“I’ve been coming to Clair Physical Therapy for approximately 1 month for the tail-end of treating frozen shoulder and bursitis in the same shoulder. If you don’t read to the end of my extensive review/comparison to a different local and highly recommended PT place, then know I would wholeheartedly recommend this business for many reasons (8 total) 🙂 If you do get to the end of my review you should get a cookie. 

I have many thoughts, particularly for comparing this business model to another. I kept my thoughts as clear, concise, and organized as possible. I hope this review helps you make a decision and answer questions, as not all PT centers are created equally, as is apparent in my comparison! It’s about a 5 minute read from here down 🙂 To note: I am not a friend or family member of anyone employed at Clair nor have I received any compensation for this review. This is simply my humble opinion and keen observations and comparisons between 2 PT companies. I feel Clair deserves more recognition.  I am so pleased with the knowledge and professionalism by all, Tasia and Trevor in particular. I spoke with the owner, Bob, we and shared my thoughts and now sharing them here.- Continued..

“Tasia, PT tech, is wonderful and ready to meet my needs. Her strong work ethic is to be noted. Going above and beyond and serving wholeheartedly for the patient is imperative, really for any business,  to stand out above others. ‘Acts of Service’ is what comes to mind when I see her at work. Tasia pays attention to the minute and individualized details, and gives such special and personalized attention which makes me feel valued and appreciated as a patient. She shines like a gold star. I truly appreciate her thoughtfulness, her servant-heartedness, and love for what she does. She enjoys her job and it shows. She takes pride in her work and smiles brightly while she’s doing it. 

Trevor, PT therapist, is amazing too. His strong work ethic is also to be noted. He enthusiastically acknowledges every human walking through the door by name. They can’t all be his patients but he somehow still knows their names. I’m not sure if that’s an exaggeration or not, it’s just what I’ve noticed in the short time I’ve been at Clair. What a way to feel welcome! He is very knowledgeable and patient with ALL of my questions - and I have many! I never feel silly for being as detailed as I am and asking for constant clarification. He ponders my questions and is thoughtful in his answers to help me understand all of the things I know very little about. He also spends a fair amount of time thoroughly stretching and manipulating the joint on every visit. I do not ever feel rushed in any way.”- Continued..

“1. CLAIR BUSINESS MODEL         It feels more personal than my past PT place. The other one felt more like a cattle call. At Clair, Trevor assessed me on Day 1 and is the guy who is out on the floor with me showing me the stretches and exercises to do. Tasia helps with that as well, but Trevor usually oversees it. They both will correct me if needed to ensure proper form. I appreciate this guidance as improper form while doing an exercise is why I am here to begin with. The other place I was handed off after visual assessments were made by the PT, and maybe or maybe not some joint manipulation. Most of the time I didn’t even see my therapist again at all after that initial encounter. I would occasionally receive another visual assessment after making rounds of stretches and exercises, but that was pretty sporadic. ”- Continued..

“2. JOINT MANIPULATION EVERY VISIT —AFTER PT, NOT BEFORE                                       My last place, the PT guy manipulated my shoulder joint maybe 70-80% of the time. He also did this BEFORE I went through stretches and exercises. Trevor does the manipulation after I’ve completed all of my rounds. He does this every single time! It makes complete sense to manipulate the joint after it’s been warmed up and I’ve done what I could to stretch and loosen it while on the floor. It kind of seems bass ackwards to do it first, IMHO. ”- Continued..

“3. TIME SPENT ON JOINT MANIPULATION                        My last place, the PT seemed to rush through the joint stretching and manipulation, spending maybe 2.5 - 3 minutes total. Trevor spends maybe 10 - 13 minutes each time. He also moves slowly and carefully, truly treating my shoulder in a delicate manner. I appreciate this! I will time it and edit if I am able to on my next visit! To be fair, there may have been a reason my other PT didn’t spend as much time, and I haven’t asked. This is just an observation on my part ”- Continued..

“4. PT MEASURING DEVICE    Trevor measured several ranges of motion with a specialized PT measuring tool during my consultation and will again after a number of weeks. The other place, my PT measured 1 (sometimes 2) ranges of motion by eye every week. I very much prefer precise and accurate measurements. The other one just seemed ‘old school’.”- Continued..

“5. STRETCHES FOR HOME                   Trevor gave me a printout of several stretches to do at home. The other place gave me a few of the same stretches, using a band for 1, a towel for 1, a bar for 1, a chair and table for 1, and a pulley for 1. Only 1 stretch was on the pulley and I only was able to use it for a month or 2 before my arm reached the max stretch (the pulley was hung from the top of a door), as the instructions directed me to stand. I still had maybe 45 degrees left to stretch my arm up to be equal with my left shoulder. The stretches Trevor printed out for me had the same stretches, and some others, ALL modified to use on this pulley - but sitting down!! I could have used this pulley all along, I just never thought of it. Trevor also pointed out I could tighten the pulley if need be. My other PT basically shrugged his shoulders when I told him I hit the max and couldn’t stretch further. He didn’t offer the solution that was right under my nose. It also makes much more sense to complete all of the stretches using 1 tool, which makes life so much easier.”- Continued..

“6. THE ICE MACHINE!! I’m in love. The other place slapped a traditional rectangular shaped ice pack over my shoulder, down my back. Clair has an entire machine devoted to the shoulder! The best thing ever. The pad wraps around the entire shoulder, under the opposite arm, and fits snugly, tightened with velcro, and a motorized machine sends ice cold water flowing through the shoulder, back, and arm. It pumps air through as well so the cuff is firmly against the skin, which seems to fill in air pockets between your shirt and the pad. This machine is effective in cooling all shoulder related muscles that needs to be cooled down. It just seems more efficient than the basic blue pad. You can ask for high pressure too!! ”- Continued..

“8. THE ENTIRE STAFF IS PROFESSIONAL                               The last place I was at I often heard the PT techs bickering, gossiping and complaining while congregating in the center of the workout area. Chatting inappropriately within earshot of the patient is, well…inappropriate. At Clair, everyone is so professional and friendly towards each other and the patients. 

Mr. Bob, both Trevor and Tasia truly are assets to your business. They both deserve a raise in my book ”- Continued..

“I am an orthopaedic surgeon and developed a compression neuropathy at my elbow that resulted in my hand becoming numb and weak, affecting my ability to do my work. This condition is typically treated with surgery to release the pressure on the nerve. I didn’t have the time required to go through the surgery because it would have resulted in a significant break in my work schedule and since I am self-employed, I don’t enjoy paid sick time. Bob Clair and his wonderful staff performed cold laser on my elbow which greatly reduced the swelling and inflammation on the nerve allowing my hand function to recover. This took only 5 sessions, but the results were dramatic with no loss in productivity. I am able to work now with minimal symptoms.”

If you have swelling and/or pain I would recommend the Cold Laser.”

“First, I want to thank you for your expertise and direction in my recent treatment for neck and shoulder spasms. This was my third time to be treated at Clair’s and I was used to the exercise program and the benefits of the ultrasonic that brings relief, but I was definitely surprised by the new Cold Laser. With one application I experienced a final release from the tension and muscle cramping that seemed to cycle again and again. I am very appreciative to receive the benefits of this new treatment and feel confident if needed I can depend on you to continue to see the possibilities for better treatments to combine with traditional modalities.