Home     Testimonials I am enjoying the spinal rehab sessions at Back2Strength. Ed Collins, the Spinal Rehab specialist, is an excellent personal trainer. He is patient, encouraging and professional. I like the idea of strengthening the various muscle groups without risk of injury. As I gain muscle strength, I am finding a greater range of motion, as well as an increased sense of well-being. Quite frankly, I am impressed that Dr. Gittins sees the importance of spinal strengthening rehab to enhance regular chiropractic adjustments. I believe this approach to wellness is quite superior to either one, or the other alone. I have also received help with vitamin and nutrient supplementation at Back2Strength. This supplementation has helped to eliminate my knee pain, allowing me to work out with vigor! Bruce Andrew /Spinal Rehab Client//Eugene May 2008 Newsletter Client Spotlight Read current newsletter The doctors and spinal rehab specialist at Back2Strength were great! I would not have improved from my accident without them. My vehicle was traveling 70 mph, and I was hit from the rear, and consequently, in a lot of pain. The whole staff at Back2Strength was understanding and very friendly. If evey there was a need, I wouldn't hesitate to return to Back2Strength. Nancy Smith Though I have always been athletic and worked at keeping myself in good, physical condition, I began experiencing severe spasms and tightness in my lower back in the early summer of 2006. This pain began to really impact my lifestyle. For that reason, I agreed to follow Dr. Gittins' suggestion that I give the Spinal Rehab program a try. The results I experienced after only eight workouts, over a one month period were remarkable! After only a couple of weeks, my back had stopped hurting, and I found I could resume playing basketball, pulling weeds and many other mundane tasks without any pain at all. I had become somewhat tentative about many ordinary movements, not wanting to trigger a spasm. After the first month, I was once again able to move as freely as I ever had without so much as a twinge of pain. See back page for the rest of this article... Because I had met, or surpassed the strength norms for a woman of my age, I stopped the program. My back remained strong for about eight months, but then I began to sense some weakening. Dr Gittins recommended a second series of therapeutic appointments. I decided this time, it made sense to make this program a permanent part of my routine in an effort to keep my back strong and pain free. I have been with this program for just under a year. I am delighted to find that my back has become continually stronger as a result of these workouts. In my opinion, the Spinal Rehab equipment is very well designed to isolate particular muscle groups, allowing a person to strengthen those muscles most in need of help. Mr. Collins seems very knowledgeable, and I have enjoyed his enthusiastic support of my progress. I strongly recommend the Spinal Rehab program to anyone interested in being proactive about dealing with his or her lower back pain! Sharon Rodgers /Spinal Rehab Client//Eugene April 2008 Newsletter Client Spotlight Read current newsletter I've had a long history of back and neck pain, and was no stranger to the chiropractor's office. As I aged, the pain got worse. A few years back, I found out that some discs in my neck and lower back were disintegrating, and arthritis was setting in. Surgery was considered, but I did not want to take that option. I started seeing Dr. Gittins several years ago. He was very gentle and effective. He introduced me to Ed Collins and the Spinal Rehab proram. Ed was able to pinpoint which muscles needed strengthening, and guided me safely through the program. Today, at 68 years of age, I'm feeling so much better then I used to. I can do things that were impossible to do before, like: lift a slightly heavy box or raise my right arm above shoulder level. When my family moved to a new home, I was able to lift lots of boxes without pain. To maintain my strength level, I continue my rehab every two to three weeks. I'm very thankful to Back2Strength for greatly improving the quality of my life. NOTE: Please visit our website at Back2Strength.net for a full listing of client testimonials. Diane Sandberg /Spinal Rehab Client//Eugene March 2008 Newsletter Client Spotlight Read current newsletter I underwent low back surgery about 5 years ago after years of low back and leg pain. I was told then by the neurosurgeon that “he would probably be seeing me again down the road." I am 58 years old and ran my first marathon at 41. I have always been active and back surgery with lingering pain and disability did not sit well with me .Article continued on back page. I have seen Dr. Gittins off and on over the years. When I saw him again after a period of several years since my last visit, I was experiencing a lot of pain in one leg, my low back and worst of all, I was very limited in how much activity I could engage in. Performing carpentry work and standing for several hours was a sure guarantee I would have back and leg pain for a week or more. I underwent six weeks of spinal-rehab training with Ed Collins. This last weekend, I spent over eight hours crawling around under a house. I tumbled 50 pound cement pads into place while we installed new supports under the house. Monday morning, I was stiff and a little sore, but that was it. Before the training with