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As an active athlete and mother of two rambunctious young boys, it’s been easy for me to pretend that I have a bit of superhero inside. I was working out, golfing, and ballroom dancing with my husband-not to mention running, jumping, and roughhousing with my boys. I even had my eye on joining them in doing parkour, which nicely complemented my background as a gymnast and weightlifter. But then, I was derailed by the excruciating pain of sciatica twice in one year. The first time, I chose the less intelligent route and decided to “heal” on my own. Upon inevitable re-injury I wised up and went to see the team at Peak Performance. At that point, the burning, muscle-knotting pain extended from my lower back down to my knee every moment of the day. I was prevented from doing any normal activities, could barely concentrate on work and even sleep was a luxury…heck, just being able to put my shoes on would have been a major victory! Fortunately, my boys were more than happy to help me with that chore for almost three months. (So much for being a superhero!) From the moment I walked in the door, I could see that I had come to the right place. I’d been referred to Mike Napierala, who did a comprehensive review of my movements and abilities. He took a whole-body view, assessing past injuries along with the sciatica. He came up with a plan that addressed the root causes of my sciatica pain as well as identified immediate steps to alleviate ongoing pain. He even set out a plan to address a latent shoulder injury once my back was in a place to handle the additional exercises. My back and shoulder healed more slowly than either Mike or I preferred. It was the patience, ongoing customization of my healing plan and, most importantly, encouragement and upbeat attitude I got from Mike during every visit that inspired me to never give up. He looked at all of my activities and athletic pursuits from a holistic perspective and gave me exercises that built one upon the other to encompass the gamut of strengthening, neurological, and balance moves for my entire body—not just for my back. Today, I’m thrilled to have resumed my former life of golfing, dancing, playing with children and working out again. Even more exciting is that I’ve now become an avid parkour enthusiast! The confidence I have in my body now is such a far cry from the pain-filled sleepless nights I had…and I simply couldn’t have done it without Mike and Peak Performance! ~ Kelly Roland

I came to Peak Performance not for rehabilitation but to maintain balance and good posture, and to correct any bad habits which could have a debilitating influence now that I am over 70. After just a few weeks, I found that much of my poor posture was related to back and joint pain, both as cause and effect: I was “tilting” my stance, my position, to defend against anticipated pain (which I wasn’t really aware of), and this tilt or imbalance was giving rise to pain elsewhere. Andrew taught me a handful of daily exercises that have gone a long way to breaking this cycle. I am able to do daily tasks, as well as to sit for long periods, with much less discomfort. Best of all were the exercises, some of which I may have done intuitively before, I do now with more confidence and consistency because I know better about the precise manner in which they work, thanks to Andrew’s careful teaching. Bill P. January 6, 2019

Prior to Peak Performance, I was experiencing pain and tension in my upper back and neck. I had an overall tightness in my body, which is now a lot looser…I am able to comfortably sit and do work without having to stop due to tension. I look forward to continuing this journey to gain both strength and flexibility. Taylor M.

I came to Peak Performance because my back ached periodically. Because it was unpredictable, I couldn’t count on playing tennis or doing yoga. When the right side “went out,” I could not reach forward to pick things up. Mike and Rachele showed me ways to manage the pain before it happened. Or stop it, I should say. It gave me a sense of control over my body. Now I can tell when my back is going to act up. I do the preventive “moves” and I have been pain free for several weeks. I feel empowered and in control. So helpful! Thanks Peak Performance! Judy Cohen

Surprisingly great experience! I walked into this facility with my left hip hurting with bursitis and my lower back in pain. On my first day, when the session was over, I walked out with no pain and had no need to continue taking pain medication. My ability to walk up and down stairs has improved considerably. Due to the leg exercise I am no longer breathless when I get to the top of the stairs. When I do experience any pain in my hips, I just do the stretches. I am happy to no longer take pain medication…no more chemicals for this body! Andrew is an exceptional therapist, displays considerable expertise, is very friendly and quickly builds rapport, and is very knowledgeable in his field. I am very fortunate to have met him. Theodore “Ted” Mozeleski October 31, 2018

Andrew and Mark successfully cured my fear of opening the oven door! I came in for mild but persistent lower back pain that would flare up pretty unpredictably…sometimes when picking up a pencil, sometimes when bending down to open the oven. They taught me a range of squats, lifting drills, and how to properly use my body and strengthen the movement. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this has been the best medical experience of my life. I feel better, I have a better mindset, and I’m excited about keeping up with my exercises. Andrew and Mark have made a real improvement in my daily life, and I’m deeply appreciative. Travis S. October 16, 2018

This spring I developed bursitis in my knee. My clavicle also started to protrude. My orthopedist specializes in knees so didn’t address the clavicle but sent me to PT. I chose Peak because my daughter benefited so much from coming here. Andrew and Karen helped me so much! Karen is the first person who looked at all my “parts” together and found two curves in my spine. She worked with me on all these issues which helped my knee, back and hips. I love to garden, hike and work out at the gym, and I’ve learned how to move better and stay safe and healthy. These guys are awesome professionals! Annette B. October 1, 2018

I am a year and a half out from back/disc surgery and thought I would never be able to run or work out again. Andrew and Mark helped to isolate issues that most likely contributed to my long-term back issues, and worked through exercises to specifically help me get back in shape and be able to work out again. They not only helped to alleviate some of the pain, but brought me through workout routines that I can take home and do on my own. I appreciate their dedication and hard work to create a routine tailor made for me. Michael G. September 20, 2018

