DR. CHRIS GARCIA

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dr. Chris Garcia holds the distinction as San Diego’s first and only residency trained sports clinical specialist in physical therapy. He has extensive experience in treating athletes of all levels and sports, including working with Olympic, professional and recreational athletes. For three years, Chris served as a physical therapist at the United States Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, where he treated the nation’s best athletes. Additionally, he has been an integral member of sports performance teams during the NFL Combine Training program. He further enhanced his treatment methodology with a 4-month clinical internship with world-renowned physical therapist, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA. Chris excels at relieving pain and improving performance of athletes by blending manual therapy with movement analysis to quickly identify and correct inefficient movement patterns. He has a special interest in managing low back pain, hip pain and knee ACL injury prevention. He has developed a unique screening assessment and approach to identify athletes at risk for injury. Having traveled around the world managing the care of the nation’s best athletes, Chris brings this vast experience and knowledge to help you train longer, harder and pain free.
A San Diego native, Dr. Garcia received his Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Kinesiology and was honored as the Outstanding Graduate of the Year in a graduating class of 10,000 students. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis, ranked at the top 1% of the nation’s physical therapy programs. Chris went on to complete a 15-month intensive sports physical therapy residency from The Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center. Chris is a board certified Sports Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and Advanced Sports Performance Coach through USA Weightlifting. Chris has presented at local, state and national conferences on sports medicine, including core stability, hip pain, sports performance, and bridging the gap between rehabilitation and return to sport. He also serves as adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at San Diego State University.
Chris served on various medical teams to provide care for Olympic, Paralympic and professional athletes nationally and internationally.
Dr. Stephanie Garcia is co-owner of Sports Performance and is one of our most experienced physical therapists. Originally from Ohio, she graduated with her Bachlor’s Degree from Ohio University with a double major in Athletic Training and Exercise Physiology in 2006, as well as competed as a Division 1 athlete on the Ohio Bobcat’s Track & Field Team, running the 800m. Her personal best was 2:17.
Stephanie graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2009 from Ohio University. She met Dr. Chris Garcia while working at The Ohio State University Sports Medicine, and moved to San Diego in 2011. As a Certified Athletic Trainer and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist since 2006, she has experience treating a wide variety of injuries and athletes, specializing in a manual therapy approach.
Stephanie enjoys an active lifestyle, including CrossFit, yoga, running, and traveling.
Dr. Jason is originally from the beautiful Pacific Northwest where he graduated with his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from Washington State University (Go Cougs!). Jason now calls San Diego home after receiving his Doctorate of Physical Therapy with high honors from the University of St. Augustine. Jason made it an emphasis to gain experience in a variety of settings from an inpatient level 5 trauma center for spinal rehabilitation, vestibular rehab, aquatic therapy, post-operative orthopedics, and sports rehabilitation and performance for athletes at all levels. Dr. Jason found his true passion with Orthopedics and Sports Performance and enjoys treating fitness athletes. He is a Certified Clinical Athlete Weightlifting coach using a combination of manual therapy techniques and strength and conditioning principles in his practice.
During school, Jason volunteered his time working with Rock Steady boxing classes for Parkinson disease clients and the Senior CA Olympic Games athletes which truly showed there is no limit for anyone to perform at a high level no matter age or skill level. Jason considers anyone an athlete that wants to pursue an active lifestyle so it’s his mission to keep you healthy to keep you doing what you love throughout your lifespan.
Jason places a big emphasis on personal growth and continual learning which he shares with his clients to empower them to make positive decisions for their well-being. Jason spends time keeping up to date with scientific literature both in the Physical Therapy and Strength & Conditioning realm along with continuing education courses such as Spinal Thrust Manipulation, Corrective exercise, and Olympic Weightlifting assessment courses with much more planned in the near future to provide the best service to his clients.
Outside of Sports Performance, you can find Jason exploring sunny San Diego at breweries, coffee shops, or out hiking with his girlfriend, Robin, and their dog, Porter. Jason competes in Olympic Weightlifting at a national level in the 67kg/73kg weightclass with plans to also compete in Powerlifting. He also enjoys cooking, reading, skateboarding, and he is always open to new hobbies to challenge himself.
Dr. Shane is from San Diego and grew up involved with martial arts and playing baseball. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine before serving as a Marine and Deputy Sheriff.
Dr. Shane’s love for the gym led him to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with work starting in a CrossFit facility. His work as a strength coach eventually led to opportunities to work with athletes of all types – recreational, professional, tactical, and youth athletes.
In the pursuit of learning more in order to give more to others, Dr. Shane earned a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University and Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. With a broad range of skills and experience, his goal is to keep you performing in the activities you love.
When not in the clinic, you can find Dr. Shane riding his mountain bike, raising 4 kids and teaching then how to play baseball/softball.
Dr. Brandon is originally from a small town in Northern California where he developed an amazing sense of community that encompassed kindness and a family-oriented approach to life. Following his dreams of the sun and beach, he graduated with bachelor’s degree in General Biology with honors from UC San Diego. Enjoying his time in San Diego he decided to go to University of St. Augustine where he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy with high honors. Along with this degree he received a Scholastic Achievement award and the Stanley V. Paris and Catherine E. Paris award for excellence in manual therapy.
As a multi-sport athlete in high school, Brandon earned all-league designation in Baseball, basketball and football. However, Brandon’s sport interest did not stop there as he is an avid golfer, disc golfer, snowboarder, and skateboarder. His love for sports and physical activities has drove his ambitions to pursue a career in Sports Physical Therapy.
