Lori was called in to work with James through his caregiver post having a setback with his overall mobility and walking due to increased swelling in his legs. James and Lori work together 2x a week with a focus on endurance with walking. He is now able to walk a couple city blocks taking 2-3 short standing rest breaks. We also work with an aerobic step for sequencing patterns and strength. James looks forward to walking and talking with Lori.
Don was referred to Lori through Visiting Angels after a fall and breaking his leg. Don was nearly unable to walk or transfer safely when we first met. With lots of hard work on gait, balance, transfers, strength and flexibility Don has progressed to being able to ambulate short distances outdoors independently. He recently started riding the stationary, recumbent bike for up to 8 minutes. He is always up for a challenge from Lori as you can see by him sitting on a 75 cm. Swiss ball for balance exercises.
Harold has been a long time friend with Lori’s parents. Lori had the privilege of providing home therapy to his wife Pat while she was alive. It was an easy call for Harold’s daughter to make to Lori when his mobility began to decline. We work together 2x per week taking 15 minute walks outside, as well as doing balance and strength exercises as part of his therapy sessions. Harold has a great gym setting in his retirement community and has progressed enough with his overall fitness level that he is able to use the machines, weights, bands and balance tools in the gym when we are together. He feels much more vibrant and strong since beginning an exercise program. His fall risk has declined dramatically!
Lori and Donna met through Donna’s daughter who thought Lori would be the perfect person to help her mom learn how to walk again. Donna has had Multiple Sclerosis for 40 years and at times has been unable to walk or exercise. I met Donna at such a time. She needed to re-learn how to walk, maintain upright balance and improve her strength and flexibility. It was not uncommon for her to have several falls a week and hadn’t walked outside in years. With hard work and diligence and a few months of therapy she was able to walk around her cul de sac with her walker with 1-2 short seated rest breaks. As she got stronger she was able to use a resistance band for home exercises. She was so happy to be able to walk again.
Shirley’s niece met Lori at a local health fair event and believed that her Aunt would benefit from a home walking program, gentle exercises and the social benefits of working with Lori. Within a relatively short period of time Shirley was able to more than double her walking endurance and manage a simple home routine. She felt encouraged to continue this new routine when our sessions together came to an end.
Jack called Lori in to work with helping him resolve his “pain in the neck”. We had one visit a week for a total of 4 weeks to address his neck pain. We focused on massage, manual stretching, sleeping position/ pillow support and postural strengthening exercises. Jack was compliant with the plans I suggested to him and within a few short weeks, he was reconciled to zero pain and a return to normal mobility.
Lori and Perry have been working together for about 6 weeks. When we first met, Perry had difficulty walking from his bedroom to the kitchen! Now he walks around the house and outside. He has also accomplished a goal of getting up and down from the floor. Lori and Sonia have had four visits together. Sonia’s ankle was so sore that she had difficulty walking. Lori has provided her with massage techniques, stretching and exercises which have helped reduce swelling, pain and stiffness in her ankle. She is already walking with greater ease.
Pete and Lori have been working together once a week for several months. Pete has balance and mobility challenges and was experiencing frequent falls. Since we have been working together with stretching, posture, strength, and balance exercises Pete has not fallen in months. He is now able to walk about 500 feet each day to his mailbox.
Dolly had a misdiagnosed ankle fracture when we first met and started therapy together. She was non-weight-bearing with a boot in place which her doctor prescribed. She subsequently had a surgical repair and went to an outpatient clinic for physical therapy. Dolly was dissatisfied with her therapy due to the lack of results she was achieving and called me in for home PT. She wanted one-on-one sessions with me. With the first home visit Lori educated Dolly about proper gait mechanics and as Dolly applied the lessons was able to improve her gait pattern successfully immediately! Dolly stated that she gained more knowledge and assistance with one visit with Lori than she had in several visits with outpatient therapy.
Mona had a stroke which affected her left side. Lori has been working with her to increase the functional use and strength of her arm and leg. She is also working on her gait mechanics, safety and balance. Mona loves to exercise outside whenever possible.
Ralph is 102 years old. After a bout with pneumonia he was in a weakened condition and unable to get out of bed. He called Lori in to work with him as his main goal is to walk again. Together we have worked on strengthening his legs and core. Ralph is now able to ambulate short household distances with Lori’s assistance.
Extending gratitude for having been introduced to Lori Nissen. As I was recovering from a broken right arm Lori provided the perfect bridge between prescribed routine physical therapy and extended healing. After an initial assessment she concentrated on my most needed muscular limitations with skilled massages and suggested exercises With her help I have achieved the goal of much improved use of my arm and a new friend!
I highly recommend Lori. She is totally devoted to her clients. I like that she’s so knowledgeable. She has a calm presence and brings positivity wherever she goes. She inspires hope, which is an extremely helpful component in healing. Since working with her I have improved in areas that I have wanted to. I will continue seeing her for the foreseeable future.
“Selecting Lori to provide my post surgery physical therapy was an excellent decision. She is pleasant, extremely knowledgeable and encouraging. Together she developed a varied and successful exercise plan to meet my recovery needs. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs this type of assistance.”
Rick Ellis: “Lori has been a valuable and effective help for my husband’s recovery. She is professional, approachable, and knowledgeable. Her techniques are designed for each individual and are highly effective. I think that mainly; she cares, inspires and possesses the knowledge to accomplish each patient’s goals. Her approach is that of a caring friend as much as a highly trained professional. I would happily recommend her to any of our friends.”
“Lori takes pains not to let you feel sorry for yourself. A very “you can do it and I can help you “ attitude. I feel very lucky to have found Lori. I have gone from a timid and reluctant participant to my own cheerleader. My hesitation and fear have flown out the window. I love the new feeling of confidence since I started working with Lori.”
“Rudi is a hundred year old client of Lori’s. He has been in a wheelchair for a number of years now. When Lori first met Rudi he said “I’m too weak to get out of my wheelchair!” to which Lori said “let’s just try”. Lori has many methods she uses in her practice. For Rudi, she started out gently; using wide rubber bands, stretching Rudi’s legs, building up his muscles. Then she added weights to the practice; plus other exercises and practices. She now has Rudi STANDING by himself, holding onto the counter. Lori has a special way with her clients. She cares deeply about each person and individualizes each client’s routine. Rudi looks forward to Lori’s visits, twice a week for one hour each session. Rudi is now able to walk down our long front porch and back 5 or 6 times with his walker. If you are lucky enough to get Lori Nissen as your physical therapist, grab her and consider yourself fortunate indeed!”