Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/934374
San Francisco 49er s Open Physical Therapy Clinic in Monterey B Y B R E T T W I L B U R L ast summer, the San Francisco 49ers and Wellstrong medical services partnered to open 49ers-branded physical therapy clinics, with the first 49ers Rehab and Performance Physical Therapy Center opening in August 2017 at Monterey Spine and Joint (MSJ). "The 49ers brand is associated with athletes or football," says Director of Physical Therapy Hunter Stark. "But we want people to enjoy the highest quality of life, whether it's in daily life or gardening." 49ers President Al Guido explains that the impetus for opening physical therapy clinics stems from "a large unsatisfied demand for high- quality physical therapy across the state." "We saw an opportunity to put our partner- ships to work for the benefit of communities throughout the region," Guido says. "Athletes of all levels—and even people whose injuries were not a result of athletic competition—deserve to receive professional level therapy while pursu- ing their personal lifestyle goals. We look at the 49ers Rehab and Performance Physical Therapy Center as an ideal vehicle for sharing with the general public the collective knowledge and experience of team physicians, athletic training and strength and conditioning professionals." Stark explains that the latest treatment proto- cols emphasize getting patients back into action. "We want to get them moving as soon as possible," he says. "We don't use a lot of passive modalities. We correct movement patterns first and then build strength." Monterey Spine and Joint is located at 12 Upper Ragsdale, Monterey. For more information, call 831/264-6040 or go to www.msjhealth.com. SHORTCUTS HEALTH Hunter Stark and his team at the very first 49ers Rehab and Performance Physical Therapy Center, located at Monterey Spine and Joint in Ryan Ranch. 62 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 Photo: Kelli Uldall