BEST Physical Therapy

Meet Our Experts — Over 100 Years Combined Expertise

Meet Our Experts — 100+ Years Combined Expertise

Kathy Johnson, PT, MSPT, OCS, Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Founder, BEST PT

Kathy Johnson, PT, MSPT, OCS, Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Kathy founded BEST PT in 1995. She knew from the age of twelve, after receiving physical therapy treatment for an ankle injury, that her goal was to become a physical therapist. She completed her undergraduate work at UC Santa Barbara and received her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of the Pacific. She went on to obtain her Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist Certification (OCS). Kathy has coached club level youth soccer for years, she is an avid tennis player, and has competed in field hockey, softball, and soccer. and has coached club level youth soccer for years. Kathy competed in field hockey, softball, and soccer. She specifically enjoys helping athletes return to their sport. In her spare time, you will find her watching youth sports, playing tennis and skiing.

Specialties include: neck and lumbar spinal conditions, shoulders, hips, ankles, and TMJ

kathyjohnson@bestphysicaltherapy.com

Chaula Vakil, PT, MPT - Clinic Director

Specialties include: Neck and back injuries

Chaula Vakil, PT, MPT

Chaula received her Master’s of Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. She is passionate about her profession and very proactive about enhancing her skills by taking long-term courses to add to her repertoire — as evidenced by her year-long study of Australian Maitland Manual Therapy, joint mobilization, and dynamic core stabilization. She enjoys educating and empowering her patients about their injury. She is an advocate of  core exercises and incorporates the principles of proper body mechanics. Chaula enjoys running, swimming, and spending time with her two little girls and her husband.

Specialties include: Neck and back injuries

chaulavakil@bestphysicaltherapy.com

Jon Brennan PT, DPT

Specialties include: Manual therapy, balance, and proper breathing techniques

Jon Brennan PT, DPT

Jon became fascinated with the biomechanics of the human body while earning his black belt in martial arts and learning about eastern philosophies of healing. After courses in massage, Jon eventually discovered the career of Physical Therapy, graduating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Samuel Merritt College. Since graduating Jon has worked solely in outpatient orthopedics and loves being a PT because h can work with the diverse population that makes up the Bay Area. He enjoys focusing on manual therapy, balance, and proper breathing techniques. In the past, Jon enjoyed trips to Europe and Hawaii but now devotes his time to his wife and two young children.

Specialties include: Manual therapy, balance, and proper breathing technique

jonbrennan@bestphysicaltherapy.com

Kim Hoang Truong, DPT

Specialties include: Orthopedics and Neurology Rehab

Kim Hoang Truong, DPT

Kim Hoang Truong (she/her) was raised in East and Central San Jose.  She earned her a B.S. in Biochemistry degree from San Jose State University and Doctor’s of Physical Therapy from West Coast University. She has a special interest in orthopedics and neurology rehabilitation. She discovered physical therapy while looking for alternative care for people who get injured at work. This sparked her journey of physical rehabilitation and health and fitness. She aims to deliver these services across all diverse populations. She is fluent in Vietnamese and is learning Spanish.

Her hobbies include ice skating, roller skating, hiking by the ocean, and amateur painting. She loves cats, music, art, crime and biographical documentaries, stand-up comedy, and psychological thriller movies. She is currently learning how to skateboard and cook at least one Vietnamese dish. Kim is looking forward to meeting you and helping you!

Stacy Alvares PT, DPT

Specialties include: Neck, low back, balance training.

Stacy Alvares PT, DPT

Stacy received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in physical therapy from Manipal University, India in 2009. She worked in inpatient, outpatient, geriatrics, and women’s health. Recently she completed Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Arcadia University, Pennsylvania in 2021.

She focuses on combining manual therapy and the application of proper  body mechanics and movement patterns to promote a return to function. Her patients and amazing team encourage her to strive towards excellence.

She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi.

Besides work, she spends time with family, friends, hanging out in nature, hiking, and exploring various cuisines.

