I have nothing but praise for my experience at Northwest Spine Management. For five years I have dealt with back pain that radiates down my left leg. Prior to beginning treatment, I had gone from being a very active and athletic person to becoming afraid to take walks of any length or to play too vigorously with my children for fear of exacerbating my pain symptoms. Over a 3-month period, I was reintroduced to exercise and weight-training. The care and attention of the physical therapists and staff, the excellent specialized equipment available, the friendly and relaxed atmosphere--all of these created an environment that I looked forward to visiting twice a week. Not only did my symptoms improve over time, but I felt in better overall health than I had in years. As a physician, I'm delighted to be able to refer patients with back and neck pain to a practice in which I myself have been a very satisfied patient.

I applaud your work and your pleasant professionalism. In particular I admire your scrutiny of the facts and data available which you use to guide your approach. That's a tough row to hoe in a field chock full of opinions, factoids and anecdotal experience. Keep up the strong work.

Reaching my fifties was quite a shock for my body because I was still wanting to dance and lift and hike as usual but when I would strain or pull a muscle I was not recovering as easily. I went to Hawaii in the middle of February to get out of the Oregon cloud-cover and was in a boogie board accident in which a wave broke right on my lower back. When I got home, I had x-rays that indicated that I had injured my sacroiliac joint and that it would be a long time healing. I went to the physiatrist, the chiropractor, the acupuncturist, minor injury clinic, massage therapist, physical therapist, and eventually to the psychologist! I was not bouncing back. In fact, I was getting progressively worse. I would regain some mobility, go for a much needed walk, favor the hip that hurt, strain something and re-injure myself. Then I would limit my activity, ice and heat, stretch gently, get some acupuncture, get better and go for a much needed walk, but not as far, and re-injure myself. The walks kept getting shorter. My gait kept getting more imbalanced and my activity kept getting more limited. Soon I couldn’t drive long distances, lift my suitcase into the car, take out the recycling. I became the one who my friends would have to help, even this one friend in her 70’s. I felt old. Something was not right.

Then a friend came to me with one more practitioner that I had to see. I was getting sick of this. But I went. I went to Northwest Spine Management for physical therapy. I learned from the therapists there that I had lost a lot of muscle strength over the last 6 years by limiting my activity, and I had developed ways of compensating that were further straining my body. The physical therapists there use a system of machines called MedX that help to rebuild muscle after an injury and to rebalance the musculature of the body. The machines are highly sophisticated with carefully designed restraints to isolate the targeted muscles and computers to add weight strategically in very gradual increments. The therapists reassured me that I would not re-injure myself, so push through my fear. After my sessions with the machines they would give me ice and ultrasound for preventative “rescue” as I was regaining muscle. I started out with very little weights and grew stronger and stronger.

Now it is a year later. I have never written a testimonial but it is such a pleasure to praise this system. I have not had an exacerbation of my back injury in 9 months. I am walking and lifting. I am not old. My body has a lot more in it to explore my world. I am 58 years old now and more fit than I have been in a decade. I have understood that the Northwest Spine Management team presents the most up-to-date information about injury recovery and new systems to help. There is hope for aging muscles.

NW Spine Management has made me a new person, many times over. From a back problem to a knee problem, NW Spine Management is the first place I come to, even before my primary care provider. I can get a complete evaluation, and when I do see my physician, I have the information she needs. I wouldn’t think of going to any other physical therapy clinic than NW Spine. I get personalized attention in a caring environment. Each year I bring my students on a field trip to NW Spine so they can see for themselves the kind of professionalism they need to model in their practice, as well as exposure to well-researched testing and treatment methods.

NW Spine is by far the best and most progressive facility that I have associated with both as a client and as a medical professional. Their integrity would not allow me to continue if it were not beneficial to me. While developing a therapy program for my chronic low-back injury, they have also taken into consideration my other chronic physical problems that if not addressed could make the therapy process more difficult. I sincerely believe that I am on the right track with this kind of therapy.

I want to express my gratitude for the help you’ve given me over the past year. Thanks to you the spinal curvature due to scoliosis has not progressed. My stamina for physical activity has increased, as have my strength and flexibility. And I experience less pain. Plus, after reviewing my x-rays, my orthopedic surgeon recommends that I not have surgery at this time! Thank you again for your professional treatment, support and encouragement.

I appreciate the excellent direction you gave me with back strengthening to correct radiation related kyphosis. The exercises were extremely helpful. I wish I could remember half of the pearls you shared.

