Backway´s Physical Therapy, PLLC

Ruth Backway, PT, CHP, BCSI
Physical Therapist, Certified Hellerwork Practitioner, Board Certified Structural Integrator 

PT Training: Ms. Backway graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1976 from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
Honors: Dean’s List 1974-1976

Additional Trainings and Certifications:
1984: Hellerwork Structural Integration (including Postural Realignment through Myofascial Release and Neuromuscular Reeducation)
1979-1984: Maitland Spinal Joint Mobilization Technique
1988: Yoga Teachers’ Training Certification
2006 to present: Certified Continuing Education Provider for the National Athletic Trainers’ Board of Certification (BOC Certified)
2000-2008: Upledger Institute/Barral Institute: Osteopathic Visceral Mobilization Techniques
2008: Biomechanics of Alignment: International Association of Structural Integrators
2009: Board Certification in Structural Integration
Numerous additional continuing education classes have been attended in the following areas:

• Industrial Safety and Ergonomics
• Myofascial Release and Advanced Structural Integration Trainings
• Therapeutic Touch
• Bowen Technique
• CranioSacral Therapy
• Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) treatment
• Functional Orthopedics
• Sacral and Pelvis mechanical function and dysfunction
• Orthopedic Manual Therapy courses with a variety of instructors, including Stanley Paris, Greg Johnson, Robert O’Donnell, Donna Bajelis, Audrey Coleman and John Barnes.

Statement:
During my more-than-30 years of professional practice, I have come to know and understand the workings of the human body and its complex intermingling of systems. It doesn’t matter if we use the words orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neurological, mental, or myofascial – all the parts of the body intermingle into an integrated whole.
When someone is injured, their body parts no longer work together in a coordinated, seamless fashion. My job is to carefully assess my clients’ structure, movement patterns and alignment, looking for clues that will help us work together to restore their body’s function and enable them to move and play with less pain.

Specialties: Ruth has specialized in Manual Therapy techniques and the restructuring of postural alignment through soft tissue mobilization for more than 25 years.

• Treating chronic, complex disorders, where clients have multiple areas of pain and dysfunction
• TMJ/CMD
• Postural Imbalances; Scoliosis; Scheuermann’s Kyphosis

Hobbies:
Yoga & meditation
Ballroom dancing
Hiking

Current Community or Professional Service:
Member of the Certification Board for Structural Integrators 
Faculty member for Hellerwork International

Current Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association
International Association of Structural Integrators
American Hellerwork Structural Integration Association

Speech Therapy Training: Ms. Bierschwale graduated in 2002 with a BS in Communication Disorders from Southwest Texas State University, and in 2004 from Texas Tech University Health Science Center with a Masters in Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

Additional Trainings and Certifications:
Certificate of Clinical Competence from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Videostroboscopy and Voice Disorder Training
Additional Continuing Education Courses have been attended in CranioSacral Therapy and Somato-Emotional Release.
Certified LSVT Loud practitioner.

Specialties:

• Voice Disorders

• Head and Neck Cancer
• Swallowing Disorders
• Craniosacral Therapy
• CVA/Stroke/Aphasia
• Alzheimer’s
• Cognitive and Communication Disorders
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ Disorders)
• LSVT Loud

Hobbies: Running, hiking, volleyball, softball, reading

Community or Professional Service:
Ms. Bierschwale provides lectures & presentations to local groups, including local Emergency Medical Service and Fire Departments; Parkinson’s Support Groups and Stroke Support Groups.

Memberships: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

Peter Coppola, PT
Physical Therapist 

Professional Credentials:

• Licensed Physical Therapist
• Visceral Manipulation Teaching Apprentice
• Visceral Manipulation Certified Teaching Assistant
• CranioSacral Therapy Teaching Assistant
• Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Teaching Assistant

Osteopathic Manual Techniques

• Advanced Visceral Manipulation
• Cranial and Peripheral Nerve Glide
• CranioSacral Therapy
• Advanced Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Traditional Physical Therapy Techniques:

• Pediatric Therapy
• Muscle Energy Techniques
• Joint Mobilization
• Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) & Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
  approaches to Neurological Issues.

