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About Us

Hands on Physical Therapy

Hands On Physical Therapy has been providing individualized, comprehensive, hands-on Physical Therapy in Bend for over a decade.  From the sports related injury, to the motor vehicle accident to the pain that occurred without a specific cause, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals and reach a better state of Wellness/fitness.

Meet Our Physical Therapists

Stephen M. Leary, PT

Degree:  Bachelors of Science, Physical Therapy | Bachelors of Science, Psychology

College Attended: California State University at Long Beach

Year Graduated: 1992

Certifications: SASTM, Total Motion Release,  Applied Functional Science through the Grey Institute

Advanced Coursework, Training and Certifications:

Postural Restoration Institute:  Postural Respiration

Rib Cage and the thoracic out

The Relationship between Concussions and Vestibular Dysfunction

Gray Institute Certification in Applied Functional Science

Total Motion Release Levels 1,2 & 3

Upledger Institute CranioSacral Levels I & II

Current concepts for the Foot and Ankle

Sports-Related Shoulder Injury Management

Spinning Beyond Basics: Advanced Vestibular

Pain Management for Physical Therapists

Sports-Related Shoulder Injury Management

The Running course Biomechanics, Analysis, Training and Rehabilitation

The Running Course through North American Seminars

Kinesio Taping levels 1,2, 3 and 4

Spinning Out of Control – Vestibular 

Video Analysis of Golf Biomechanics

Mulligan Approach to Golfing Mechanics

Injuries of the Throwing Athlete

When the Foot Hits the Ground Everything Changes

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: Weight Bearing and Non-Weight Bearing Foot

Jones Institute Counter Strain Levels 1, 2 & 3

McConnell Approach to the Problem Shoulder

Headaches and the Upper Cervical Spine

Locomotor Biomechanics and Applied Orthotic Therapy

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: The Cervical Spine

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: Evaluation and Treatment of Headache Disorders

Strain Counter Strain through the Jones Institute:  Levels 1, 2 and 3

Gray Institute Functional Video Digest Series & Chain Reaction 

Gray Institute Chain Reaction & Chain Reaction Explosion

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado:  Dynamic Stability and Muscle Balance of the SI joint

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: A muscle Balance Approach for Trunk Stability/back pain

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: Muscle Energy Techniques of the Thoracic Spine and ribs

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado:  Multisystem Approach to the Ribs

Assessment and Treatment of Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction

Mulligan Concepts Upper and lower quadrants

NAIOMT :  Differential Diagnosis, Level I,II, and III of the Upper and Lower Quadrants & Level IV Lower Quadrant

McKenzie Institute Parts A & B

Muscle Energy Techniques for the Pelvis, Sacrum, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

Rocabado Evaluation and Treatment of TMJ

David Butler’s Neurodynamics Levels I & II

Special Interests In Physical Therapy:

There could be no better fit in careers than Physical Therapy for Steve.  He chooses to spend portions of his free time furthering his education and interest in biomechanics and how the sum of the parts is much greater than the whole – thus, furthering his belief in the importance in treating the whole body versus the isolated portion of the body, an individual may have a complaint about.  Steve’s strong background in manual therapy, movement and biomechanics play into his strong belief that you must restore normal or at least functional mechanics of the affected joint and those muscles and joints surrounding the affected joint before you can functionally begin strengthening that affected area. He is genuinely invested and cares for every patient he takes on.

What Fills His Soul When Not at Work:

There is nothing more important in Steve’s life than his incredible wife and his amazing 3 children.  Like many Bend-ite’s, Steve loves the wonderful piece of the country we live in – he enjoys hiking, Stand Up Paddling, camping, spending time on the ski hill, meditating and playing his guitar.

