Local Wellness Experts You Should Know

(This is the first in a three-part series introducing some of the area’s finest integrative health professionals)

Ed Le Cara, D.C., ATC, CSCS

As a Division I wrestler at U.C. Davis, Ed’s athletic career was abruptly halted when he tore three ligaments in his knee. Told he would never wrestle again and that his injury required surgery, he used guidance from a trusted chiropractor and his own sports training knowledge to return to the mat in six months without surgery. That led him to obtain his D.C. and a doctorate in Athletic Training.

He started SportsPlus: Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation in Pleasanton in 2000 with the goal of helping people stay active and healthy. Their main focus is to get you back to your normal activities as soon as possible because active people are healthy people. SportsPlus staff can be found on the field keeping local athletes healthy by providing preventive and medical treatment for the Pleasanton Cavaliers Rugby Club, Pleasanton Junior Football League, Livermore Junior Football League, Las Positas College, Diablo Valley College, and UC Davis Rugby.

Ida Hirst, P.T.

Ida established Physical Therapy Specialties in Pleasanton in 1989.  After finishing PT school and joining the work place, she was disappointed in the "cookie cutter" approach that was often used to manage patients seeking Physical Therapy. 

Ida wanted to live and work in a community that she loved, and after searching areas throughout California, she decided to settle in Pleasanton with the goal of opening a truly "special" Physical Therapy practice where people could not only find relief from pain, but also learn why the pain had developed, and what to do to prevent it from returning.  Ida has been able to put together a team of talented therapists who share her passion for helping people and caring for each individual. 

Chris Corrales, CMT

Chris is owner of MedicinEvolution, a studio in Dublin,CA that provides "Bodywork Beyond Massage." Chris was an asthmatic youth and a competitor in martial arts for years. He understands and treats the suffering of chronic issues and physical challenges. Chris has studied a variety of techniques but specializes in Rolf Structural Integration. RSI is a newer and not well known bodywork modality.

It is an advanced method that is aimed at creating order in the body and correcting imbalances in skeletal and soft tissue structures using a systematic process of 10-sessions. He works on people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, but the majority of people who seek out his services are those who are ready to make a change in life and progress from where they are physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Come meet and find out more about these dedicated healthcare professionals at this great event at the Pleasanton Public Library on January 5.

Dan is a nationally certified personal fitness trainer and former continuing education faculty member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise. He is the owner and head trainer at Tri Valley Trainer in Pleasanton, which provides personal training, small group fitness and nutrition guidance. He can be reached at Dan@TriValleyTrainer.com