What situation or injury led you to ORSI?
An injury can change your life in an instant—mine came during a college football game when a hard tackle left me with persistent, severe lower back pain. For years I organized my life around lumbar discomfort, avoiding activities I loved, like running, lifting weights, and weekend tennis matches with friends. I tried countless treatments: over-the-counter pain relievers, heat packs, even chiropractic adjustments. Eventually, I pursued advanced imaging and learned I had juvenile disc degeneration with a bulging L5 disc. That diagnosis explained the constant ache that shadowed my every step, but it felt like a heavy label until I found OrthoRehab Specialists.
How would you categorize your story?
My journey is one of reclaiming life and mobility. Before coming to OrthoRehab, back pain dictated my schedule—every plan had a caveat, every activity carried risk. I was desperate to regain strength and confidence. Through OrthoRehab’s back pain rehabilitation program, I found a path not just to manage symptoms, but to resolve underlying issues and rebuild my physical resilience. I learned that pain-free movement is possible and that life after injury can be even richer than before.
Please share your experience
Walking into the clinic, I felt hope for the first time in years. My initial evaluation included a detailed interview, movement analysis, and strength testing. The therapist explained how disc biomechanics, muscle imbalances, and posture contribute to chronic pain by breaking down complex concepts into clear, actionable insights. I was introduced to a combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics.
Sessions were challenging but empowering. Each week I gained strength and flexibility—first in subtle ways, then in dramatic leaps. The team used techniques like spinal mobilizations, core stabilization drills, and proprioceptive training. They adapted my plan as I progressed to ensure I never plateaued. Alongside one-on-one care, I accessed instructional videos on the patient video library and received personalized home exercise plans to reinforce clinic work. Over time, pain levels dropped, my range of motion improved, and I felt a sense of control return to my life.
What goals did OrthoRehab help you accomplish?
My initial goals were modest: reduce daily pain, restore basic bending and lifting motions, and stand for longer periods without discomfort. Within six weeks, I could tie my shoes without wincing—a simple task felt monumental. By three months, I was jogging lightly on a track. After six months of consistent effort, I returned to tennis full-court play and even hiked local trails with friends. Each step forward was guided by objective measures such as goniometer readings, strength tests, and functional movement screenings so I could set new targets and see my progress.
Beyond physical achievements, OrthoRehab helped me adopt healthier habits. I learned to engage my core during everyday tasks, maintain neutral spine alignment at my desk, and use ergonomic principles in my car and office. They introduced me to their Manual Therapy techniques for soft tissue restrictions and the Functional Training drills that reinforce movement patterns. My goals evolved from pain relief to peak performance—lifting heavier weights, running intervals, and competing in friendly tennis tournaments. Now, fitness is woven into my daily routine without fear of flare-ups.
Key elements of my OrthoRehab plan
- Personalized evaluation: In-depth history, movement assessment, and spine screening
- Manual therapy: Joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and spinal decompression
- Core stabilization: Exercises targeting deep abdominal and back muscles
- Flexibility training: Hamstring, hip flexor, and lumbar stretching routines
- Neuromuscular re-education: Balance and proprioception drills on unstable surfaces
- Education: Posture correction, ergonomics, and self-management strategies
- Home exercise program: Progressive workouts with video guidance from the patient video library
Why OrthoRehab Specialists made the difference
OrthoRehab stands out for its therapist-owned approach and evidence-based protocols drawing on the latest research from the American Physical Therapy Association. Every therapist holds advanced credentials in orthopedics, sports medicine, or manual therapy. The clinic’s dual locations in Edina and Minneapolis provide state-of-the-art equipment and private treatment rooms designed for focused care. The collaborative team communicates with my physician and other specialists to ensure coordinated, comprehensive treatment.
The supportive environment fosters trust: questions are encouraged, progress is celebrated, and setbacks are reframed as learning opportunities. The clinic’s online portal keeps me connected between visits by enabling appointment scheduling, direct messaging with therapists, and access to educational resources. This integrated model of care combining in-clinic expertise with digital support was crucial to my success.
Next steps for anyone struggling with back pain
If chronic back pain is holding you back, consider a direct evaluation under Minnesota’s direct access law. You can begin physical therapy without a physician referral. Contact OrthoRehab Specialists at 612-339-2041 or visit our Contact Page to schedule your initial evaluation. Take the first step toward recovery and regain your quality of life.
Ready to regain your life?
Visit our Why OrthoRehab Specialists page to learn more about our approach, or explore our full range of Physical Therapy Services and Wellness Pilates Program. We partner with most major insurers—see our Insurance & Payment Options for details. At OrthoRehab, we believe everyone deserves pain-free living and the confidence to pursue their passions—let us help you write your own success story.
