Michelle has changed our lives! My son was struggling with balance, coordination and reading fluency. It was painful to hear him read aloud and even harder to watch him play sports. His deficits were impacting every aspect of his life. At home, he couldn’t focus, navigate his own space or do chores or homework independently without shedding tears. After meeting and working with Michelle, things started to change. She was able to help him become the best version of himself. As a mother and special education teacher, I marveled at her knowledge of how the brain and body function. Her strategies and work have made him a fluent reader and much better athlete. Although, he is still a work in progress, he has gained confidence in all areas. It’s truly amazing what her knowledge was able to achieve.
Erin Leigh – 3/25/19
Michelle transforms lives. In October 2018 our 5 year old son’s kindergarten teacher mentioned that she thought he might need glasses as he blinked and rubbed his eyes a lot. He (Nathan) also had a difficult time with tracking words across a page. We brought him to several ophthalmologists who told us his eyes were healthy and he didn’t need glasses. We then met with Michelle who did an extensive evaluation and listened to all of our concerns, not just the vision problems. She explained that the health of the eye is different from how the brain and eye interact and process information. Nathan has eye convergence excess which caused a number of the symptoms we and his teacher had seen. In addition, Nathan had some physical limitations and was behind his peers from a gross motor perspective. Michelle understood our concerns and designs her activities to work on all these areas.
Michelle works with our family, not only working with us and our son on the exercises but also 1) educating us on what she’s seeing and explaining how the brain and body are interacting; 2) the potential causes of what’s going on, and 3) how she’s addressing the concern. She brings different activities each session, which address problem areas from different angles. We use a variety of lasers and apparatus, including balloons, an exercise ball, and boxing like mitts – all items a 5 year old finds fascinating!!
One of the things I appreciate the most is her perseverance and dedication; she goes above and beyond, whether it be sending emails about other things she’s thinking about or tools that she thinks will help, to requesting feedback on how certain activities are going at home. She truly cares. The biggest compliment is our son who gave us a fight when we first started because it was “too hard” and “I can’t do it” now looks forwards to “Ms Michelle’s” visits and greets her at the door. From the little boy who couldn’t skip, do jumping jacks, and look at a book without it being more than 2-3 inches from his face, he can do all this and so much more. We are most grateful; together, we go beyond.
Stacy Koehler Wilber – March 23, 2019
I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle numerous times. I myself needed treatment and both of my daughters. I wouldn’t use any other physical therapist. Her knowledge of the body and how it is all connected is amazing. I am always in awe of what she tells me will help because, honestly, sometimes it seems a little weird! My daughter had a concussion three years ago playing basketball while in 7th grade. She struggled through concussion protocol and we ended up seeing a neurologist for her symptoms. Once cleared, she hurt her right ankle. Unfortunately, she kept re-injuring that ankle to the point she needed an MRI. Once therapy was requested, I immediately contacted Michelle. She worked with the ankle but through discussion she taught me how the concussion was truly the cause of the ankle injury. She worked with her implementing many balance and eye exercises. She was diligent in teaching her exactly why she needed to do them and showing her how they were beneficial. I was always amazed how these exercises helped her. She gained strength and agility quickly and was very pleased with the outcome. My daughter has then gone on to have a successful volleyball and basketball seasons. Michelle’s ability to see what needs to be done and accomplished through treating the whole person is amazing. She has a vast knowledge of how the body is connected and is resourceful and implements therapy well.
Michelle and Sonja Matheson – 3/22/2019
I suffered a concussion on January 5, 2019. I sustained a bilateral sacroiliac (SI) joint contusion and had a hematoma on the occipital area measuring 10cm by 5cm. I could barely walk without screaming out in pain and had “lost” my vision in my left eye, as well as having the general headache, nausea, and lability symptoms.
Michelle Lussier treated me on January 6th with the THOR LED and cold laser.
January 7th I felt 90% better. I continued to have the general symptoms of a concussion and SI soreness however I could walk without screaming out in pain and regained the ability to see.* ( *Being a physician I realized that my “lost” eye sight was due to a disturbance in the visual cortex of my brain which is housed in the occipital lobe; essentially my brain was not communicating to my eyes). I felt so good that, being who I am, I proceeded to do loads of laundry going up and down several flights of stairs and generally moving all day long “like normal”. I continued to have the general concussion symptoms, however at a tolerable level. She treated me again this day.
January 8th I woke up to go to work and had major concussive symptoms; severe nausea, headache and emotional lability as well as mild-moderate SI pain and general neck stiffness (which I neglected to mention earlier). I stayed home and slept all day.
