Back to Running My First Half-Marathon After IT Band Injury

I’ve received top-notch care from everyone at Zenith Performance and Wellness! I’ve been seeing Jenn for the past year for low and mid-back pain related to an injury I sustained in 2006. I used to be incredibly active, but two years ago, I was at a point where I could hardly do anything because I kept throwing my back out. I couldn’t even walk around the hills in my neighborhood without being in significant pain. Today, I’m able to do many of the things I used to enjoy—dancing, kayaking, surfing, and taking Pilates classes. I definitely have to listen to my body and know my limits, but I truly believe that if you’re committed to doing the exercises your physical therapist gives you, you will see results. Jenn has been AMAZING! She really knows her stuff and has played such an important role in helping me get my life back. Everyone at Zenith takes the time to really understand what’s going on with you. Their initial evaluation is incredibly thorough, and you can tell they genuinely care about their patients. I’m constantly referring people to Zenith because, honestly, they have changed my life. Jesse Klein, the owner, completed my initial evaluation, and he was fantastic. I’ve also had a massage with Jesse Birmingham, who did an amazing job. Ally, the Client Experience Specialist at the front desk, is incredibly warm, welcoming, and caring.

Almost a year ago I tweaked my back deadlifting. After giving it a few weeks with no noticeable improvement I decided to call Zenith. I had a phone consultation with Jesse Klein where I explained my symptoms and situation. Jesse immediately put my mind at ease. He assured me that this was something we could overcome and that I should come in for a more thorough assessment. My initial appointment and assessment was done with Jenn Randall. She was great and got me started on the path to fixing my back. Due to schedule conflicts, my ongoing appointments were with Jesse Klein, whom I spoke with early on. Jesse is a fantastic PT and he worked with me through the various ups and downs as I worked to overcome my injury. Also, shoutout to Allie Halperin who always greeted me and made me feel welcome when I came into the clinic. As of today, I am happy to report that I am back in the gym, lifting and running with zero pain. The team at Zenith is very knowledgable and they provide you with the confidence, tools and belief that you need after sustaining an injury. I would 100% recommend Zenith to those looking to perform better and feel better!

My story: Struggling with chronic knee pain for about 2.5 years, initially caused by "return to running" way to fast, resulting in IT-band syndrome, followed by a minor meniscus tear on the same knee, lastly age related (60-y) knee issues, all magnified by R-leg muscle atrophy. Which all along, I should have focused on. But ... During the 2.5 y, I tried PT (following a home program), expensive knee gel injections (twice), and finally meniscus surgery, followed by PT sessions. One year post surgery and PT, I still struggled with knee pain and discomfort, severely impacting my active lifestyle. One day, having a coffee with a friend, he recommended to check out Zenith Performance and Wellness. My initial meeting with Jesse (great guy!) went extremely well, developing and outlining what my recovery path could look like. Initially, I set up 6 PT sessions with Mariell (such a gem). While executing the PT plan, we quickly realized that I needed strength, mobility and agility training. I met with Alex (such a great coach), for strength training evaluation. While I thought about just focusing on leg strength, he recommended a "whole body" approach, a personalized plan, updated monthly, incorporating PT recommendations. About 3 months into the program, I'm so relieved, 95% pain free!!!, are able to hike downhill without any pain, soon going back running again (yeah), my right leg muscle atrophy gone!!!, me feeling so much stronger, my overall mobility and agility significantly improved. The combination of PT and strength training, the small group sessions, working out with great folks, the vibe of the place, made a real difference. Everyone at Zenith is amazing, I would like to thank my team, Mariell (PT), Alex and Ropheka (coaches), Allie (admin). Allie you are so amazing, making scheduling and admin a breeze. All of you have a tremendous impact on my healing and recovery, my wellbeing. Is it expensive? I spent so much money on injections, surgery, braces, meds, etc., suffering through it with home sessions, with limited success. At Zenith, I'm on an unlimited small group plan (6-m commitment), do a monthly PT session, work out 5 days a week for 1 hr. I pay about $22/hr. The unlimited small-group session is about $16/session. A great investment for my health and wellbeing.