From Misdiagnosed Adductor Pain to Running Strong Again

Very good physical therapist showed me the small things add up to become bigger problems

I had a great time working with Mike at Zenith Performance. I was training for a half marathon and do landscaping, so I was looking for support to help train and strengthen my body. I felt like Mike did a great job of listening to my needs and providing a tailored PT regimen that I still do regularly!

I experienced a ground lever fall while rollerblading and ended up with a herniated disc in my lumbar spine, whiplash, cervical strain, and a concussion. I was off work (full time PT) for 6 weeks - lifting even a pot/pan caused severe pain and headaches. I was devastated because I had to wait weeks before I could get an appointment to an outpatient clinic - eventually my insurance didn’t cover it so ended up having to cancel my appointments and try another clinic. In the meantime, I used my own expertise to help myself but I could only treat myself so much and needed hands-on manual therapy for my cervical spine. I knew I needed a PT who is knowledgeable with manual therapy. I tried an outpatient clinic in my network but I wasn’t impressed with their manual therapy skills and ability to get me back to higher level activities pain-free. I decided that my health and physical well being is worth the investment and I was tired of the insurance policies and headache. So I reached out to Mike. Best decision ever. Mike did a thorough evaluation and assessment and set goals that were reasonable and patient/client centered. He did not deter from doing manual therapy as needed for my spinal column to help my muscles and soft tissue heal. I felt relief in my first visit with him (it had been 3 months since my injury at this point and I still wasn’t doing most of my activities). Every visit he made sure to check in to see what worked and what didn’t work - it was focused on my goals and not a formality to please the insurance folk or making sure to bill the right codes. The home exercise program was catered to my needs. Fast forward I am now back to running, rollerblading, playing piano/guitar/violin, strength training, skiing, and hiking with better stability and mobility - I can also lift my kiddos without pain or significant muscle/joint tension! Each and every visit was focused towards my healing and I know he truly cared for me to return to my life. Coming from a physical therapist who is very unimpressed with our medical system and insurance policies, my only regret is that I didn’t go to him sooner. If you’re looking to a PT who is invested in you, thorough, professional, and willing to invest in yourself, this is the place to go! They don’t waste any time here.