Please extend my best wishes to all the staff who were so helpful and encouraging. Northwest Spine Management gets an A+ in my books. I have recommended you to several patients. I hope they followed through. They would benefit from your facilities and expertise. You are great therapists. I enjoyed getting to know you and appreciate the excellent care I received. I won’t hesitate to call again should problems or issues with my back arise again.

Physical therapy at N.W. Spine Management is unique, effective and safe. Their clinic is one of a select few to use MedX equipment that is designed to provide baseline measurements and numerical comparisons at specific intervals during the patient’s treatment program. The patient can see the progress being made and feels encouraged by evidence. The MedX equipment prevents inadvertent injury during therapy by isolating the particular muscle group under treatment and exercise.

The Doctors of Physical Therapy who direct treatment believe that physical conditioning as part of recovery and use computer-guided exercise plans based on each patient’s beginning level and ability to increase. This multi-pronged approach was extremely effective in alleviating my back pain. Thanks to the amiable and competent crew at N.W. Spine Management, my back feels better than it has at any time in the past two decades.

After completing your course of physical therapy, I still stretch on my Saunders neck machine daily as you instructed, and my life is transformed. You are a savior, thank you again!

I discovered that NW Spine Management, Rehabilitation, and Sports Conditioning (NW Spine) offers more than premiere spine care. I had the misfortune of simultaneously fracturing my right tibia (lower leg bone) and tearing my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) during skiing.

As a registered nurse and as someone familiar with exercise and rehabilitative equipment, I appreciated the breadth of equipment and skill available at NW Spine. After a long period of immobilization, I was able to selectively strengthen the weakened tissues around my knee using the MedX Knee Medical Machine. Eventually, I had the unique therapeutic experience of bridging the MedX therapy to Pilates training, all under one roof! I continue to participate in the Maintenance Program and regular Pilates-IMX training at NW Spine.

After three failed courses of physical therapy and three years of lower back pain, I have experienced dramatic improvement since the beginning NW Spine's program. There is a high level of professional care provided here and unlike many PT clinics, patients see the same therapist for every visit. The massage therapy provided is also excellent.

Having had several back surgeries and a number of physical therapy experiences I appreciate the professional and considerate care of this facility (NW Spine). They have been responsive to my needs and individualized my care. This has been the best physical therapy experience I have encountered.

Presently I am participating in the Maintenance Program in which I plan to continue to gain strength and reduce my pain. This is one of the most important aspects that is offered. Continued access to my physical therapist for questions or concerns provide reassurance. The MedX equipment is of the highest quality and is set for my individual needs. I do not fear further injury with this system.

This facility has been an important part of my recovery, and I plan to continue to make use of the Maintenance Program for an indefinite period of time.

October of 1997 I needed to have a cervical fusion (C4-C6). The surgery went well and the symptoms I was having pre-op disappeared completely Post-op. After the surgery I had to wear a soft neck brace for three months. I went to PT as ordered and in August of 1998 Steve Hoge introduced me to the Med-X neck machine . I was able to exercise on this 2-3 times per week for strength and mobility. To date, I am able to maintain by exercising on the Med-X once a week.

In February of 2001, symptoms I had pre-op returned, not severe but I knew something was not right. After an appointment with the doctor and getting x-rays it was painfully apparent that the fusion that I had in 1997 was not complete. To relieve the symptoms the doctor prescribed neck traction and Med-X for strength.

I continue to use the neck traction (2x/week) and the Med-X (1x/week) to relieve symptoms. I am very grateful to have the opportunity and use of the Med-X without which I believe I would need another surgery.

I have no doubt that I would be on permanent disability if it weren’t for this program. Nobody can offer everything that this clinic has to offer.

This facility has equipment and personnel capable of managing the complexity of my physical problems. What I like is the knowledgeable, accessible and friendly staff who exude positive energy when working with people suffering from chronic pain. I always feel better after using the MedX lumbar extension machine and recommend that any interested patient or physician see the facilities for themselves. The MedX is not equipment you can find just anywhere. A "preferred" provider is not always the best provider; patients should invest in their health.

From a patient to his referring physician:

This is a high compliment for your diagnosis of my rotator cuff problem and direction to NW Spine Management. I have diligently followed their instructions for a short period of time and have fortunately achieved a wonderful improvement. You had directed me to the Spine clinic a year or so ago when I had a problem with my Achilles tendon. I want you to know how wonderful it is to think that I will soon be back on a tennis court!

Many thanks for all of your help and support in my therapy! You are so dedicated and do such a terrific job! It has been fun and I will miss seeing all of you! I appreciate your caring ways and am thankful to all of you!

