Being in Balance Physical Therapy

11/19/2025

I met a practitioner recently who said that they wish that every client could have an MRI so that we know exactly what’s going on. They felt like they were just guessing otherwise.

I’ve been treating people long enough to know that bodies don’t work like that. Pain doesn’t work like that.

Some people have severe findings on imaging and have minimal pain. There isn’t always a direct correlation.

We aren’t machines. We aren’t cars. You can’t “fix” a part and expect the whole thing to return to baseline.

There are many potential contributors to pain that don’t show up on MRIs…

Soft tissue adhesions
Scars
Fascial restrictions
Nerve compression away from the spine
Muscle compensations
Past experience of pain
Nervous system dysregulation

Treating what is seen on MRIs will only get you so far.

Bodies—human and canine—are infinitely complex. Having experience, the ability to physically feel changes in the body, and taking the time to look at what makes each body unique goes a long way towards figuring out why there is pain.

Picture of an American Beautyberry bush in November.n

10/25/2025

If you have had a C-section and are experiencing back / hip pain, have a McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release practitioner check your scar.

The article below illustrates how scars lead to discomfort in other areas.

It’s never too late. I’ve worked on 50 year old C-section scars with great results.

How MSTR® Supports Recovery After Caesarean Section Discover how McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release® can help restore comfort, mobility, and connection after C-section surgery. Research Get in Touch

10/22/2025

🐾💛🐾 Someone asked me yesterday if they were crazy for getting physical therapy services for their dog.

I don’t think so.

They are more than “just dogs.” They make every moment better, and that is so very important these days.

From my book, Dog People

10/08/2025

My client said, “If my dog could talk, he would have asked to come see you today! I’m so glad that we have an appointment.”

🐾💛🐾

Sometimes their bodies need a bit of extra TLC, too!

09/28/2025

Cutest client photo of the week! The really exciting part is how straight her spine is while she’s lying down.

A regular exercise program goes a long way, but small changes throughout the day can also have a big impact on results!

09/24/2025

Some kind words from a client:

“Jennifer is an extremely talented physical therapist. Her detailed and gentle evaluations got to the core of my issues that no PT has done before. Her mastery and extensive knowledge of body movement is evident in the focus and care she gives. The work we have done made profound changes and relieved many years of chronic pain. I feel stronger and move easier from following her recommendations.”

I’m so lucky to get to help people (and pets)!

Photo: one of my favorites from the Oregon coast.

09/09/2025

It may be old-fashioned or inefficient, but I try to book a phone call with each potential new client.

It gives me a chance to get to know them and what they’ve been going through.

They can tell me about what they have tried already…what works and what doesn’t.

We talk about what is important to them.

I can tell them about my treatment philosophy and how I work.

Most importantly, we can make sure that it’s a good fit.

Online booking may be easier, but to me this feels like a better experience for both of us.

It’s one of the things that make my small practice unique.


Photo of some of the last of the summer roses in Portland.

09/03/2025

People frequently ask what kind of dogs I work on. I work with canine athletes, dogs who have had surgery, and older dogs.

There is so much that canine physical therapy can do for dogs as they age…

Assisting in pain management with manual techniques

Exercises to maintain strength and function

Laser treatments for sore joints and muscles

Helping the people to understand the dog’s changing needs and make home modifications

Below are two of the seniors that I am currently working with.

Tyson is 13. Emma is 14. We are making sure that the time they have left is spent as comfortable and active as possible. 🐾💛🐾

08/31/2025

This is why discussions about nail length are always part of my canine rehab treatment plans.

Even if your dog isn’t having pain, correct nail length can prevent issues and discomfort later.

Do you know how to trim your dog’s nails at home?

08/31/2025

I am lucky enough to be able to work with 2-legged and 4-legged clients in my practice!

(You just see more of the 4-legged variety on social media because they’re so cute!)

This week I worked with…

A farmer who is having hip pain and headaches

An active 75-year old whose back has been acting up

A man with shoulder pain who works from home

A 94-year old woman who is maintaining her balance and preventing falls

An active horseback rider who wants an arm strengthening home exercise program

And a marathon runner who has been having back pain

But this was one of the cutest moments of the week!

08/30/2025

A client said to me the other day, “I’ve been to physical therapy so many times. Every time I went, they gave me the same exercises. If you had given me those same exercises, I was going to give up!”

😳

My exercise programs are based on how your body is unique. No two programs are alike because no two bodies have the same history.

Don’t give up!

Call me at 510-543-1637 for a free phone consult.