When not in the clinic you can find Brandon hitting the links with his fiancé, Allison, enjoying the San Diego restaurants, or spending the day lounging with his two cats!
Dr. Morgan was born and raised in eastern Washington where she fell in love with the outdoors. She always loved to try new things and learn new skills. Her favorite sport in high school was basketball which she went on to play in college while majoring in health science. Her interest in overall performance and health soared when she started doing CrossFit after college.
She is one of many retired athletes who started CrossFit for the community, friendly competition, and the opportunity to learn new skills. She loves to see others achieve goals they never thought were possible!
Her passion for travel brought her to San Diego in 2021 for physical therapy school at the University of St. Augustine. She even spent 6 months in Tampa, FL for PT school internships. Dr. Morgan graduated with honors and chose to pursue her career in fitness and sports. She has a passion for health/wellness and wants to see all athletes perform at their highest potential: feel good, play good!
Along with traveling, she enjoys hiking, skiing, playing sports, reading, and spending time with friends/family. On the weekend you may find Morgan exploring San Diego and enjoying the sunshine!
MASSAGE THERAPY
As a dedicated massage therapist with a passion for enhancing athletic performance, I specialize in sports massage to help athletes optimize their physical capabilities and recover effectively. I graduated from Healing Hands Holistic Health in Kearny Mesa, where I developed a deep understanding of the human body and effective therapeutic techniques.
My practical experience includes working at health and wellness offices, where I honed my skills in providing tailored massage treatments that support both recovery and injury prevention. My background in soccer has fueled my enthusiasm for sports and wellness from an early age, allowing me to appreciate the physical demands placed on athletes.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy exploring new culinary experiences, whether it’s trying out new restaurants or experimenting in the kitchen. Traveling, sightseeing, and hiking are also passions of mine, as I love to immerse myself in nature and discover new places. Additionally, I enjoy visiting breweries and sharing new craft beers with friends.
I am committed to providing compassionate care and personalized treatments that align with each individual’s needs, helping them achieve their health and wellness goals.
FITNESS & PERFORMANCE TRAINING
As a proud San Diego native, born and raised in Chula Vista, I’ve been immersed in athletics for as long as I can remember, developing a strong passion for football, wrestling, and weightlifting. I played collegiate football as a Safety and Linebacker at both Northwestern College (IA) and California Lutheran University, where I earned my degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Human Performance.
I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Since completing my undergraduate studies, I’ve remained committed to advancing my career in the rehabilitation and performance field, currently working toward becoming a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, with the ultimate goal of earning a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Football provided me with life-changing opportunities, including a college education and personal growth—and I’ve made it my mission to give back. I currently serve as the Defensive Backs Coach at my alma mater, Mater Dei Catholic High School, where I help student-athletes excel on and off the field.
As a Strength and Conditioning Coach, my goal is to instill unwavering confidence, discipline, and resilience in every athlete I work with, helping them unlock their full potential and perform at their highest level.
CLIENT SUCCESS TEAM
Cristianah is a native San Diegan who loves all that this beautiful city has to offer! From a young age, Cristianah was a very active individual. She grew up playing competitive softball on a travel ball team, she also dabbled in soccer, field hockey, and volleyball. (She is no stranger to injuries.) She found a love for sports at 6 years old when she found herself being the only girl on a little league baseball team and from then, she was hooked.
Cristianah first started at Sports Performance as an intern, then worked her way up to Client Care Specialist, Client Care Coordinator, and Marketing Assistant, and is now supporting our mission to provide world-class healthcare and customer service as our Operations Manager.
Some of Cristianah’s lifetime goals include competing in a bodybuilding competition, traveling to each continent, and becoming fluent in ASL.
She has a passion for learning and helping others and helping you get back to being healthy and active is her #1 priority. Cristianah is here to ensure you get back to doing the things you love, without pain, or limitations.
Alyssa was born and raised in Chula Vista and grew up in the San Ysidro area. She attend Chula Vista High School and graduated class of 2019. Alyssa was a four-year varsity volleyball player during high school and won the first-ever women’s volleyball banner in her school’s history.
She has been playing volleyball since she was 13 and played club for Eastlake Starlings. After finishing her club season, she then moved into the coaching world and now coaches for her old club team. She has always loved sports medicine and helping others perform at their best.
Alyssa has been involved in sports since she could walk, which meant she loved the outdoors. When she isn’t working, she has her own photography career. Alyssa has done photography for about 4 years and loves doing random shoots with her friends.
Outside of Sports Performance, she’s a happy person who loves painting. Alyssa loves sightseeing in San Diego and loves Rottweilers.
Brenna was born and raised in Sunny San Diego and considers herself blessed to live here. Her favorite part is the various outdoor adventures are available and she takes advantage of each and every opportunity. You can find her hiking the trails of Torrey Pines, snorkeling the caves in La Jolla, or enjoying the waves of pipes at the beach.
Growing up she tried her hand in many sports until her heart landed on softball. Upon high school graduation she was given the opportunity to play at the collegiate level in the snow mountains of Colorado. Though her career was cut short due to an injury, she looks back on this time fondly and with immense gratitude. Following this time, she completed a master degree in Sports Psychology where she spent around 1 and ½ years working alongside athletes from 6 years of age through 27 as a mental performance consultant.
Through some career and living changes she has found her way back to San Diego where she is now a proud assistant coach of a high school softball team in the area. Her goal in this position as well as in every aspect in life is to provide hope. Whether it is an athlete struggling with competitive anxiety or a client who is grappling with the aftermath of an injury, she wishes to empower everyone in their own personal journey in their health and lives.
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