Specialties include: Neck, low back, balance training.

Alexzander Rodriguez, DPT, ATC, CSCS, XPS

Specialties include: Performance training, sports-specific injuries, orthopedic injuries

Alexzander Rodriguez, DPT, ATC, CSCS, XPS

Alex is a San Jose native and has lived in Miami, FL for the past 6 years. He earned his B.S. in Athletic Training and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami. Alex has always had a passion for helping people, and his previous experience in competitive sports helped him find an interest in sports medicine. He has previous clinical experience as an athletic trainer, and since graduating has worked with professional, collegiate, and high school athletes of various sports. Alex’s main interests are Sports and Orthopedic injuries. Alex is fluent in Spanish and occasionally will receive lunch deliveries from his grandmother.
 
His hobbies include: weightlifting, hiking, going to the beach, and hanging out with his family. Alex is a passionate learner and is always finding new ways to help his patients perform at a high level.

Specialties include: Performance Training, Sports-Specific Injuries, Orthopedic Injuries

alexr@bestphysicaltherapy.com

Kinjal Solani, PT

Specialties include: Spine and shoulders

Kinjal Solani, PT

Kinjal graduated with her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University. Since high school, she wanted to be a physical therapist to help people in the community to heal and get back to activity.  She is a certified clinical instructor and has deepened her knowledge through various continuing education courses including advanced sports rehabilitation and the McKenzie technique. She loves to learn new languages and is fluent in Gujarati and Hindi. In her free time, she loves to go hiking with her husband, read books, listen to music and explore new places with her toddler.

Specialties include: Spine and shoulders

kinjalsolani@bestphysicaltherapy.com

Patricia Trupp, PT

Specialties include: Manual therapy

Patricia Trupp, PT

Graduated form the Catholic University in Chile with a BS in Physical Therapy. After graduation I came back to the United States, where I continued until today to expand my knowledge and skills, attending numerous advanced courses in the field of orthopedics. Manual therapy has always been my main focus.

In the clinic I enjoy exchanging ideas and knowledge with my coworkers and when it comes to my patients, I like to make them active participants of their rehabilitation process by learning about their condition, proper body mechanics and how to self-manage their symptoms in addition to the very important exercise program.

In my spare time I like to go for long walks in nature in good company. I also like to travel to learn about the different cultures, their people and through photography (my hobby) capture their natural and manmade beauty.

I’m also fluent in Spanish.

Adan Ramirez, PTA

Specialties include: Knees, ankles, soccer, high level agility and wellness training

Adan Ramirez, PTA

Adan received his B.S. in Kinesiology from San Jose State. To enhance his rehabilitation skills, he earned his Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Ohlone College. Adan’s interest in physical therapy started after personal injuries from years of playing high level competitive soccer. He gained firsthand experience working closely with athletes at the high school and collegiate levels. Adan strives to help people of various patient populations get back to healthy and functional lives.  In his free time, Adan enjoys playing soccer and hockey, traveling, and playing the guitar.

Specialties include: Knees, ankles, soccer, high level agility and wellness training

adanramirez@bestphysicaltherapy.com

Kathryn Garcia, PTA

Specialties include: Body mechanics and specific exercise training

Kathryn Garcia, PTA

Kathryn received her B.S in Health Science from Fresno State and an A.S in Physical Therapy Assisting from Ohlone College. A desire to gain knowledge of the proper functional movement patterns of the human body led her to physical therapy and functional rehabilitation. Kathryn leads an active lifestyle that includes yoga, working out, and running half and full marathons. One of her greatest accomplishments includes finishing the Boston Marathon in 3 hours and 50 min. She enjoys working with patients to develop proper functional body and movement mechanics specific to their lifestyle.

Specialties include: Body mechanics and specific exercise training

kathryngarcia@bestphysicaltherapy.com

Niloo Mehdipour, PTA

Specialties include: Balance and gait deficits

Niloo Mehdipour, PTA

Niloo attended West Valley College where she earned an Associate degree in Science and Liberal Arts. Shortly after, she received her Physical Therapy Assistant  degree from Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts.  