Lisa Kennedy-Leary, PT

Degree:  Bachelors of Science  in Physical Therapy

College Attended: California State University of Long Beach

Year Graduated: 1991

Certifications in:  Schroth Method for Scoliosis, (C1 and C2), Pilates, SASTM,  Applied Functional Science through the Grey Institute

Advanced Coursework, Training and Certifications:

Postural Restoration Institute:  Postural Respiration

Certified in Applied Functional Science through the Gray Institute

First level Scientific Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS Method)

Functional Movement Techniques Series

Certified in Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (SASTM)

Certified in the Schroth Scoliosis Rehab Training through BSPTS initial and advanced training

Postural Restoration: Myokinematic Restoration

Current concepts for the Foot and Ankle

Sports-Related Shoulder Injury Management

Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement system Impairment syndromes

Pain Management in Healthcare

The Running course Biomechanics, Analysis, Training and Rehabilitation

Balanced Body Exo Chair

The Running Course through North American Seminars

Current Concepts in Wound Healing

Kinestiotaping for the Upper and Lower Extremities

Integrating Kinesiotaping to Achieve Positive Outcomes Quicker

Polestar Pilates Certification Program for Rehab Professionals

Headaches and the Upper Cervical Spine

Locomotor Biomechanics and Applied Orthotic Therapy

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: The Cervical Spine

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: Evaluation and Treatment of Headache Disorders

Strain Counter Strain through the Jones Institute:  Levels 1, 2 and 3

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado:  Dynamic Stability and Muscle Balance of the SI joint

Introduction to Hand Therapy

Mulligan Concepts of the upper and lower quadrant

McConnell Approach to the Lower Extremity and to the Problem Shoulder

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: A muscle Balance Approach for Trunk Stability/back pain

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: Muscle Energy Techniques of the Thoracic Spine and ribs

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado:  Multisystem Approach to the Ribs

Assessment and Treatment of Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction

Certified as an Aquatics Fitness Instructor

NAIOMT :  Differential Diagnosis, Level I,II, and III of the Upper and Lower Quadrants

Functional Relationships of the Lower Half

Maitland Australian Spinal Workshop

Muscle Energy Techniques for the Pelvis, Sacrum, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

Richard Jacksons Muscle Energy Techniques for the pelvis

An Integrative Approach to the Examination and Rehabilitation of the Shoulder

Synthesized Gait Restoration Training for the Spinal Cord Injured

Special Interests In Physical Therapy:

Lisa could not have selected a more suitable career.  She absolutely loves being a Physical Therapist and finds much fulfillment working with and helping others reach their goals.  Lisa utilizes a comprehensive hands-on treatment approach that draws from many years of clinical experience, including numerous advanced training courses in manual therapy, functional exercise, pilates, and scoliosis.  Incorporating a detail oriented, problem solving approach, she addresses the cause of the problem instead of simply treating the symptoms.  She works closely with each patient to establish an exercise and treatment program that is both effective and motivating.  This all-inclusive approach helps to ensure the best possible outcome for each of her patients.  Lisa constantly is striving to learn new techniques and  research to help her patients thrive.

What Fills Her Soul When Not at Work:

Lisa believes “Life is what you make it”  and therefore strives to embrace life to it’s fullest.

Every day Lisa is grateful for her supportive and loving husband and 3 children.  She loves the outdoors and is most happiest when she is with her family and miniature golden doodle taking in the beauty of her surroundings either on ski’s, mountain bike, paddle board or feet. 

Morgan Stewart, PT, DPT, CLT

Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Bachelor in Health Science Studies

College Attended:  Baylor University (Waco, TX)

Year graduated:  2021

Advanced Coursework, Training and Certifications:

Advanced Coursework:

  • Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) from Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy for Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for those with Lymphedema and other disorders of swelling/inflammation.
  • The Complete Vestibular Rehab Certificate Course: An Evidence-Based Approach to Improve Balance, Reduce Fall Risk and End Dizziness
  • Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

Special Interests In Physical Therapy:

Special Interests: Morgan cherishes being a Physical Therapist because of the opportunity to get to know her patients and listen to their individual stories. She strives to empower her patients to take control of their own health and reach their unique goals. She loves to help patients with chronic pain and orthopedic injuries get back to the things they love to do.  She is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and is uniquely positioned and qualified to serve those with lymphedema and other chronic swelling disorders. Morgan additionally has special interests in treating dizziness, concussions, or other vestibular disorders and has a passion for creating awareness of these often “invisible” conditions.  Morgan is an avid and lifelong learner and remains eager to expand her knowledge and skillset in this growing field. She loves to collaborate with other health care professionals to share perspectives and get her patients the most holistic care.

What Fills Her Soul When Not at Work:

What Fills Her Soul When not at Work:
Morgan grew up in both Maui and Bend and loves staying active and outside. You can most often find her in the mountains skiing, hiking, or mountain biking, or in the water surfing, wakeboarding, or paddle boarding. She enjoys cooking and reading and in her spare time she also loves to write songs, sing and play piano and guitar.

