Business Details
27 Years
experience
Expert Physical Therapy in Portland Using MDT Method
Founded in 1999, Nick Rinard Physical Therapy specializes in the McKenzie Method (MDT) for mechanical pain treatment. Our clinics in SW Portland and Mt. Hood focus on evidence-based, efficient recovery through personalized exercise programs and hands-on therapy. With over two decades of experience, we prioritize patient education and self-treatment strategies to achieve lasting results in fewer visits.Our team of certified MDT therapists combines clinical expertise with a commitment to continuous improvement, serving thousands of patients with conditions ranging from spinal pain to sports injuries. We maintain partnerships with major insurance providers and emphasize transparent communication to ensure accessible, cost-effective care.
Services
Physical Therapy
Hand Therapy
Occupational Therapy
MDT Method
Sample Exercises
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Certified MDT therapists with 25+ years of specialized experience
- Proven 93% improvement rate in 6.5 visits vs. industry averages
- Personalized treatment plans focusing on patient self-management
- Comprehensive insurance verification and cost transparency
- Dual clinic locations serving Portland Metro and Mt. Hood areas
Associations and certifications
- Cert MDT
What people say
Pain relief
Quick recovery
Knowledgeable staff
Personalized care
Effective treatment
Services
Physical Therapy
Our physical therapy services utilize the McKenzie Method for mechanical pain assessment and treatment. Through systematic evaluation, we identify precise movement patterns to centralize pain and correct structural issues. Patients receive customized exercise programs that can be performed independently, reducing reliance on clinic visits while accelerating recovery. This evidence-based approach consistently achieves 93% improvement in 6.5 visits.
Hand Therapy
Specialized hand therapy addresses repetitive strain injuries, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery. Our occupational therapists employ mechanical diagnosis to identify spinal contributions to hand pain. Treatment includes splinting, positional taping, and ergonomic solutions tailored to individual needs, focusing on restoring functional mobility for daily activities.
MDT Method
The McKenzie Method combines mechanical assessment with targeted exercises to treat spinal and musculoskeletal pain. Our certified therapists use evidence-based protocols to diagnose and treat mechanical pain conditions. This approach emphasizes patient self-management through specific movements that provide immediate pain relief and long-term healing.
Sample Exercises
We provide instructional exercise programs designed for home use. These mechanical therapy exercises target specific pain points through controlled movements and postural adjustments. Patients learn self-treatment techniques that complement clinical sessions, enabling pain management between visits and preventing future recurrences.
Insurance Assistance
Our dedicated insurance team verifies benefits and explains coverage details before treatment begins. We work with major commercial insurers, workers' compensation plans, and auto accident PIP coverage. For self-pay patients, we offer discounted rates while maintaining transparent cost communication throughout the treatment process.
People
Nick Rinard
Founder/Physical Therapist
Nick founded the clinic in 1999 as the first MDT-specialized PT practice in the Northwest. With 25+ years of experience, he has treated over 9,000 patients using evidence-based mechanical diagnosis techniques.
Katie Noles-Bowers
Physical Therapist
Dr. Katie Noles-Bowers brings advanced MDT expertise to patient care, specializing in complex spinal and extremity pain conditions. Her treatment approach combines manual therapy with patient education for optimal recovery outcomes.
Natasha Rinard
Occupational Therapist
Natasha Rinard, OTR/L, specializes in hand therapy and adaptive equipment solutions. With 20+ years of clinical experience, she develops customized rehabilitation programs for upper extremity injuries and chronic conditions.
Questions
What makes MDT different from traditional physical therapy?
MDT uses mechanical assessment to identify precise movement patterns causing pain, with treatment focused on patient-performed exercises rather than passive modalities. This approach achieves faster results in fewer visits.
Do I need a referral for treatment?
Oregon law doesn't require referrals for physical therapy, though some insurance plans may. Our staff will verify your specific coverage requirements before treatment begins.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
Our average patient requires 6.5 visits, significantly fewer than traditional therapy. Treatment duration depends on condition complexity and patient adherence to home exercise programs.
Can you treat chronic pain conditions?
Yes, our MDT approach effectively addresses chronic mechanical pain through targeted movement patterns and patient education for long-term self-management.
What should I wear to appointments?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement. For spinal issues, avoid restrictive clothing. For extremity injuries, wear appropriate exposing garments for assessment.