When I first showed up at Northwest Spine, I was in pain and discouraged about the likelihood of the pain going away. An MRI had shown a "significantly protruding disk in my lower back, which was causing pain and numbness in my left leg and foot. Sitting all day at work was agonizing. A neurosurgeon was eager to wheel me into the operating room.

Happily, I decided to try physical therapy at Northwest Spine Management instead. Northwest Spine's gym has a well-equipped weight room and several specialty machines that helped me build my flexibility and strength. More important, Pete, Joel and Greg were supportive and compassionate and knew exactly what they were doing.

Two years later, my back is strong. The sciatic pain and the numbness and weakness are gone. I'm back running and skiing and biking. I still work out at their gym to prevent any relapses and because it's a fun place to be. Thanks guys.

I had been suffering for several years from increasing low back pain and tightness, fatigue and aching in the muscles of my hips, buttocks and upper legs. These symptoms were seriously affecting my enjoyment of physical recreation. Subsequent to a diagnosis of spondylolisthesis, I was treated by a physical therapist for several months with no noticeable improvement. My doctor then recommended NW Spine. After three months of treatment at NW Spine, my symptoms began to lessen. Six months after my first treatment, I continue to follow NW Spine's physical therapy regimen. My back and legs feel better than they have in years. Exercise is much less painful and I recover much more quickly from it than before. A big "Thank You" to all the staff at NW Spine.

In the fall of 1999 an MRI indicated bulges in several of my disks, which had caused chronic and severe lower back pain that only worsened over the years. After following a personalized spine rehabilitation program at NW Spine Management, the strength and stabilization in my back increased more than 100%, with pain diminished to 2%. Movement free of pain is wonderful!

The goal of NW Spine is not only to alleviate pain and fix an immediate problem, but to educate and train patients for a life of physical fitness. In addition to and even more important than the weeks of physical therapy, NW Spine provides a personalized physical training program on a full range of state-of-the-art weight resistance equipment that allows me not only to maintain, but to increase the stability and strength gained from the initial therapy. All staff remain fully available for advice, direction, program adjustments, and most important, support and encouragement.

Two years ago I canceled my membership at a gym ¼ mile from my home, and instead drive 30 miles 3 days a week to use NW Spine facilities (gym and special back strengthening equipment) because the resources are superior in every way. I absolutely believe that access to and regular use of the NW Spine program and equipment has kept my back pain free and my body strong.

I highly recommend NW Spine resources and gym facility to anyone seriously committed to continuing good health and fitness.

I have been a Strength and Conditioning client for nearly four years. I am fortunate to have encountered the friendly, goal-oriented staff, who have offered creative and innovative ways to personalize workouts for maximum benefit. The Sports Conditioning Center staff at NW Spine are educated and experienced in providing safe and effective workouts for their clients in a caring, supportive environment.

I can’t believe how much better my back feels after 4-5 months. I love those spine machines! When I first came here, I was having a lot of pain just showering. Now I am attending football practice with no increase in pain.

After fracturing two vertebrae, I tried chiropractic, neurosurgeons, MRI and every other avenue I knew available to heal and get out of pain. No one did anything effective. I showed up for my first physical therapy appointment at NW Spine to a welcoming, cheerful hello from the receptionist. I was introduced to my physical therapist who was confident, polite, inquisitive, interested and in every way welcoming and informative. He made complex information understandable and explained the whole program from purpose and outcome expectations to length and a myriad of detail about the upcoming physical therapy experience. My physical therapist shows extraordinary compassion, and continuously gives me hope and encouragement along with lots of helpful exercises and strength-building techniques. I go twice weekly and it is the highlight of a painful week. Recently, I began concurrently participating in NW Spine's massage therapy, and it has been equally exhilarating. There is no way to express my appreciation and admiration for my physical therapist and the whole clinic staff. NW Spine has been a wonderful rehabilitative experience.

I have had now 2 motor vechicle accidents, and NW Spine has helped me recover from both. The first time around, not knowing what and how severe my injury was, they helped me understand what happened and how to continue my healing process even after I left NW Spine.

Many thanks to the owner and staff at NW Spine and their progressive facility. I had been an active kayaker and snow skier when an injury resulting in cervical radiculopathy and stenosis sidelined me for over a year. After conservative physical therapy for a few weeks with minimal relief, my only other option appeared to be surgery. A chiropractic provider recommended NW Spine and I began an intensive program. After 3 months, I was able to resume most everyday activities (walking, hiking, moderate lifting without pain) and am now able to kayak and ski with even more confidence than prior to the injury. The strength training made all the difference in returning to normal functioning. The staff are professional, cheerful and motivating. Thanks again.