Physical Therapy San Francisco

Physical Therapy in San Francisco

Your Path to Optimal Recovery

Welcome to Avid Sports Medicine, Your Partner in Healing

Welcome to our San Francisco physical therapy clinic, where your healing journey and goals become ours. United in the mission of your recovery, our physical therapy program is meticulously crafted to not only guide you past the challenges of injury but to elevate your wellness beyond its previous peaks. Here, ‘recovery’ means more than healing; it means transforming adversity into a newfound 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

As conservative clinicians, Physical Therapists are often the first line of defense for the public. They see patients more frequently than most other clinicians and are trained to identify if conditions are emergent or not musculoskeletal. With growing evidence indicating that movement and lifestyle strategies are essential for reducing surgical needs and morbidity, Physical Therapists are excellent sources of help in anything musculoskeletal and refer to other specialties as needed. Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers at Avid Sports Medicine treat common conditions such as knee pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain.

 

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
Young physiotherapist helping a patient with back problems

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.
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physiotherapist helping female patient

Understanding the Power of Movement for Healing

At Avid Sports Medicine, we believe in the transformative power of physical therapy. It’s more than a treatment—it’s a journey to reclaim your body’s potential.

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

At Avid Sports Medicine, we see each patient as a unique individual. Our therapists meticulously evaluate every case, focusing on musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Our comprehensive plans are designed to promote mobility, alleviate pain, enhance strength, restore function, and reduce disability. Specializing in sports and orthopedic rehabilitation, we’re committed to helping you return to peak performance, whether you’re recovering from surgery or striving for enhanced fitness and mobility.

Avid Sports Medicine Physical Therapists

Liz Nguyen

Liz Nguyen PT, DPT
Lifestyle Physical Therapy

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. Liz excels in utilizing various physical therapy treatments, modalities, and taping techniques, all tailored through a collaborative approach with her patients aimed at restoring function and facilitating return to sports. Her proficiency in patient assessment, time management, and creating individualized patient programs is matched by her excellent communication skills.

Read Liz’s full bio ›

Our other specialties

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Physicians are medical doctors with special training in preventing, diagnosing and treating issues and injuries that keep you from being active. 

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    Athletic Training

    Athletic Trainers are certified healthcare professional who specialize in sports medicine.

    Learn more ›

      Chiropractic

      Chiropractors are healthcare practitioners with specific training in the musculoskeletal system, the combination of our bones, muscles and joints.

      Learn more ›

        Sports Massage

        Sports Massage is targeted bodywork and manual manipulation with the specific goal of improving athletic function.

        Learn more ›

        ” 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. “
        Sam C.

        physiotherapist working with male patient

        Join Us for a Transformative Physical Therapy Experience

        Your Journey to Wellness Starts Here

        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.

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        Whether you’re an Avid or aspiring runner, dancer, cyclist, yogi, swimmer… We empower you to either keep moving or start moving the way you want to.

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