Physical Therapy Gym Focuses on Performance

A philosophy of “every human being should be able to perform basic maintenance on themselves,” sets the foundation behind what Kelly Starrett, DPT is doing at his physical therapy gym, San Francisco CrossFit.  Whether he is helping world-class athletes resolve nagging issues or teaching cyclists preventative maintenance techniques to avoid injury, Starrett relies upon a movement first based approach to physical therapy.

The clinic uses performance-based physical therapy which combines strength and conditioning rehabilitation with manual therapy to help people achieve optimal athletic performance and enhanced function.  The gym is cash-based and offers a number of programs to keep clients well and injury free.   

The Business Model
Unlike a traditional physical therapy clinic where the majority of clients come for physical therapy, approximately 85% of the San Francisco CrosSFit clients utilize the strength and conditioning programs offered at the gym. And just 15% of the clients come for physical therapy. Much of the equipment you’d expect to find in his physical therapy arsenal does not exist.  Starrett doesn’t use ultrasound, electric stimulation, cold laser therapy or TENS. He instead focuses on proven manual therapy techniques to facilitate movement and improve mobilization.

The physical therapy trained staff takes a look at how clients move and help correct movement deficiencies to help clients achieve maximum performance. The can capture issues before they become a problem.  The facility really blends physical therapy with the gym.

Preventative Maintenance 24/7
Starrett’s commitment to empowering individuals to maximize their performance and prevent injury doesn’t end at the gym.  He’s also undertaken a project that involves creating 365 videos showcasing basic preventative maintenance exercises anyone can do to help prevent injury on his Mobilitywod blog.  

His videos cover everything from completing a 10-minute squat test to stretches to do after a long car ride.  The videos take people on a journey towards better performance.  The website serves as a great resource for physical therapist to share with their patients.

To learn more about performance-based physical therapy listen to a full podcast with Kelly Starrett, DPT at PTTalker.com.

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