January 9th I woke up and went to work. Michelle treated me again. In general from this day forward I had excellent success and was able to go to work. I have a very busy primary care practice and generally work 8am to 8pm 4 days a week. In addition, I was in the culmination of buying the medical practice I work at and had to, 1 week after suffering my concussion, read 6 lengthy contracts. My lawyer and I spent 6 hours on the phone reviewing each of these contracts (reading and computer work/ eye shifting back and forth), which typically would have been very difficult for any person 1 week post a concussion. During the first 6 weeks I noticed every Saturday I could not “see” out of one of my eyes; until Michelle would come treat me.
Week 7 I was away on vacation.
During week 8, I was back from vacation and by Friday I was grossly irritable. So much so that I was wondering what was wrong with me, after all I had just returned from a week on the beach. By Friday night I recognized that I was not even 2 months post my fall and concussion and that in fact this was a symptom of that. Michelle treated my on Saturday and immediately my irritability was gone!!! I had a significant realization that football players, not only suffer repeated head trauma and concussions but that they have testosterone coupled with the irritability which could easily increase their level of “rage” and this could easily be a deadly combination. Michelle treated me 3 days a week for 6 weeks and there is NO doubt in my mind that had I not had this treatment I would not be in the position I am in today, let alone DAYS post my concussion. I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to contact her and for knowing who to send my patients to.
Dr. Laura A. Munro – 3/19/2019
Over the years, I have seen Michelle for therapy on several occasions. I’ve had treatment for neck, low back pain, foot pain and carpal tunnel in both hands. She has always been very helpful. She is professional, compassionate and sensitive to one’s personal needs. She has continued to enhance her knowledge and expand her practice. Her passion is to help others increase function & mobility. I would most definitely see Michelle again when needed and highly recommend her. You can be sure she will do all she can to help you meet your goals.
Gloria Beliveau – 3/28/2018
I am a 96 year old woman with back problems and balance problems. I have been working with Michelle for the last few months. In those months my posture and balance have improved. My back no longer limits my activities. The eye and coordination exercises have made fast improvements. I feel continuing to work with Michelle, I will continue to improve my situation even more.
Margaret Limmani – March 26, 2018
First, You have to ask yourself a question. What would you do to get relief from pain and a calmness in your demeanor without prescribed medicine? Pain causes stress!!
As a contractor for 40 years, time has had a chance to damage a body. After seeing Michelle Lussier with these LED light treatments, I have finally found an answer to my prayers. Pain relief without prescribed drugs!
Never in my life have I found a more dedicated, loyal, honest, and most hard working person. Michelle Lussier has spent a lifetime of dedication to her field of expertise. Her wealth of knowledge and understanding the full spectrum of the body and how it works from the inside out is amazing. Knowing that someone will be willing to go out of their way and spend that extra time to make your situation gain a better improvement to your life, is invaluable. This is so much better than those revolving door physical therapy places that monitor your time and put you in a corner to do things on your own.
My treatment with Michelle has been and will continue to be successful. After the treatments I have experienced days of complete relief and comfort. The progression of comfort for me has been at a steady gain I will continue to continue my regiment of treatments to better the quality of my life.
So if you can answer the first question. I’m sure that the answer is right here with Michelle. I know everyone’s situation is different but I know Michelle will be dedicated to your need and concerns without question. It has changed my life and I know it can change yours.
Thank You Michelle !
John Suplicki – 3/22/2018
I have been under Michelle’s care three times over the last 12 years. I’ve had treatment for my shoulder, my back and knee. On all three occasions I was impressed with the results. Each time, she not only helped me with my injury but worked tirelessly to help me excel. She is very knowledgeable and after all her years of experience she continues to look for new ways to help her patients. If you want to improve your quality of life after surgery or injury, look no further once you find Michelle.
Roland Beliveau – 3/22/2018
I have been dealing with Parkinson’s for at least 4 years and the negative effects have included: poor balance resulting in falls, concussions, fear, difficulty getting in/out of a chair without falling backward, walking any distance or attempting to turn while walking especially to my left. My first session with Michelle was amazing-getting in and out of the chairs became easy and I could feel a wonderful improvement in my balance after only 1 hour! And it keeps getting better! I’ve just completed my second week. I am now (with my walker) standing tall, keeping my head up and walking/moving so much faster. I have even forgotten to take my walker along due to my increased confidence. I am now looking forward to improving my mobility, strength & balance so that I can return to participating in my former activities!
Anne Fisher – March 14, 2018
I am a 68 year old female that had shoulder surgery last March. The surgeon did not believe I would ever be able to return to my active life of biking, spinning, and yoga secondary to the severity of my injury. I went for traditional physical therapy where the therapist gave me exercises to do while he charted on his computer. I saw no improvement. I was fortunate enough to know Michelle Lussier. I asked if she would help me. While working with Michelle, I have been able not only return to my prior level of functioning, but I am in better physical shape related to balance, mobility, and endurance. I now have the confidence to get back on my bike to enjoy my life’s passion. Michelle’s approach to therapy is not only personal, her approach is positively innovative as she uses all modalities to incorporate her extensive knowledge of how our bodies work. Michelle gives 100% of her energy to me and her knowledge and openness to new ideas make working with her something I look forward to and I am seeing great improvement. Thank you Michelle for caring and sharing your wonderful abilities with me.
