c.h. Physical Therapy

About

One on one Physical Therapy and Personal Training with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Story

c.h. Physical TherapySM (“c.h.”) opened in 2002 in NW Portland by Colin Hoobler, PT, DPT, MS for the primary purpose of treating patients with chronic health problems using a unique physical therapy approach called exercise therapy (ET). Research has shown that chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, back pain, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes can be effectively treated using ET, but most physicians and physical therapists lack formal ET training, often leading to ineffective exercise prescription and/or an emphasis in passive treatments (e.g., manual therapy, ultrasound) (Cardiopulm Phys Ther 2006; Anat Sci Int 2017; Am Fam Physician 2015). When administered by a trained, licensed physical therapist, ET is covered under insurance, including Medicare.

Through 22 years of peer review, instruction and clinical application, Colin developed the Advanced Training Specialist (ATS) Course that all c.h. physical therapists must complete before seeing patients. Taking up to one week to complete, the ATS Course is an intensive skill development program that enables c.h. physical therapists to prescribe time-sensitive, customized ET plans that minimize joint stress and address obesity using medical-grade resistance training, stretching and endurance training. The ATS Course has been instrumental in c.h. expansion to six offices, as hundreds of Portland-area physicians appreciate consistent quality of care patients receive regardless of location. As a testament to its unique applicability, c.h. was awarded a service mark by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

In 2008, Colin developed a TV series “The Fitness Show”, which ran for three seasons on PBS. Produced by the crew that developed “Bill Nye the Science Guy”, the show motivated and educated viewers on how to exercise safely and effectively to help manage chronic conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, heart disease, diabetes, back pain). Many local physicians appeared on the show, showing their support for ET as first-line treatment. Colin has also been a regular freelance writer for the Oregonian since 2010 and was a medical expert for KGW Channel 8 News for four years.

Currently, c.h. is partnering with Family Care Insurance, Rose Medical Group and Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons of Oregon (OPSO) to conduct CME classes on ET for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and naturopaths beginning later this year. Classes will be two hours, conducted at the Beaverton office, include Colin’s ATS textbook for each participant and be legally provided under Colin’s 501(c)(3), Preventive Health Awareness.