Unique Qualities:

I moved into private practice to further develop and deliver a synthesis of Holistic manual therapy and traditional PT techniques to a wider variety of clients. Prior to this move, I completed several years within the Public Education and Home Care arenas, working with Developmentally Delayed and Handicapped Children and Adults. I also draw on my experiences in the Skilled Nursing Facility, and Hospital Rehabilitation units working with Post Surgical and Traumatic Brain Injury clients.

Utilizing a Whole Body Approach I target the body’s natural self corrective mechanisms and encouraging the client to take an active role in supporting their general well being.

I have competed in and coached at a high level of Athletics, including earning High School All American Status as a Swimmer, competing at National Volleyball competitions and various levels of Baseball.

My strength is taking successful athletes and helping them streamline their movement patterns and techniques for efficiency and power.

Professional Passion:

Delivering the highest quality of care to clients that not only directly supports their well being, but educates them in ways to maintain health and prevent future issues.

Advancing the learning in my community, of health care professionals, to enable all of us to support our clients in the most effective and efficient ways. 

Working with clients who have previously had limited results with traditional therapies.

Hobbies:

Competitive Indoor and Outdoor Volleyball, Swimming, Running, Triathlons, Skiing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, and Golf.

PT Training: Ms. Greenwald graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Physical Therapy in 1986, from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

Additional Trainings and Certifications:
Certified in the Trager Method of Neuromuscular Reeducation.
Numerous additional continuing education classes have been attended in:

• Soft Tissue Mobilization,
• Myofascial Release,
• Cranio-sacral Therapy,
• TMJ treatment;
• Functional Orthopedics;
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF);
• Muscle Energy Technique (MET);
• Strain-Counterstrain Osteopathic Technique;
• Sacral and Pelvic mechanical dysfunctions;
• Cervical and Lumbar Spine mobilization.

Statement:
I have been a Physical Therapist since 1986, working in a wide variety of settings over the years. It is my experience that the hands-on approach to treatment yields the most optimal results for improvement, and is the most satisfying to both the therapist and the client. There is no substitute for the healing touch of the human hand. It is essential for the therapist to understand the relationship between all parts of the body and how they interact with each other, as well as the relationship between the mind, body and heart within the individual.

Specialties: Although I am well-trained to perform general Physical Therapy, my strengths are in using Manual Therapy Techniques to treat Orthopedic disorders; Chronic and Acute Pain; Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD); Headaches; and Fibromyalgia.

Hobbies: music, reading, writing and exercise.

PT Training: 
Master of Science in PT: 1992, Simmons College, Boston MA

Bachelors of Science in Human Movement and Performance: 1985, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia 

Additional Trainings and Certifications:
Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults, APTA
Primary Neuromusculoskeletal Screener, US Navy.
Health Promotion Coordinator, US Navy, Cooper Institute
Certified Ballroom Dance Instructor, DVIDA

Specialties:
Osteoporosis and Spinal Stenosis
Geriatric Strengthening and Fitness
Peripheral Balance Disorders and Fall Prevention

Statement: Exercise really is medicine.

Marti "walks her talk" when it comes to the importance of staying physically active. She is an avid runner (trail running, half-marathons, 5 and 10K runs) and swimmer, as well as a ballroom dancer and dance instructor, specializing in teaching ballroom basics to middle school students, teens and adults.

She has been helping people of all ages regain mobility since 1992. She's a native of the San Diego, California area, but has had the luck to live in Vancouver, British Columbia; Boston, Massachusetts; Chesapeake, Virginia; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and Twentynine Palms, California, before finding her true home in Prescott.