Pat Marshall – February 23, 2018
Michelle helped me when I had five bulging discs (diagnosed 3 years ago). I rented a wheelchair before I went to Michelle. I couldn’t stand long or walk long, I also had pain going down my right leg, the wheelchair helped me get around the house. Michelle did a thorough assessment on me and put me in traction my first visit. She went over exercises with me and had me do them at home along with some walking. I was able to stay out of the wheelchair within a week! Michelle added more exercises as I progressed, eventually she added some eye exercises too. The combination of the traction, exercises and eye exercises all helped me to improve! I am still pain free today! Thank you Michelle!
Anne Robinson – March 8, 2018
To Whom it May Concern,
I highly recommend Michelle Lussier as a physical therapist. I became Michelle’s patient in July 2014. It’s evident she has a true commitment to her patients and she works to devise a program that fits their individual needs. Michelle creates a constructive environment using positive comments and light banter to help anyone having difficulty. She always made me feel there was hope, the word discouraged isn’t even in her vocabulary. She says if we don’t believe we can improve through PT we won’t. The fear would hold us back, Michelle sees to it that we have faith we can succeed.
I’ve watched Michelle go from person to person always with a good word, where correction is needed it’s always followed by a joke or two to bolster morale. Of course we love to tease her right back but that’s all part of her plan too in creating the environment she wants. Her patients’ success and welfare are her priorities. Let me tell you a little of my story to help convey Michelle’s abilities. I’ve had Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) since 1990. It started after shoulder surgery eventually spreading to all four limbs and I ended up in a wheelchair about a year after it started. I had excellent doctors who were very attentive to my CRPS needs. I underwent numerous nerve blocks through the years always with good results. In 2013 I changed my medical care to a doctor and nurse APRN in rehabilitation and a new neurologist. Their focus was on getting well and diminishing the focus on CRPS. I owe them all so much. In July 2014 I found Michelle. When we started doing exercises my body reacted with increased pain. I also have the start of a bulging disc, vertigo, arthritis, and low back pain. So Michelle has her hands filled when it comes to my care trying to devise a program around all the complications. We tried different exercises and decreased repetitions until Michelle found the point where my body could handle them. It was like going through the back door, not letting my body know it was actually exercising. A leg raise was lifting the leg merely 3-4 inches off the table. It was all I could do. Gradually I gained strength and some endurance. It would have been so easy to say that was all I could achieve but not for Michelle. Michelle stuck by me never willing to give up. She’d ask me what was hurting, what I felt we could work on, then she’d come up with exercises. She’d often say she’d wondered the night before if we could do a certain exercise and sure enough we’d succeed. Again everything is always positive with Michelle. She’s dedicated and very tenacious in her approach to PT.
January 2016 I started using a walker. I thought that was great but Michelle wasn’t satisfied. We continued adding more exercises increasing difficulty. My list of exercises I do at home kept growing and growing and growing. By May we said goodbye to the walker. I didn’t even dare to hope this might be possible! I was fearful of walking without something to hold onto after all it was quite a few years since I walked on my own and a fall could cause a flare of the CRPS. Each time I walked I’d locate the position of the chairs around the room just in case. Once I let go of the fear I advanced rapidly. Michelle has been there for me every step of the way. What really helped me the most in PT were the vision exercises which Michelle says are part of nerve retraining and brain activation. This certainly sounded like it would work with CRPS and it has for me. She always says “pain is formed in the brain not at the injury site. The exercises make our brains more efficient and lowers the threat.” I didn’t completely understand how they would work but I was willing. I have about ten different vision exercises I do about 3-4 times a day in addition to a regular PT routine. After doing the exercises I always feel energized and able to do the work faster, more accurately, and with better hand eye coordination. The results were phenomenal! I can do more physical exercises with less pain. Rather than reaching for pain meds I now do some of the vision exercises instead. That’s a plus in anyone’s book!! By the second week in July 2016 I was walking a half mile on a good day. I was doing more and more housework on my own and I loved it. My doctors were so amazed at my progress! They asked for Michelle’s name as they said they would soon be sending her other patients. On March 17, 2017 I was officially declared to be in remission!!! I was ecstatic up over the moon! I have no odd feelings at all in my limbs. I’ll soon be off oxycontin and then the oxycodone. I owe so much to Michelle I can never thank her enough. Michelle has my respect as a person and a therapist. She would be an asset in whatever she chooses to do.Gladys H. – March 17, 2017