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Spinal Health

Maintaining a Strong Foundation from the Inside Out

Like a house, the body requires a solid foundation in order to function at its most optimal. With both, ignoring minor issues can lead to major problems later on. Kevin Bourlai and Lesley Berger, physical therapists with Results Neck & Back Therapy in Bend, understand the relationship between a healthy neck and spine and a high quality of life. The ability to play, work, and even rest comfortably depends on aligning and strengthening these inner body structures that keeps everything operating like a well-maintained machine. With a high number of people at all ages developing debilitating problems of the neck and spine, focusing exclusively on these two areas allows the two therapists to devote their expertise and a range of specific equipment to treating these issues.

What inspired you to become a physical therapist?

KB: I grew up playing organized soccer and hockey and experienced some knee and shoulder issues. I visited physical therapists and probably drove them crazy with all the questions I had about anatomy and various treatments. I didn't realize it at the time, but that was probably when "the seed" was planted.

LB: After exploring other medical professions, I decided physical therapy was the best option for truly being able to make a difference in people’s lives. As PTs we have the opportunity to spend much more one-on-one time with our patients when compared to other healthcare providers. Additionally, we have the knowledge base to help our patients recover from injury, restore functional mobility, and safely return to recreational activities, resulting in an improved quality of life.

How has physical therapy changed or improved over the years? What are some of the newer treatments or philosophies?

KB: In a way, what’s old is new again. Despite all of the advances in medicine —imaging, surgical and non-surgical procedures — the number of Americans disabled due to back pain continues to rise. The medical and scientific communities are coming to the realization that there isn’t any panacea; there is no “cure.” Most of all evidence-based guidelines seem to agree that the best means of managing chronic spinal pain is through an active exercise-based treatment approach.

What types of injuries do you treat?

KB: Most of our patients have degenerative changes ranging from mild to severe, resulting in chronic or recurring neck or back pain with or without symptoms radiating into the extremities. Some have had surgery, but most are trying to avoid surgery or injections. We’ve had tremendous success in treating patients with headaches emanating from the cervical spine. 

Why is it critical to treat the injury instead of just masking the pain with medication?

KB: Research shows that the faster physical therapy is utilized following an injury or strain, the better the outcome will be. Using medication to help tolerate pain following injury certainly plays a role, but in order for a tissue to heal with good integrity, sensible physical stresses need to be applied (through exercise) while it’s healing. This way, future problems can be mitigated.

What is one thing you would like people to know about the benefits of physical therapy?

KB: If the physical therapy involves appropriate exercise, not passive techniques and modalities, it should provide lasting relief and improve tolerance to activities. People don't realize that in order for muscle fibers to begin to respond (grow bigger) to strengthening exercise it takes at least five to six weeks; a couple months for significant improvements, and many months to maximize results. This is the recipe for success.

What makes Results Neck & Back Therapy stand out from other centers?  KB: We’ve focused on treating only chronic neck and back conditions for over a decade. We use an evidence-based active exercise approach, and don’t utilize passive modalities of any kind. The star of the show at our clinic is the equipment. We are the only physical therapy clinic in Central Oregon with MedX medical-grade rehabilitation equipment designed specifically to treat patients with chronic neck and back pain.

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