Marti has served residents of the Prescott area since 1998, working at Yavapai Regional Medical Center before joining Backway's Physical Therapy in 2004. 

Hobbies: Running, swimming, sailing, ballroom dancing, sewing, knitting, reading, travel

Community or Professional Service:
Marti served our country as an officer in the US Navy from 1992-1998. Attaining the rank of Lieutenant, she worked as a Physical Therapist at Naval Medical Centers and Hospitals in Portsmouth, Virginia; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Twentynine Palms, CA. She earned the Navy Achievement Medal and Humanitarian Service Award.

Marti has taught beginning ballroom classes at the Prescott Adult Center, Yavapai College and Mountain Oak Charter School. 

Memberships:
American Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic and Geriatric sections
Arizona Physical Therapy Association
National Strength and Conditioning Association
American College of Sports Medicine

Professional Credentials:

Physical Therapist: Licensed since 1995, Ms. Kehm earned her BSPT from Northeastern University in Boston, MA.

Structural Integration:  Board Certified 2010 Kinesis Myofascial Integration (KMI), Walpole, ME

Additional Trainings and Certifications:

2006-2008: Upledger Institute/Barral Institute: Osteopathic Visceral Mobilization Techniques

Numerous additional continuing education classes have been attended in the following areas:

• Functional Orthopedics
• Sacral and Pelvis mechanical function and dysfunction
• Orthopedic Manual Therapy courses with a variety of instructors, including Stanley Paris, George Davies, Chris Powers, Ola Grimsby

Professional Skills & Specialties:

• Treatment of chronic pain
• Sports medicine and sports rehab and reeducation
• Structural Integration – a twelve-series based on the work of  Ida Rolf
• General orthopedics – pre- and post-operative, preventive
• Wellness

Statement: Ann’s background in horse training indirectly led to her pursuit of her PT degree. She practiced sports medicine for ten years before joining the team at Backway’s PT in order to pursue more challenging endeavors. In December of 2010 she completed her coursework for certification in Structural Integration, based on the work of Ida Rolf, PhD. This work is instrumental in facilitating proper alignment of the body and is useful in treating chronic pain and easing the effects of musculoskeletal trauma.

Hobbies:  Ann is an avid hiker. She travels when the opportunity arises. She embraces her life and her work with vigor and gratitude.

 

PT Training:
Master of Physical Therapy attained in 1998 from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Additional Trainings and Certifications:
Leslie has received continuing education to learn the following techniques:

• CranioSacral Therapy,
• myofascial release,
• therapeutic touch,
• neuromuscular therapy,
• ethics and decision making in PT practice

She has taken additional trainings for treating:

• orthopedic injuries and dysfunction,
• osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis,
• spinal stenosis,
• multiple sclerosis,
• diabetes,
• chronic fatigue,
• fibromyalgia,
• sleep apnea,

Statement:
Leslie’s goal as a physical therapist is to discover the unique combination of evaluation and treatment techniques that will facilitate each individual’s innate healing abilities.  She strives to combine education, experience, intuition, and openness to guide herself and her clients throughout this process.

Specialties:
Leslie’s specialties include postural assessment and re-alignment, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, therapeutic exercise and manual therapy.

Hobbies:
Leslie takes great delight in spending every free minute with her family, undertaking all of the challenges and endeavors children seek out!  She also enjoys hiking with her 2 mutts!

Community or Professional Service:
Working hard to raise open, fun-loving, compassionate, aware, and empathetic little persons!

Current Memberships:
“Mommies ‘R’ Us”!

PT Training: Cheryl received her undergraduate and graduate education through Northern Arizona University. She has practiced Physical Therapy since graduating in 1983, with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Returning to NAU to earn a post- professional degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Exercise Science, Cheryl was awarded her Master’s Degree in 1991.

Yoga Training: Cheryl is a registered Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist. She received her credential as a registered Yoga teacher with The Yoga Alliance in 2008, after completing her training through Yoga Shala in Prescott. She has had the pleasure of ongoing study with Cain Carol and Mary Kay West.