Ed, I could not have managed even four hours of that work, and it is probable I would have paid a heavy price in terms of pain and incapacity. I plan to do monthly “tune-ups” in the future with Ed. I refuse to give up the gains I have made in the Back2Strength program! Thank you Ed, and Dr. Gittins! Susan Walker/Spinal Rehab Client//Eugene February 2008 Newsletter Client Spotlight Read current newsletter I came to Back2Strength after a friend referred me. She was able to recover from years of chronic neck pain by training with Ed Collins. I hurt my back on Christmas Day in 2005. Bending over became an excruciating ordeal. In the next several months, I tried three different massage therapists, two chiropractors, and an acupuncturist. None of them provided any lasting relief. Finanlly, I remembered my friend and her experience with Back2Strength. A couple of visits with Dr. Gittins relieved my pain. I was then referred to Ed Collins. At first, I worked out twice a week, then once per week. I felt safe from possible injury as I was strapped into the equipment and supervised by Ed. My strength has grown steadily, and I have been pain free for almost two years now. I can perform daily chores without fear of reinjuring myself. Though I have strengthened my lower back muscles, the benefits I have derived from this program go beyond this area. Every summer, my husband and I enjoy watersports with our children. In the past, I could count on weeks of recovery after wakeboarding and kneeboarding. I seemed to injure my arms easily, constantly straining myself. Now, other then normal soreness, I can enjoy these activities without fear of pain. As a professional woman in my fifties, I know the loss of bone density is a real concern. I feel confident that as long as I am in this program, I will stay stronger longer. I also have peace of mind knowing I will be able to work in my choosen field until I am ready to retire. I would not hesitate to recommend this program to anyone! Cindy VanOrdstrand/Spinal Rehab Client//Eugene January 2008 Newsletter Client Spotlight Read current newsletter I was attending a health benefits fair when I first heard of Back2Strength. I knew my hips were slightly out of alignment, and that one hip was higher then the other. I made an appointment to see Dr. Gittins who seemed a bit taken aback when I shared I had been in pain for decades, until he viewed my x-rays. Back2Strength used equipment that actually measured my back muscle strength. Ed Collins, the Spinal Rehab Director, was able to diagnose a 10 pound differential between my right and left sides. I was surprised when my back tested weaker than the norm for my age group. After all, I own an organic farm, which requires a lot of physically laborious tasks. Using the data from the above test, specific resistance exercise was then used to target my weak muscles. After 12 weeks of treatments and exercises, my chronic pain is minimal. I’ve also noticed that my yoga postures have really improved. When Ed re-tested me, I had 91% improvement in back strength, and was now in the norm for my age group. Even though Dr. Gittins released me from treatments, I’ve opted to continue the exercise program with Ed for a few more weeks. What I really like about this program, and what sets it apart from other programs, is that it combines chiropractic adjustments with appropriate exercises that strengthen weak muscles. Thanks Dr. Gittins and Ed for your expertise and constant encouragement. This is the BEST I’ve felt in years! Judith McClain - Spinal Rehab Patient/Eugene December 2007 Newsletter Client Spotlight Read current newsletter I have had back pain for the past 20 years. In the last 10 years the pain has worsened. I have a family history of degenerative disc disease, and believed this was something I would just have to live with. I have taken both pain pills and muscle relaxants. I tried physical therapy which only helped for short periods of time. I don't like taking pills to feel better so I knew I would have to seek a long-term solution. After I spoke with my doctor about continuing physical therapy, I found a Peace Health newsletter that featured the services of Back2Strength. I later spoke with my doctor about attempting this program and she thought it would be a good idea. At Back2Strength, I learned that most cases of back pain were due to weak back muscles. The clinic then performed a spinal test. I was more then surprised to find out that my back muscles were much, much weaker then other women of my age and weight. I have been working with Ed Collins at Back2Strength since August of 2007. In that very short time I have noticed a definite improvement in both the mobility and strength in my back. I no longer need to move carefully in fear that my back will "go out." My movements are much more confident. I would recommend Back2Strength to my friends, family and coworkers. Sue Johnson - Eugene November 2007 Newsletter Client Spotlight CLINICAL NOTES:From 8/20 to 10/04, Sue had 11 treatment sessions, lasting approximately 20 minutes per session. She improved her isolated lumbar flexibility 12 degrees and her strength by 31%, or about 3% improvement each session. Read current newsletter About seven years ago, I had an accident at my summer job, helping to deliver a hot tub. I had pain in my lower back that continued for over a month, so I had an MRI taken. I was diagnosed with a herniated disk. It completely changed my