By Krissy Brown
20 Feb, 2025
Clinical Case of the Week, Exercise
arm pain, Best physical therapy, Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapies, misdiagnosed, neck pain, Nick Rinard, pain, results, sensitivity in fingers, Thoracic outlet syndrome, TOS
If you are experiencing pain in your neck, shoulders, arms and sensitivity in your fingers it may be thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).
Get your accurate diagnosis today at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy.
“I experienced numbness in my pinkie and ring finger on both hands.
I had shoulder pain, especially when doing chest exercises.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
The numbness in my finger has gotten better.
My shoulder pain is gone.
I can do chest exercises now without pain.”
Gordon
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If you have moved out of state Nick Rinard Physical Therapy offers telehealth that gets great results, but if you find yourself with a condition that needs in-person visits, here are some questions you might want to ask when looking for a physical therapist.
Is the PT known among patients and providers for getting the best results in the fewest visits?
Does the PT prioritize teaching the patient how to actively self-treat rather than provide a lot of passive treatment to the patient?
Is the PT disciplined in using evidence based care and applying logic to their assessments to find the most likely source of the problem and treat it with the simplest intervention possible?
Is the PT certified in MDT at a minimum?
Has the PT been successfully practicing at the above level for 20+ years?
Does the PT have a lot of patients who choose to return to them for their other issues?
Has the PT taught the methodology to other PTs?
Does the PT put their patients’ outcomes above their own ego and ambition?
Is the PT quick to refer out to another, more appropriate practitioner as soon as the patient fails to show improvement?
The list could go on.
Nick Rinard, Owner, Physical Therapist
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By Krissy Brown
04 Feb, 2025
Clinical Case of the Week, Medical Advisory, Physical Therapy Tips
ankle pain, exercise, injured, Knee pain, Leg pain, Low Back Pain, Nick Rinard physical therapy, Physical Therapy, running, treatment
By MiKayla Sanocki, SPT
Did you know a back problem can cause symptoms such as pain, decreased strength and decreased sensations into the thigh, calf, ankle or foot? Physical therapists trained in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) here at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy can determine during the evaluation if any of these lower leg symptoms are coming from your back.
Check out this bizarre clinical presentation we treated at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy:
She did not remember any trauma to the ankle
The patient came to physical therapy for an “ankle sprain” that occurred 3-months earlier. She stated she woke up unable to put any weight on her right foot. The pain had remained constant in her ankle, so bad at times that she couldn’t walk! Upon further questioning, the patient revealed what she had been doing the day before: She had driven 2 hours, on her way home from helping clean a house. During the drive she had discomfort in her buttock and hamstring that made her want to pull the car over to stretch. She did not remember any trauma to the ankle, however, but the ankle pain was the only pain she was experiencing now.
Her ankle pain has caused her to quit running and yoga — two of her favorite activities.
Mechanical Evaluation finds cause in spine
During the mechanical evaluation we found that certain directions of low back movements decreased the pain in her ankle. After being sent home with 1 simple exercise to perform every waking hour – which she did perfectly – she returned within 24 hours reporting 90% recovery in pain! Over the next week we were able to progress her exercises and now the patient reports no ankle pain at all. In only 4 visits we were able to abolish her ankle pain, and she is now getting back to running and yoga!
The patient reports, “I now have the tools to prevent the return of my back and ankle pain”.
Treatment at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy vs Traditional PT
In contrast to MDT, traditional PT would not have uncovered the spinal cause of the patient’s ankle pain. Treatment would have been ineffective since it would have focused only on trying to treat the symptom.
Do you know if your pain in the legs or arms could be coming from the spine? Schedule your evaluation at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy and find out!
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“When he handed me Nick Rinard’s card, my chiropractor said he sends his difficult cases to him.
I had persistent back pain that didn’t respond to chiropractic treatments or traditional physical therapy.
With pain being a great motivator, I called Nick’s office.
My path to recovery wasn’t a straight one.
To my surprise I need a total hip replacement. Nick was with me every step of the way and provided a personalized treatment plan both pre-and post- surgery.
Nick helped me navigate the path from debilitating pain to regaining function.
I can now about basic day-to-day activities like sleeping, getting out of bed, sitting, standing, going up and down stairs, and making through the entire grocery store.
I feel strong and bolder both physically and mentally.
Nick understands that physical therapy is more than just physical.
It is also about hope.”
Carla
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By Krissy Brown
12 Nov, 2024
Clinical Case of the Week, Exercise
exercise, injured, Nick Rinard, Nick Rinard physical therapy, Oregon, pain-free, Portland Oregon, thera-band, treatment
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A Nick Rinard Physical Therapy patient emphasizes the importance of health and fitness in the the demanding role of a firefighter.
His home exercise plan is so convenient he can do it while he works!
Thank you for your service and courage you give to the community.
Thank you for sharing your Nick Rinard Physical Therapy story!
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We can get you back to walking, exercising, running, enjoying your sport again….
“I had horrible knee pain that was keeping me from being a mobile as I wanted.
Even just going up and downstairs even hurt.
Dr. Rinard was amazing- best PT experience I’ve ever had.
Exercises were easy to do + only had once/week appointments after the first week.
I can no go down stairs with no pain, one legged lunges without pain, play tennis without pain, + do 5K walks or more without knee pain.
THANK YOU ALL!”
Marla
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It has been a busy and wonderful spring at Nick Rinard Physical Therapy!
We are excited about getting you pain free from all your injuries so that you can slide into your favorite summer activities!
While a lot of injuries can occur during activities, it’s just as common to injure yourself slouching on the couch with your feet up while you have been waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to shine.
Your seasonal pains could point to a chronic condition that could easily be treated.
With summer just around the corner take care of your aches and pains now before they get worse.
Nick Rinard Physical Therapy is ALWAYS here to help!
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Nick Rinard Physical Therapy will give you an honest assessment everytime! We will not keep you coming if we don’t think physical therapy is right for your condition.
“I was referrerd by Dr. Okamoto to pursue options better to address my condition. I knew from the initial visit that a positive outcome may not be possible and Nick expressed his approach to be as proactive as possible.
Overall, I have benefited from the exercises prescribed throughout my visits.
Nick’s oversight and honest assessments throughout my treatments have been very helpful and appreciated.
Thank you all,”
Glenn
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Valentine’s Day is a time to show those you care about how much they mean to you.
But if you’re in pain, it may take more than a box of chocolate to make you feel good.
Call Nick Rinard Physical Therapy and let us give you the tools to manage your pain and get back to enjoying the things you love in life!
Call 503-244-6232 today!
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Do you call a friend?
Do you wait it out?
Do you hit the over the counter medicine aisles?
Do you call your doctor?
Do you go to the urgent care?
Do you look up a physical therapist near you?
Interested to know what your “go to” is!!
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