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About High Performance Physical Therapy
High Performance Physical Therapy specializes in the treatment of back and neck pain, orthopedic and sports related injuries, injury prevention, and wellness. We offer in person and remote fitness and wellness training services. Our model allows for one-on-one evaluation and treatment with a highly experienced physical therapist to meet your goals.
We treat a variety of diagnoses
Neck pain
Back pain
Sciatica
Degenerative Disc Disease
TMJ Disorder
Shoulder and elbow pain
Labral and rotator cuff injuries
Wrist and hand pain
Impingement
Hip and knee pain
Patellar tendinosis
Meniscus injuries
Ankle and foot pain
Achilles tendinosis
Plantar fasciitis
Headaches
Tennis Elbow
Sports rehab and injury prevention
Physical Therapy Services
The McKenzie Method
Dry Needling
Blood Flow Restriction Training
Joint Mobilization
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Manual Stretching
Therapeutic Exercises
Neuromuscular Re-education
Sport Rehabilitation
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Sports and Wellness Training
Whether you are resuming training following injury, or interested in optimizing athletic capacity and wellness while preventing injury we can help you return to and stay at your optimal fitness level and achieve your goals through remote or in person training and programming.
Our Methods
The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy is a reliable diagnostic and treatment method used to treat back, neck and extremity pain (i.e., shoulder, knee, ankle etc.) as well as intermittent numbness in the hands and feet.
This research and exercise based approach of assessment, diagnosis and treatment was developed by Robin McKenzie in the 1950s. Using the McKenzie method we are able to thoroughly understand symptom and mechanical behavior, determine the most effective, efficient treatment plan, abolish symptoms, restore prior level of function, teach the patient how to self -treat and prevent recurrences, and detect those patients who need referral to another medical practitioner.
Dry Needling
Dry needling uses thin monofilament needles to treat muscles, ligaments, tendons, subcutaneous fascia, scar tissue, peripheral nerves and neurovascular bundles to treat various neuromuscular pain disorders. Research shows dry needling improves blood flow, increases beta endorphins, decreases cortisol, and encourages collagen proliferation in tendinopathies.
Return to Sport and Injury Prevention
Whether you are a recreational or high level athlete we combine our knowledge as a physical therapist and CrossFit level 2 trainer to help you return you to your highest level of function and prevent recurrent injuries.
Movement and Mobility Assessment
​Are you having difficulty getting into a good front rack position? Are you unsure how to brace properly while lifting your child? We provide a thorough screening of your biomechanics including range of motion, strength, and movement patterns and guide you in corrective exercises that you can perform at home or in the gym to help prevent injuries and improve mechanics.
$80
Our Therapist
Nicole Kirkendall DPT, OCS, Dip. MDT,
Cert. DN
Nicole graduated from Duke University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2009. She became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist in 2010 and obtained her certification in McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in 2011. Nicole completed the diploma program in MDT in 2014, becoming the 397th McKenzie Diplomat in the world.
Nicole has completed many other post graduate courses and also holds certifications in Dry Needling and Blood Flow Restriction Training.
During her time teaching the anatomy lab at The University of Nevada, Reno, Nicole was introduced to CrossFit by her students and became a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer. She later obtained the Movement and Mobility, and CrossFit Kids Certifications. She currently coaches at Gulf Shores CrossFit. Combining her background in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation with CrossFit allows Nicole to help restore both recreational and high-level athletes to their prior functional levels and prevent injuries.
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Common Questions
Do I need a prescription from my doctor?
Although there are specific exceptions, you do not need a referral for physical therapy as Alabama allows for direct access.
Do you accept insurance?
Nicole Kirkendall is not an in-network provider. However, many insurance plans do offer out-of-network benefits for physical therapy. We would be happy to assist you in determining if you have out-of-network benefits and provide you with the necessary documentation to submit for re-imbursement.
How should I prepare for my first visit?
Please check your email and fill out all forms requested prior to your first visit. If you do have a referral from a physician, please bring this to your first visit. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Tank tops are helpful for evaluation of the shoulder joint, and shorts or pants that can easily be raised above the knee to evaluate the knee joint.
Do you offer dry needling treatment only?
Yes, we do offer dry needling sessions. Dry needling is most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments, however is offered as a stand alone treatment session if determined appropriate following the initial evaluation.
