
Dr. Joe Sikkema currently sees patients predominantly at the River Bend South Kalispell Location, but will also be seeing patients at the Fort by appointment, or request.
Meet Michelle Sikkema, a co-owner and founding member here at The Fort and Riverbend Physical Therapy clinics. While you might not always see her out front, Michelle works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every single member has an amazing experience in all areas of the club. She is your go-to expert for everything from understanding medical insurance to answering billing questions, always ready to help keep your experience stress-free. Michelle is truly here to serve you and make sure you have an incredible time with us.
Outside of work, Michelle stays active and loves adventure. She spends her free time traveling the world with her family and exploring the great outdoors. Depending on the season, you can usually find her snowboarding down a mountain in the winter or catching waves on her surfboard in the summer.
Dr. Kaci Calaway received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Montana in Missoula Montana. Kaci is the owner of River Bend Physical Therapy and Preventative Care, LLC. Dr. Calaway graduated from the University of Montana in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and went on to get her doctorate in 2011. She also holds a certification in Spinal Manipulative Therapy™ (Cert. SMT™) from the Spinal Manipulation Institute and a certification in Dry Needling™ (Cert. DN™) from the Dry Needling Institute of the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy™.
Kaci lives in Bigfork with her two children lrelynn and Jamison. Dr. Calaway is thrilled to be located within the Montana Athletic Club and back in her hometown. Her main areas of interest include spine pain and dysfunction, chronic pain syndromes, headache relief, sports medicine, post-surgery rehabilitation, general fitness, and preventative care to promote the optimal health of every client. She is focused on getting the best possible results for each patient and looks forward to working with you.
Dr. Kaci Calaway currently sees patients predominantly at the Montana Athletic Club Location, but will also be seeing patients at the Fort by appointment, or request.
