I often receive requests from prospective clients about personal training only to find that they have and injury or injuries that elude my field of expertise.  In general, it is bad practice for a personal trainer to accept a client with existing or previous injuries without proper rehabilitation.  But is also bad practice to not help that person in the right direction. 

So, what do I think is the right direction? The downtown San Francisco office of Physiotherapy Associates.

Conveniently located downtown at 230 California St., the friendly yet expert office is a haven for office workers with busy schedules and an aim to get back to their usual level of functioning.  They are dedicated to the treatment and prevention of "neuro-musculo-skeletal dysfunction" (in other words "injuries") from anywhere along the injury spectrum of overuse to trauma.  Their treatment and approach lay on principals of manual and mechanical therapy, as well as therapeutic exercise and home instruction.

So, who are they, and why are they so good?

Jamie Miles, DPT - Physical Therapist
A native New Yorker, Jamie received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Columbia University. She previously received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Jamie is currently pursuing a certification in orthopedic manual therapy from Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars. She enjoys treating a wide variety of orthopedic impairments, as well as TMJ dysfunction and women's health issues. In her spare time, Jamie likes to run half marathons, bike, hike, and practice yoga.

Catherine Ruhland, DPT - Physical Therapist
Catherine received her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. Her physical therapy interests include treatment of the knee, as well as the cervical and lumbar spine.  Catherine is continuing to progress her physical therapy skills with courses on soft tissue techniques, therapeutic yoga practices and foot and ankle evaluation.

Imee Harsuvanakit, DPT - Physical Therapist
Imee graduated from Columbia University in New York City and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree.  She is an active member of the APTA and has been practicing in California since 2007.   Imee integrates her manual therapy skills with a holistic mind-body approach to help each individual reach their specific goals.  She has experience working with a variety of patients involving musculoskeletal and neurological impairments.  Imee enjoys cycling, rock climbing, snowboarding, and practicing yoga with her free time.

Allen Carpenter PT, Cert. MDT – Clinic Director
Allen graduated from West Virginia University in 1998, received his certification in Mechanical Diagnosis in Therapy in 2004, and his certification in Sport Specific Rehab in 2007.  He completed a two year sports medicine/rehab fellowship with Dr. Robert A. Donatelli in 2006 and has been lecturing nationally for the last 4 years.  He is a contributing author to Donatelli’s Orthopaedic Physical TherapyText 4th Ed., and is presently working on the 3rd Ed of Donatelli’s The Biomechanics of the Ankle and Foot.


So, the next time you have a need for a good physical therapist, check out these guys.  They're more than alright.  They're the best.