I have been a distance runner for 14 years. After my last marathon, I was experiencing terrible back pain and was unable to run. I came to see Allison and she helped me pinpoint what I needed to strengthen. She also helped me develop a strength program specific to my body. I have integrated it into my weekly training and it has been life changing! I’m back to running and will be training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October and have a BQ in my sight! Megan H. June 4, 2018

When I first started coming to Peak Performance, I could barely walk and severe back pain kept me awake at night. Karen was so kind and the gentle exercises helped me prepare for surgery. After my back surgery, Karen helped me recover and I got much stronger, which helped me prepare for my 2nd surgery…a full hip replacement. I felt so confident going in to the surgeries and recovered very quickly afterwards with minimal discomfort. I have virtually no restrictions now and I have Karen and Peak Performance to thank for that. Thank you for giving me my life back! P.S. I am also off all pain meds and anti-inflammatory meds! Marianne S. April 26, 2018

When I arrived at Peak Performance, I struggled with standing and walking for more than 5 minutes at a time. I was sleeping only on my back. Now, thanks to Mike and Karen (mostly Karen-but she called for backup when I needed a manipulation), I am walking and beginning to run again. Thank you Lord, Karen and Mike! Carl L. April 18, 2018

Before I came to Peak Performance, I frequently had back pain and my dowager’s hump was progressing. After PT with Karen, I feel that I am more limber and more flexible, and my back pain is gone, except when I stand for a long time. I am very pleased with the treatment I received from Karen. Wilma W. April 5, 2018

I have been a walker for years and began experiencing pain in my back and hip. I had x-rays, MRIs, PT and cortisone and was still in pain. My granddaughter told me about Peak Performance. She had ACL surgery and went there for rehab. I saw how quickly she healed and how much she praised Peak Performance. So I decided to give PT another try. When I met Andrew, he explained his plans for me and I knew I was in the right place. In less than two weeks, my back pain was gone and my hip was getting better. Graduation was both happy and sad for me. Happy because now I am pain free for the first time in 3 years! Sad because I will miss Andrew. I always learned something from him to make my body feel better and stronger. He was kind, caring and understanding. He always had a plan for me. My time was not wasted with icing, heating or handouts with pictures of exercises; everything was hands on and personalized. Today I feel better and fitter than ever. Andrew taught me exercises that I will use all my life, and I look forward to living as long as possible since Andrew and Peak Performance! Judy Y. March 5, 2018

I came to Peak Performance after hurting my back at work. I had constant severe back pain. I couldn’t lift, twist or bend. Just sitting was incredibly painful. Getting up was worse. I saw Karen for three months and with her help, I steadily improved. Her adjustments to my back and hips along with stretching and exercise have returned me to normal pain free life. Karen always listened to me and made adjustments to my exercise routine. I am off restrictions at work, starting to exercise again, and able to take my daughter’s 90-pound dog for a run when he needs it! Mark B. February 5, 2018

When I started physical therapy with Peak Performance in November 2017, I could not stand, bend, sit or lay down without enduring pain in my lower back. Since starting PT, my pain has decreased with every visit. My physical therapist, Karen, made sure to check my range of motion and we worked on the proper exercises to strengthen my back. We started with 2 visits per weeks for 6 weeks but, because the PT has been so effective, we were able to cut it down to once a week. Now I feel confident to get back to the gym with no fear or doubts. I almost hate getting better, because Karen is so awesome to be around! Elif M.

My experience here was great and I noticed a big difference with the pain in my back and leg. I noticed I am able to walk longer without the pain acting up and I feel like I have more flexibility in my body. Natalie P. January 17, 2018

I came to PT unable to walk or drive…I literally could not sit in a chair and worked while lying on the floor. After several months of treatment, PT showed the most consistent progress and result. Now I’m able to snowshoe and hike for hours at a time. With the Bills in the playoffs, I couldn’t feel better! Thanks Mike, Karen, Andrew, Sheila, Jillaine and Bill. I appreciate all you have done for me. You all are an answer to many prayers. Carl L. January 17, 2018

My experience at Peak Performance has been wonderful. I have been to four other PTs in my life but I feel Karen has been the best! She really listened to my problems and took my crazy lifestyle with two little ones into consideration. I came in with hip and back pain and was struggling to pick up my girls. Now I feel like I am functioning more freely and am able to complete all daily tasks with minimal pain. She taught me tricks when lifting and bending so that hopefully the pain does not come back. Peak Performance has been a welcoming experience and I appreciate all the help! Jennifer O. December 13, 2017

I first started to have back pain during soccer season. After a bunch of doctor visits, they found out I have a small gap in my lower spine that can become inflamed and cause pain. Andrew taught me exercises to strengthen my core and leg muscles so my lower back wouldn’t hurt. After a few weeks, I was able to pass all the tests I had trouble with prior to PT. Now I’m pain free and back to playing soccer! Bryce O. December 11, 2017

I came in with severe pain in my upper back and neck on left side and down my arm. Driving aggravated the condition. After several sessions with Karen, the pain began to diminish. Now, after 8 sessions, my pain is almost entirely gone! Sebastian P. December 4, 2017