Patricia M. Kortekaas, PT, PC, ANT-c

Over the past twenty-five years, the traditional physical therapy field has changed tremendously and made my profession more exciting and interesting. I started fresh out of school in The Netherlands with a good package of manual therapy skills, but didn't feel I had the right answer for some of my patients. Osteopathy and the impact of nutrition as a part of my comprehensive physical therapy program came my way, and changed my whole practice and outlook on patient care. In osteopathy we believe you use the body's own intrinsic corrective mechanisms to restore full, total body functioning for the long run. It helps to improve and restore tissue mobility and motilities, corrects biomechanics and improves overall system functioning.

My guidance was using the "common sense" of the body, that it has a protection hierarchy when it breaks down. The human body will protect around a specific order when it is stressed:
   1. Vascular & lymphatics system first to save its vital forces and fascia are the common demoninator
   2. Nervous system for communication
   3. Organs for digestion
   4. Endocrine system
   5. Musculo-skeletal system

This means that you need skills to be able to manipulate in all these specific areas when there are dysfunctions present. The exciting part of my physical therapy career has been to get to this level of practicing, and to be able to go beyond the normal physical problems in the body. Cranio-sacral dysfunctions, biomechanical and gait problems, musculo-skeletal dysfunctions, as well as visceral restrictions seem to respond well to these specific manual therapy skills.

Another major component is the impact of nutrition on the musculo-skeletal system, and especially the impact of gluten, a protein (gliadin) that is in wheat, barley, and rye if you are gluten sensitive or intolerant. Oats do not contain gluten, but may be contaminated for many different reasons.

"Although I am not a nutritionist, as a physical therapist I can see the impact of the wrong nutrition on the musculo-skeletal system". ~ Patricia Kortekaas, PT

When you are gluten sensitive, the half-digested proteins can create inflammatory responses in the small and large intestines (IBS, mal-absorption syndrome, etc.). The "leaky gut" syndrome has indirect impact on many other important organs such as the urinary tract system (incontinent, infections, urgencies for example), and other vital systems. The response is that the body starts to protect around inflamed areas, and creates symptoms of breakdown and compensations in the body. The inflammation and reduced functions of the affected organs (adhesions) will also have an impact on the musculo-skeletal system. This can show up in persistent symptoms such as pain and limited range of motion in the right lower quadrant of the body (ilio-cecal valve area), and the right shoulder area (protection around the liver). Change of diet, with the help of a trained nutritionist, to the correct nutritionally dense diet appropriate for the person, and with the combination of manipulation of the affected areas, will dramatically improve the situation on a long-term basis. After you have established improved function, we will continue with individualized exercise and conditioning programs at the clinic or in a work out situation.

An excellent laboratory for gluten sensitivity testing is www.enterolab.com. This is a registered and fully accredited clinical laboratory specializing in the analysis of intestinal specimens for food sensitivities (reactions by the immune system to common proteins in the diet) that cause a variety of symptoms and diseases.

Currently, I am developing reflex techniques to improve the stagnation of the deep lymph circulation in our body quickly and efficiently. They are (visceral manual therapy) techniques that assist the body's natural capabilities to improve and enhance the proper fluid dynamics. Our environment has become so toxic (water and air pollution of wildfires, vaccines, chemicals, etc.), that our biggest challenge is to address the proper way to reduce the high levels of toxicity in our body.

Recommended Books

"The Gluten Connection" from Shari Lieberman, PhD, CNS, FACN
"Dangerous Grains" from James Braly, MD
"Grain Brain" from David Perlmutter, MD

"Your whole body approach integrating manual and vascular techniques has resolved many years of pain and discomfort. I am functional again!"
Thank you,
~ Judy B.
Cottage Grove, Oregon

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"I cannot express how much I appreciate the very fine healing work that Patrice does. In addition to keeping my search dogs and I fit and healthy for the demands of our fieldwork, she shares her knowledge with doctors and vets interested in these very powerful healing modalities. Anyone with structural issues, especially anyone who has not had success with modern allopathic medicine, should make an appointment. You will be amazed by this caring, thoughtful, true healer."
~ Sharon Ward,
Portland, Oregon

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"I want you to know how grateful I am for all that you have done for me in the last year.

Before meeting you, I spent 10 years of my life going to doctors, chiropractors, and massage therapists trying to recover from a severe auto accident. When I met you I was exhausted, hadn't slept well for years, depressed, unable to exercise, and unable to digest food normally anymore.

Through your amazing gift and gentle touch you have helped me gradually regain my physical health and my life. I now have mobility in my neck and shoulders; I attend Tai Chi class weekly; I sleep better; and through your recommendation of working with a nutritionist, my digestion is getting better.

Best of all I feel excited about my future for the first time in 10 years. Now my challenge is regaining the strength that I lost, and I know through your coaching I will achieve my goals."
~ Kelly "Sunshawl" Barrett
Eugene, Oregon

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"Patricia Kortekaas is the most amazing PT I have ever come across. She is incredibly talented and gifted. I found Patricia 13 years ago after being hit by a truck as I was crossing the street as a pedestrian. I was in severe pain and very unhappy with the physical therapy I encountered before Patricia. I was overjoyed at discovering Patricia.

She is like a PT "Sherlock Holmes" with a very analytical approach backed by uncanny intuition, a superbly gentle touch and an ever-expanding knowledge of techniques. There is no one else I would as happily entrust my health to. Her knowledge is so extensive that she brings a very diverse approach to her practice integrating many aspects that treat the whole body. I appreciate her years of experience, knowledge and skill that make one session with her like 20 with someone else. Over the years she has also treated me, a dance instructor, for various injuries. I have had to try other PT's due my travels as a dance teacher and honestly I have never experience anything like the care I receive with Patricia. I cannot recommend her highly enough."
~ Denise Steele, professional dance teacher
Eugene, Oregon