Award winning manual therapist, Advanced level Mckenzie trained, AFS trained, Paris trained, credentialed clinical instructor
QUALIFICATIONS
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (High Honors) - University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
• Stanley V. Paris and Catherine E. Patla Award for Excellence in Manual Therapy
• “Most Likely to Write a Study Guide Longer than a Textbook” Award
• TA and Tutor at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
• Contributing Faculty at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
• MDT Part A, B, C, and D (McKenzie Method) - Advanced Lumbar, Cervical, Thoracic Spine, Lower Extremity, and Upper Extremity
• Credentialed Clinical Instructor (American Physical Therapy Association)
• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• Applied Functional Science Trained
• Functional Patterns Trained
• Clinical Instructor for 8 Doctoral Students on Final Clinical Rotations
• Mentor for Physical Therapists and Clinical Instructors at Renew Physical Therapy
• Site Clinical Coordinator of Education at Renew Physical Therapy
• Former Lead Physical Therapist at Renew Physical Therapy
EXPERIENCE
Mark pursued Kinesiology at San Diego State University, simultaneously establishing himself as a certified personal trainer and certified corrective exercise specialist under his personal brand. Graduating with high honors and top of his class, he obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine while working as a TA and tutor helping fellow Student Physical Therapists. His academic excellence was underscored by being a recipient of the “Stanley V. Paris and Catherine E. Patla Award for Excellence in Manual Therapy” and he also was rewarded “Most Likely to Write a Study Guide Longer than a Textbook”.
Mark earned the title Lead Physical Therapist at Renew Physical Therapy in San Francisco, served as a Clinical Instructor guiding Physical Therapy Students during their clinical rotations, built the clinical education program guiding clinical instructors across all of the Renew Physical Therapy Clinics in California as Site Coordinator of Clinical Education, created 3D Strength consisting of weekly post-hab workout classes integrating CrossFit philosophy with Applied Functional Science and Functional Patterns for injury prevention, presented monthly injury prevention workshops to the community (gyms, run clubs, etc.), and led weekly mentorship sessions for Physical Therapists.
Mark moved down to San Diego in 2024 with a dream of building Balanced Beast Physical Therapy from scratch with the goal of setting a higher standard for Physical Therapy services in a world of ever declining quality of care.
BACKGROUND
Mark is deeply passionate about the principles he imparts, reflecting his dedication to biomechanics and the human body. His journey commenced in 2010 with his initiation into CrossFit, igniting his fascination with biomechanics and the human body. Yet, this path was fraught with challenges due to his hypermobility syndrome, a significant leg length discrepancy (most leg length discrepancy cases are not significant) and a history of participation in various sports without proper guidance, resulting in persistent injuries and chronic pain.
Mark’s transformation from incessant chronic pain to being active and pain free with a proud return to CrossFit bestowed him with invaluable insights that seamlessly blend with his therapeutic approaches. A holistic methodology underscores Mark’s strategies, meticulously tailoring treatment styles to harmonize with individual bodies and their specific injuries. His specialization lies in utilizing the Mckenzie Method for Day 1 diagnosis and improvements in pain and function day 1, multiplanar functional exercises from the Applied Functional Science framework, complemented by specific manual techniques, enabling pain-free mobility and swift reintegration into daily activities.
When you meet Mark for the first time, anticipate a comprehensive description of the cause of your pain, a structured roadmap to regain full function without band aid treatments, and a concise home exercise regimen (comprising 1-2 impactful exercises/stretches) that promptly addresses your injury or dysfunction.
