Living with back pain is incredibly challenging—we understand because we’ve been there, too. Back pain doesn’t just affect your body; it impacts your well-being, relationships, and happiness. That’s why we’re deeply committed to helping you find relief and get back to the activities you love. At our core, we treat more than your symptoms; we treat you as a whole person, with compassion and respect every step of the way.
We are truly honored that you’ve chosen us as your partner in physical therapy. To us, you’re more than just patients—you’re part of our extended family. Your trust, encouragement, and referrals mean the world to us. You inspire us every day with your resilience, perseverance, and positivity.
If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. We value your feedback, concerns, and suggestions—it’s how we continue to improve and ensure we’re exceeding your expectations. You can also visit our website to explore more about our services, our team, and the latest updates.
We hope you’re feeling stronger and better every day, and we can’t wait to see you again soon.
In Health,
Jill Marlan, PT, OMPT, MSPT, CSCS
CEO/ Founder
Chronic lower back pain is one of the most common of all the disorders we diagnose and treat at our physical therapy clinic. We spend a lot of time educating our patients and their loved ones about this general health condition, including why it occurs and how to prevent it from happening. A physical therapist can help you relieve your back pain.
Many people are not aware that chronic back pain is not inherently a “normal” aspect of aging. Some just assume that as you get older, you have no choice but to deal with back pain. However, even if you have been struggling with a problematic back for years, you can live with less pain and improved function.
Here are 5 Truths About Back Pain:
- You don’t always need surgery and medications to battle back pain.
- Chronic back pain is preventable in most cases.
- Most people will have to deal with back pain at least once.
- It’s important to find and treat the root cause of chronic back pain.
- In a majority of cases, exercise can improve back pain.
B. Clay Dorenkamp, D.O.
Dr. Dorenkamp is compassionate about providing patient driven and patient specific care. It is Dr. Dorenkamp’s philosophy that motion is one of the keys to living a healthy life. This has directed Dr. Dorenkamp to devoting his career in medicine to orthopedic surgery with a focus in spine surgery. Fundamentally, orthopedics is centered around improving mobility in patients through treating musculoskeletal pathology. Dr. Dorenkamp furthers this by expanding his practice to spinal pathology. In his spine fellowship, Dr. Dorenkamp has trained extensively in both cervical and lumbar spinal decompression, spinal fusion, and trained with national leaders in motion preservation total disc replacements. He works with his patients to collaboratively address their pathology through both conservative and operative interventions.
Sam Hayden- Physical Therapist
My name is Sam Hayden and I am originally from Omaha Nebraska. I went to undergrad at the University of Nebraska and got my bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. I then got my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the the University of Nebraska Medical Center. My wife matched into an OBGYN residency at Sparrow hospital in Lansing which prompted our move to the area. During my time as an Athletic training student, I got to work with many sports, mainly including the Men’s gymnastics and Track and Field teams. I have always enjoyed working with younger athletes and seeing them succeed. I hope to continue to grow in my profession and continue to impact lives in a positive way in this community!
Averissa Stockford– Intake Specialist
Other than spending my time working and trying to make patients happy, I am preparing to have my first baby while taking care of two dogs—an Old English Sheepdog-Lab mix and a Lab that I rescued—and a cat that wants all the attention in the world. In my free time, I love to read; reading takes you to a different place that just makes your soul happy! I am also a very big Harry Potter fan, and as you might guess, all my animals have Harry Potter names except for my Lab. I love spending time with family, especially my wonderful nieces and nephews. I also recently graduated with my Bachelor’s in Health Management!
Cervical Disc Herniation
A cervical disk herniation can make everyday tasks such as reading or turning your head painful and difficult. The cervical spine is found in the neck, and connects the head to the upper back. The bones of the spine have a cushion between them called an intervertebral disk.
Therapy will help you relieve the pain of a cervical disk herniation and will teach you how to move in ways that protect your spine. Your therapist will give you a home program that includes stretching and strengthening exercises, and will teach you healthy postures to decrease the risk of further injury.