She earned her Yoga Therapist credential in 2010, through Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT) with Joseph and Lillian Le Page.

Statement:
“Therapy” is self-help. Cheryl believes her “physical” therapy should therefore focus on helping the client to understand the physical body as both the mirror that reflects our state of health and the vehicle that should be kept vital for us to experience our natural state of well-being.

Cheryl’s professional pursuits have always been supported by her wonderful family. Cheryl is the wife of Rich Van Demark, a private Forester active in development of local sources of bio- energy, owner of Southwest Forestry Inc. and alumni of Prescott High School class of 1977. Together they are navigating the dynamic process of lovingly parenting their children through their early college and high school years.

Additional Training:

Cheryl reflects her commitment to life-long learning within the physical therapy profession by attending annual continuing medical education seminars, with a focus on manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercise.

She has attended numerous post-professional courses in an eclectic spectrum of manual physical therapy methods including:

• Grimsby, Maitland, McKenzie, Rocabado, Paris and Cyriax
• along with training in manipulation techniques with Laurie Hartman, DO; Britt Smith, DPT, FAOMPT, through the NAU post professional DPT curriculum; and Tim Fearon, DPT, through Phoenix Manual Therapy.

Special Skills:

As a Professional Yoga Therapist, Cheryl is progressively incorporating the life science of Yoga into the self-management component of her physical therapy services.

Cheryl has enjoyed over 27 years of helping individuals optimize alignment, restore movement, build strength and cultivate a balance in body mind and spirit to pursue joyful living.

She has focused her physical therapy practice on a combination of skillful manual therapy and therapeutic exercise as reflected through the dynamic lens of scientific literature and evidence-based best practice.

As a Professional Yoga Therapist, Cheryl draws upon the life science of Yoga to guide clients toward empowered self care to complement their health care. Her perspective as a physical therapist and experience as a health educator enable her to adapt asana practices, and explain Yoga philosophy, to bring the many health benefits of Yoga into the mainstream.

Cheryl established Health in Motion LLC in 2009 to serve individuals who are ready to follow an empowered path to an enhanced state of well-being.

Through Health in Motion, LLC, Cheryl offers public yoga classes, small group yoga therapy classes for chronic conditions and private yoga therapy. She is the owner of Body Language Studio in Chino Valley Arizona. Her Yoga Therapy services and public Yoga classes are available in both Prescott and Chino Valley. Visit Health in Motion and Body Language Studio

Specialties:

• active listening to match the needs of the client with the interventions most likely to result in achievement of the client’s objectives
• hands-on health care through manual physical therapy interventions
• integrating body-mind-spirit, improving postural alignment and developing stress management skills through introduction to Yoga
• therapeutic exercise borrowing from a variety of kinesthetic movement arts that simply use the body as “your equipment” to:
  • balance strength & flexibility,
  • reduce risk of falls, and
  • cultivate all of the energetic systems needed for optimal vitality
• health & wellness education
• ergonomic counseling

Hobbies:

Yoga, gardening, hiking, photography, and self-study primarily related to the human body, spirituality, Ayurveda and Yoga

Yoga Practice:

Like her Integrative Yoga Therapy training, Cheryl’s personal yoga practice is eclectic, but is steeped in Anusara Yoga. She enjoys progressing her asana training with Anusara teachers Rachel Peters and Christina Sell.

Community or Professional Service:

• Past Delegate to the American Physical Therapy Association for the Arizona Physical Therapy Association
• Frequent participant on the interview team for Northern Arizona University, Department of Physical Therapy
• Center Coordinator for Clinical Education of the former NAU Physical Therapy Clinic; serving as a clinical instructor for hundreds of student physical therapists from 1991- 2000.

Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association
• Yoga Alliance
• International Association of Yoga Therapists