Athletica Center of Excellence

Just completed 8 sessions at Athletica after my primary care physician referred me over for neck/​shoulder pain. Instantly felt like the staff cared about my health, and were fully vested in my recovery. Had a thorough evaluation by Sandi and all my treatment with Kim — nothing but positive things to say about them, and the entire office. I was always seen right away (no wait) and although I hope I don’t have to, would gladly go back.

I have been going here weekly for months and it is hands down the BEST care I have ever received! I just love how they can just look at me and see how my body is uncomfortable, compensating and need of relief. Their intuition about where to work is equally great. They are assertive but gentle with their touch in perfect balance! And the exercises they have for me are so simple and yet extremely effective. On top of it all, they are fun to spend time with! I could not ask for more. Seriously, I have never experienced better than Athletica– thank you!

For 5 years I suffered everyday from low back pain and sciatica. At one point I was taking 22 pain pills per day. My Pain Management doctor recommended Athletica because they work one on one with the patient and are a small facility devoted entirely to the patient. I met Sandi who did the hands-​on work and then another therapist who worked with me on an exercise program. All the patients are continually monitored to make sure each exercise is done correctly. The atmosphere is very friendly and comfortable. Sandi always explains what manipulations she is doing and what I should expect the result to be. Sandi explained upfront at my first treatment that my recovery would be a long process, well exceeding my insurance benefits.
I have been pain free for 2 years as Sandi correctly diagnosed the cause of my problem and was able to «fix» it. My pain doctor said it was like a miracle that I was out of pain and based on my great experience at Athletica, he has sent some «tough cases» for pain management to Sandi. I recommend Athletica to anyone looking for a caring facility that will help you recover from chronic back pain, an injury or accident.

A Physical Therapist like no other!
I have been a patient of Sandi’s since this summer. I have been to PTs off and on for over 8 years dealing with hip pain, before and after surgery, and I finally feel like I have found someone who is making a difference. I spent my first monsoon season without pain in my hips. This was such a blessing!
Myofascial release is one of the best discoveries I have found; I was a skeptic at first, but I am glad Sandi convinced me to come in.
Sandi, Kim, Aleyda, and Mary are detail-​oriented and a dedicated team. They have a specialized approach and plan for each patient, each time you come in. It is specific to your needs, and your pains; they make you feel welcome and like a friend.
I refer this practice to you, as well as my friends and family.
Best wishes in your recovery.

I have been a patient with Athletica for the last 2 weeks. I was coming off an ankle operation (kidner procedure) and had only been out of my cam walker for 3 days when I first saw the team. 3 weeks prior to that, I had been non weight bearing for a month.
Sandy quickly assessed my strength and flexibility and created a workout and home exercise program to help me quickly rebuild. I have seen dramatic improvement in range of motion and strength since my first appointment and am now able to walk smoothly, with only a slight limp. I have seen my muscle tone greatly improve and the myofacial treatment is dramatically improving the texture of my scar tissue.
I would recommend Athletica to anyone seeking to recover from an injury quickly yet safely. The team are all athletes and they understand how to prepare you to return to an active lifestyle.

I fortunately discovered physical therapist Sandi Salazar at Athletica Center of Excellence in 2011. Sandy changed my life through myofascial release. Until that time, I relied on chiropractors, massage, yoga, stretching, aerobics and hypnosis to survive migraine headaches and the normal aches & pains of life. A very wise health care professional suggested a type of physical therapy called myofascial release. I was skeptical to say the least. The traditional physical therapy seemed helpful at the time — but within a few days I was right back to the tension, aches and pains. I always left therapy feeling like I needed more. Ms. Salazar introduced myofascial release to me. Though myofascial release was quite different from the experiences I had in the past with various modalities, Sandi promised me I would not be disappointed. She was absolutely right. My two new heroes are myofascial release and Sandi. I am a believer in myofascial release. Since I learned the benefits of myofascial release, I have not returned to prior modes of treatment. Now I see Sandi occasionally for «tune-​ups.»

Fantastic staff, they care about helping you get better. A well-​rounded physical therapy clinic, they incorporate science-​based myofascial release techniques with individually tailored rehab programs to get you where you want to be.
I especially like the hands-​on approach (literally!) they take with each patient. You aren’t a number here, and the therapists will work with you and adapt their treatment depending on your progress and needs the day they see you — not blindly holding to a plan developed at the start of your treatment.
As a sports enthusiast, I was also pleased to learn that they play competitive sports themselves, and have experience with sports-​related rehab. Both my knee and back concerns have been addressed, and while I don’t hope pain or injury on anyone, if you have it, you should try them out — they’ll take care of you.