Elizabeth Embury, PT, DPT

Degree: Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Bachelors of Arts in Biology

College Attended:  University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA); Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA)

Year graduated:  2018

Advanced Coursework, Training and Certifications:

Certifications: Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Ola Grimsby Institute 

Advanced Coursework:

  • Institute of Physical Art: Functional Manual Therapy, CoreFirst Strategies, Dynamic Foot and Ankle 
  • Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Training 
  • Clinical Bike Fit Process 

Special Interests In Physical Therapy:

Special Interests: Liz was drawn to the physical therapy profession for its role in helping people return to the activities that matter most to them. She enjoys working with patients of all backgrounds, using a blend of manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education to empower them to reach their personal goals. Every patient is unique, and she uses an analytical approach to identify the drivers of the problem, then create a treatment plan that matches their needs, goals, and lifestyle. With a background in cycling and coaching, she loves working with endurance athletes to recover from injury and improve performance, She has completed advanced training in manual therapy and places high value on continuing professional development to provide each patient with quality care.

What Fills Her Soul When Not at Work:

What Fills Her Soul When not at Work:

Liz loves spending time outdoors and can be found running, cycling, and hiking around our beautiful part of the world

Meet Our Physical Therapist Assistants

Ashley Johnson, PTA

Degree:  Associates of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant

College Attended:  Mt Hood Community Based Education and Development College, University of Oregon – Human Physiology coursework

Year Graduated:  2018

Advanced Coursework, Training and Certifications:

The Movement Systems:
Scapular Syndromes

Humeral Syndromes of the Shoulder

Theraband Kinesiology Tape:
Basic Application of lower quadrant
Basic Application of upper quadrant

Special Interests In Physical Therapy:

Through my own healing journey, which started as a child, I gained a true appreciation and passion for the PT profession. I provide patient education and use a blend of manual therapy, cupping, taping, and strength training based on the individual’s needs. I actively seek learning opportunities to provide quality care.

What Fills Her Soul When Not at Work:

My happy place is being outside. I enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, floating the river, playing basketball, camping, thrift shopping and live music.

Ryan Bloodworth, PTA

Degree: Associates of Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts 

College Attended: Lane Community College

Year Graduated: 2016

Advanced Coursework, Training and Certifications:

Certifications:

Muligain’s Lower Quarter

Special Interests In Physical Therapy:

Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Neurology

What Fills Her Soul When Not at Work:

I grew up in central Oregon and live here to enjoy all it has to offer. When not at work, I love spending time outdoors with my wife, Crystal, and my stepson, Isaac. We enjoy Camping, rafting, mountain biking, backpacking, hiking, golfing and downhill skiing. Our newest pleasure is working on our 12 acre hobby farm.

Meet Our Pilates Instructor

Dave Zimmerman

Degree: BS in Exercise Science 

College Attended:  Michigan State University

Year graduated:  1992

Advanced Coursework, Training and Certifications:

Certifications:  Pilates (PhysicalMind Institute), Power Pacing(cycling), ViPR Movement Training, Certified Pilates Instructor  1997, Personal Trainer since 1996

Advanced education:  Extensive Coursework in Joint Anatomy and Therapeutic Exercise; T’ai Chi Ch’aun and Chi Kung(starting in ‘92); Cancer Wellness; Complementary Care; former Certified Snowboard Instructor

Special Interests In Physical Therapy:

Dave has been teaching Pilates for over 20 years.  He spent 10 years teaching  in Minnesota before moving to Bend in 2007.  He has been teaching at Hands On Physical Therapy since that time.  Dave remembers being  immediately taken with Pilates; the combination of healthy movement, the spirit of play, the aesthetic  beauty, and the development of awareness.  He finds it a joy and honor to be able to work with his clients helping them become more Physically fit, and continuing on with or returning to lifelong activities that they might not have been able to do prior to practicing Pilates.

What Fills His Soul When Not at Work:

Dave spends a lot of time outdoors, especially with his dogs: Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Camping and hiking.  Dave is also a big fan of Dual Sport Motorcycles, books(mostly Audible these days) and  Modern Board Games.

Meet Our Office Staff

Mary McMillan

Our Billing Specialist 

Karen Woelfle

Our Patient Care Coordinator

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