life. I went from working out every day, lifting weights and playing sports to absolutely no physical activity. I have seen many different doctors over the last seven years and nothing seemed to help. I tried three different physical therapists, had three nerve block injections, massage therapy and saw various chiropractors. I had an orthopedic surgeon tell me that I would just have to live with the pain. He told me I would need to get a desk job and would never be able to play sports again. Two years ago, I had a doctor refer me to Back2Strength, so I decided to try the program. I thought I was a fairly strong person but found out my back strength was a lot weaker then a person of my average age and weight. I worked out for four months and I could notice a big difference. After six months, I had no back pain. I was back to lifting weights six days a week and able to return to outdoor activities that I had been unable to do for the past seven years. I would like to thank Back2Strength. It is an awesome program and it truly changed my life. I would recommend it to anyone. Josh Nelson - Eugene October 2007 Newsletter Client Spotlight CLINICAL NOTES: From November 2005 through February 2006, Mr. Nelson participated in 10 spinal rehab sessions. He improved his lumbar extension strength 48.38%, or 4.84% Per session. Read current newsletter Strength training, aerobic classes, walking, and stretching have been a part of my lifestyle since I was 18. On June 24, 2007, I was in the back seat of an SUV, which was the last car in a stopped line of cars on a freeway in Fort Worth, Texas. A Jeep slammed into us going around 35 MPH. The pain began in my upper neck and as the day progressed, slowly traveled down my back. My discomfort increased further the next day on our return flights to Oregon. I found Back2Strength in the phone book, made an appointment, and began a spinal rehabilitation program which combined the benefits of chiropractic care with an aggressive spinal strengthening program. This program has significantly improved my entire back and neck. Dr. Katie Kohls is the first Chiropractic Physician I have seen. She is very personable and her treatment brought immediate relief. I now wish my first chiropractic treatment had occurred years ago. After initial evaluation at the clinic, they tested my back's strength and flexibility on the specialized weight machines. After all my years of strength training, I was shocked to know my back was low in flexibility and strength. After seven weeks, I have improved in both categories. I no longer awaken with a sore neck. The entire staff is friendly and helpful. I have four to six more weeks of spinal rehab to achieve my goal. Spinal Rehab at Back2Strength has been a positive experience. Linda W. - Eugene September 2007 Newsletter Client Spotlight CLINICAL NOTES: Linda W. has had seven spinal rehab sessions in six weeks. After her last visit, we tested the evaluation statistics for functional mobility and compared it to her first visit's results. Linda W. showed a 48.14% improvement, which averages out to approximately a 7% increase in strength and flexibility after each visit. Read current newsletter I am a ___ yr. old with no prior history of injuries. I became a patient at Oakway Chiropractic in early 2004. I had suffered an on the job injury back in ___ of 2002. I was still experiencing pain in my left arm and shoulder, difficulty in sleeping and great loss of strength. I had recieved prior physical therapy as well as some chiropractic treatments, but was not satisfied with my overall results. From my initial exam with Dr. Gittins, through all of his follow-up care, it became clear to me that I had made a very positive decision to choose Oakway Chiropratic* to help heal myself. I had previously been told that I must live with my pain, the physical limitations, my loss of strength and the fear of re-injury for the rest of my life. This was far from acceptable. I am young and was not willing to accept this fate without trying everything I could think of. Dr. Gittins' approach to my care was very astute. He was genuinely concerned with my recovery, not just for immediate pain relief, but for the long term goal of helping me restore my body to as close to the original condition, or in my case, even better than before my injury. Once my back and neck were stable, he started me on a training program with Super Backs*. This very special, specific and supervised weight strengthening program has allowed me to regain more muscle tone and strength. It has also restored my confidence that I CAN do things, and I WILL enjoy life again! The trainer Ed Collins is extremely knowledgeable and motivating. I contribute part of my success to his dedication and to his patience. Thank you to everyone at the Oakway Chiropractic** office for all their help, words of encouragement, concern and hope! I found each member of your staff very personable and genuinely passionate about my care. You have given me the greatest gift... ~MY "LIFE" BACK!!! Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . I have experienced almost 70 years of life and have had a problem with my back for upwards of the last 8-10 years. My back always pained me whenever I leaned over to pick something up, or even while twisting when playing golf. Since working with Mr. Collins on the Super Backs-SuperSlow* back machine, I seldom feel any back pain, and now I don't resist bending over. When golfing, I never feel any back pain. Even when getting out of bed in the morning, I seldom esperience even a tinge of any back problem. I also work out on the other nine beautiful pieces of equipment that are located in the Super Backs* facilities. Each machine has its own unique properties that greatly aid in strengthening one's arms, legs, shoulder, abdominal and neck muscles. The waist twisting exercise machine also aided in my back rehab, and greatly help with my golf swing. The leg machines have increased my walking stamina and my balance seems to have improved. The arm and shoulder strengthening equipment allowed me, as well as my wife, to paddle almost continually for 120 miles over five days on the upper Missouri River in Montana last summer. Many of those days we were paddling against strong head winds. I very much appreciate the personal training attention that I am receiving from Mr. Collins. Also, I am confident that under these conditions I will not suffer any serious injury. Another additional great benefit from using this SuperSlow-Super Backs* equipment is the short time needed on the equipment to develop and maintain your strength and posture. Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . I spent years of tolerating chronic lower back pain without ever having a restful night of sleep. I was told about Super Backs* and decided to participate in the program. After the first week I noticed a considerable difference in the amount of time that I was able to sleep. I also discovered that I could sit in one position for much longer periods of time. I have been off the program now for a few months now, and I am still maintaining a back that is vitually pain free!! I'm so thankful that I gave the Super Backs* program a try. Super Backs* combined with chiropractic care has worked wonders for me. I never hesitate to recommend it to my friends and family members. Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . Though I have always been athletic and have worked at keeping myself in good physical condition, I began experiencing severe spasms and tightness in my lower back this spring and early summer that really began to impact my lifestyle. For that reason, I began to follow Dr. Gittins' suggestion that I give the Super Backs* program a try. The results I experienced in only one month of workouts was remarkable. After only a couple weeks my back had stopped hurting and I found I was able to again play basketball, as well as pull weeds and the many other mundane tasks that had become so painful, without any pain at all. Where I had become somewhat tentative about many ordinary movements, not wanting to trigger a spasm. I find I am once again able to move as freely as I ever have without so much as a twinge of pain. In my opinion, the Super Backs* equipment is very well designed to isolate particular muscle groups, allowing a person to strengthen those muscles most in need of help. Mr. Collins seems very knowledgeable and I enjoyed his enthusiastic support of my progress. I strongly recommend the Super Backs* program to anyone willing to be proactive about dealing with his or her lower back pain. Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . My name is ___________. I am a ___ years old .... I have been experiencing chronic severe pain in my neck and shoulders for the last 5 years. In that time I have seen countless doctors, chiropractors, physical and massage therapists and the best relief I have experienced in all this time can be counted in hours. Several MRIs showed degenerative bone loss, stenosis and slight herniation of C6 and C7 in my neck. Starting about a year ago, and over a six month period, I received four Cervical Epidural injections and three Cervical Facet blocks. The best pain relief I had lasted 9 hours. On my last visit to my pain doctor, prior to coming to Super Backs*, I was urged to have a "pain pump" surgically implanted in my abdomen. My wife who suffers from Fibromyalgia, mentioned my problems to her doctor who not only suggested, but wrote a referral for me to go to Super Backs*. When mentioning this to my doctor she pretty much down-played the idea saying that they (i.e., Super Backs*) only deals with back problems, thus the name. For some time, I had intuitively felt that I needed to go to the gym and do something, but not knowing what. All previous doctors strongly suggested that this was not only a bad but dangerous idea. Instead resting, relaxing and pampering my neck and shoulders was urged and to change my career to one that had minimal impact on my neck and shoulders. This was ridiculous as I have been an engineer since ___. I consider my experience at Super Backs* as nothing short of a miracle! ... I highly recommend for anyone who is considering this program not to hesitate. Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . Typically when I engage in watersports, I end up in pain for months from an upper body sprain. Since starting the SuperSlow program, I am able to enjoy myself without fear of injury. At age ___, I consider that a real blessing! Personal Training formerly known as SuperSlow Zone *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . I tweaked my neck swimming laps. I visited Dr. Gittins and it was helping. Two weeks later I was rear ended and my neck was reinjured. Dr Gittins added the Super Backs* treatment...It has helped remarkably! Ed (Super Backs instructor) has been very helpful and encouraging. The best part is how quickly I am getting muscle strength back into my very vulnerable neck. I wasn't able to swim or turn my head very well. I am now back to swimming and finally getting more mobility. Adding the Super Backs/SuperSlow** plan to my treatment has greatly improved my mobility and strength. Thanks so much! Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . I cannot say enough positive things about this program. For the past twenty years I have tried various therapies and exercise to relieve the pain in my back. A friend recommended Super Backs*. Finally, I have relief! I get up in the morning with no pain and can walk after sitting in a car or a restaurant. Try it! I know you will be very pleased. Thank you trainer Ed and Dr. G! Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . When I first visited Ed, I came in with a limited range of motion. Now after only seven visits, my range of motion has doubled and would recommend this treatment to anyone to try it. Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . When I first started the Super Backs* program I had been suffering from chronic back pain for years. I had every possible approach to treatment, but most usually resulted in only short term relief. I needed pillows behind my back when sitting and could not do much lifting without my spine going out of alignment followed by pain for several days. The results from the Super Backs* program have been like a miracle for me. I rarely think about back pain now. I can work in my garden, lift my 30 lb grandson, and lead a very active, pain-free lifestyle. After weeks, my tests showed an amazing 74% improvement in the strength of my back muscles. I am very grateful for this program and intend to continue getting stronger and stronger. Jesse M. Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . I appreciate the training that I am receiving in the Super Backs program. The back pain that I have experienced is almost gone and I have gained so much strength and endurance. I have had bone scans taken at the Oregon Imaging Center because of an Osteopenia condition and have seen improvement in my score since working with Super Backs. This is very encouraging to me. Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . I had all but given up on the notion that my back would ever be spasm-free again. Having suffered chronic back pain for over 30 years. I had tried almost every type of therapy available, Super Backs* is the only therapy that has given me significant relief. I haven't had a spasm since beginning therapy...Thank you Super Backs! Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . I have had nearly lifelong neck problems after an injury in an equestrian accident. Now, after three years of near dormancy due to Lyme Disease, in addition to the neck problems, I was looking for a way to regain my strength that wouldn't tire me out more. I discovered Super Backs and decided to give it a try. Wow! What a difference three weeks of strength training can make! At three weeks, testing showed that I had improved 26%. I can really feel the difference too. I feel more energetic and actually want to exercise instead of trying to make myself do it because I know I need to. My back is stronger and my neck is really improving. I highly recommend Super Backs for anyone who has had back problems. It really makes a difference! Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . Having been in an accident with severe whiplash, I started working with the Super Backs program about two weeks later. Just sitting and holding my head up was difficult and painful. After two weeks of using Super Backs the pain has subsided, and I can sit for long periods of time without pain. I will need a few more weeks to strengthen my back to its original condition. Spinal Rehab Patient formerly known as SuperBacks *As of January 1, 2007, Oakway Chiropractic and Super Backs joined names to become: Back2Strength . The staff is excellent and they know you by name when you come in. They make you feel like family as well as better physically. Michael Sanders 09/27/07 I am most pleased that Back2Strength does not use pharmacustical drugs to ease pain. I like the idea of slow rehabilitation of the damaged body parts. The staff is always professional and polite. I also like how "Dr. Greg" really gets to know his patients. Steven S. 06/27/07 I appreciate the wonderful Back2Strength treatments, which certainly improve my health as well as the professional office staff. No Name Back2Strength is easy to access, has a good staff (including the doc! HA HA) and scheduling that works great for me. Stacy Fveitas 06/27/07 What I like the most is that for the first time in two years, someone cared enough to not just getting me "stretched out," but helped me get stronger and in line to ease the pain. Since coming to Back2Strength, I've not only had a lower pain level, I've been able to do more things that I want to do. My favorite is I can play, hike and take walks with my three children and wife. Jimmy Davis 06/25/07 I would highly recommend Back2Strength to my friends and family. I have been a client for three years and been very pleased with the service that is provided. The staff are wonderful and have always accomodated me when I need to get in for a visit. Dr. Gittins has really been a factor in helping me with my neck and back issues. I always enjoy seeing him during my visits. Kim Farrell 06/27/07