Physical Therapy in San Francisco
Welcome to our San Francisco physical therapy clinic, where your healing journey and goals become ours.
Transforming Recovery into Lasting Strength
Our Physical Therapists in San Francisco are Here to Help
Physical Therapists (PTs) are doctorally educated movement experts who utilize specialized exercises, hands-on care, and patient education to improve the quality of life of patients. Athletic Trainers (ATs) are multi-skilled healthcare professionals who also focus on the diagnostic and rehabilitation of injuries through corrective and preventative exercise prescriptions. At Avid, ATs work independently and alongside physicians and physical therapists to provide team-based care. Both PTs and ATs teach patients how to prevent, eliminate, or minimize their condition in order to achieve long-term health.
The First Line of Defense in Health
Conditions Treated
Our services cover a wide range of treatments, each aimed at addressing specific needs:
- Acute and Chronic pain: neck, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles
- Sprains, strains, fractures: both new and old
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Headaches and Jaw Pain
- Sports injuries or pain with fitness activities
- Overuse injuries
- Traumatic injuries
Physical Therapy Services Offered
- Soft Tissue Mobilization/Manual Therapy (rehabilitative massage techniques)
- Myofascial Decompression (cup therapy)
- Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (utilization of tools such as Graston to work on tissues)
- Joint Mobilizations
- Myofascial Release
- Special Condition Testing
- Mobility/Flexibility Testing
- Strength, Conditioning, and Fitness Guidance
- Preventive Exercise Prescription
The Avid Sports Medicine Approach
Initial Phisical Therapy Visit
The initial Physical Therapy visit includes a detailed review of the patient’s injury history, lifestyle and fitness history, and personal goals. During this time, a formal evaluation of the injury is performed and guides the direction of treatment. While most injuries require 4-8 visits on average, patients leave the first session with actionable steps to begin their recovery. These visits are typically about 60 minutes long and include manual therapy when needed.
Return Visit
Follow-up visits vary based on what the physical therapist and patient decide works best for their injury. Typically once or every other week, visits are 30-60 minutes long. These sessions usually review how the patient is responding to the initial course of care and give the therapist time to update their rehab program — new exercises, modified exercises, return to fitness, etc. Visits with Avid Physical Therapy can also include manual therapy and training based sessions. For those requiring less hands-on care over time, 30-minute telehealth (video) check-ins are also an option. For chronic or acute injuries, such as knee sprain treatment in San Francisco, Avid Sports Medicine is a one-stop shop for recovery.
Understanding the Power of Movement for Healing
1. Pain Management and Reduction
Through therapeutic exercises and hands-on treatments, we target the root cause of pain, offering long-lasting relief without relying solely on medications.
2. Restoring and Enhancing Mobility
Whether it’s recovering from an injury or combating the stiffness of age, our therapies are designed to improve your mobility and flexibility, helping you move freely and without discomfort.
3. Injury Recovery and Prevention
By focusing on the specific areas affected by injury, we not only expedite the healing process but also educate on injury prevention, reducing the risk of future issues.
4. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
After surgery, our specialized programs aim to restore function, strength, and mobility, ensuring a faster and more complete recovery.
5. Managing Chronic Conditions
For chronic issues like arthritis or back pain, physical therapy offers strategies and treatments to manage discomfort and improve quality of life.
6. Improving Balance and Coordination
Reducing the risk of falls, especially in the elderly, is a crucial aspect of physical therapy, enhancing both balance and coordination.
7. Customized Care for Unique Conditions
Each therapy plan is as unique as the individual, tailored to address specific conditions, from sports injuries to age-related degeneration.
8. Empowering Patients Through Education
We believe in equipping our patients with the knowledge and tools to manage their health, fostering independence and proactive wellness.
Personalized Evaluations and Tailored Treatments
Avid Sports Medicine Physical Therapists
About Liz Nguyen
Liz Nguyen is a dedicated and accomplished Doctor of Physical Therapy, bringing a wealth of orthopedic experience to our team. She earned her degree from an APTA-approved program and furthered her expertise through the Kaiser Permanente Orthopedic Residency and an Orthopedic Fellowship in Sports Rehabilitation. Liz is also certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR, and holds a Pilates Certification from Body Arts and Science International. Her skill set is diverse, encompassing manual therapy, movement analysis, functional training, and the integration of Pilates and yoga.
Read Liz’s full bio ›
Our Other Specialties
” Dr. Jow is one of the best doctors I’ve ever come across. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable, but she listens deeply and engages you. She treats you like you’re strong and capable and you feel like you’re in the recovery process together. She knows everything there is to know about medicine, but she respects that you know your sport and your body. And you feel that. “
Join Us for a Transformative Physical Therapy Experience
At Avid Sports Medicine, we’re not just treating symptoms; we’re nurturing overall health and wellness. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or striving to improve your physical capabilities, our physical therapy services are your stepping stone to a healthier, more active life.
Avid Sports Medicine offers physical therapy services to neighborhoods in San Francisco, East Bay, North Bay, South Bay, and The Peninsula.