Niloo has a passion for improving the quality of life for her patients through education, manual therapy, and exercise instruction.  She specifically enjoys helping the senior population to improve their balance, achieve their goals and maintain long-term wellness. She strives to provide an energetic therapeutic experience and believes a positive environment is a pivotal component to recovery. She is a welcome addition to the BEST PT team. 

Outside of work, her favorite pastimes are reading, painting, hiking, relaxing at the beach, and going to the gym.

Specialties include: Balance and gait deficits

niloomehdipour@bestphysicaltherapy.com

About Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)

 

Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement.

After making a diagnosis, physical therapists create personalized treatment plans that help their patients improve mobility, manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injury, and prevent future injury and chronic disease.

You do not need a physician’s referral to make an appointment with a PT for an evaluation.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are educated and licensed clinicians who provide care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Care provided by a PTA may include teaching people exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation. PTAs may also measure changes in the patient’s performance as a result of the physical therapy provided.

PTs and PTAs care for people of all ages and abilities.

PTs and PTAs empower people to actively participate in their own treatment. They work collaboratively with each other, and with other health professionals, to ensure patients receive the best care.

You can see a PT and PTA almost anywhere, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.

What our Patients are Saying…

Two Locations

I like that BEST has two locations and has always been able to accommodate my schedule.

Bill C.

I Always Look Forward to My Sessions

Although getting released from physical therapy is a great thing, it can be bittersweet. I always looked forward to my Read more “I Always Look Forward to My Sessions”

Martha 

Incredible Overall Experience!

Incredible Overall Experience! I have been to at least seven other physical therapists in my life, but I’ve never had Read more “Incredible Overall Experience!”

Stacie B.

This Place is Amazing!

This Place is Amazing! This place is amazing. The staff is very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The environment is very Read more “This Place is Amazing!”

Alex Y.

Worked With BEST

Worked With BEST to Properly Recover. I then worked with BEST to properly recover, exercise and eliminate this from happening Read more “Worked With BEST”

Brian L.

Significant Progress

I’ve noticed significant progress in my rehabilitation. I would without a doubt recommend BEST PT to family, friends and a Read more “Significant Progress”

Eric

The Folks at BEST Physical Therapy Can Help!

Don’t Live with Physical Ailments! Don’t resort to steroid injections, pain pills, or simply living with physical ailments! The folks Read more “The Folks at BEST Physical Therapy Can Help!”

Bobby M.

Phenomenal!

Phenomenal! About a year ago I had a work related injury and was referred to Best Physical Therapy by my Read more “Phenomenal!”

Help Your Quality of Life

Help Your Quality of Life. BEST makes sure you are cared for explaining and teaching you what you need to Read more “Help Your Quality of Life”

Tom

Staff are Skilled, Knowledgeable and Friendly

Every single staff person is on point. From day one when I called to schedule my first appointment and throughout Read more “Staff are Skilled, Knowledgeable and Friendly”

Anne

I Love the BEST Approach

This is my 3rd experience with physical therapy. I never completed my treatment with the first two because I was Read more “I Love the BEST Approach”

Benjamin

AWESOME!

I love my physical therapist.  She makes me feel so good after I’ve just beat myself up at the gym.  Read more “AWESOME!”

Cheryl

I Have Recommended BEST Physical Therapy

I first started PT at BEST Physical Therapy in 2008. Over the years I have been back after other surgeries Read more “I Have Recommended BEST Physical Therapy”

Cindy 

I Have Made Tremendous Improvement

Kinjal is an excellent physical therapist. I made tremendous improvement under her care and guidance. Always educating her patient, smiling Read more “I Have Made Tremendous Improvement”

Carolee

My Physical Therapist was Amazing

My Physical Therapist was Amazing. She got right to the root of the problem and addressed each muscle individually. She Read more “My Physical Therapist was Amazing”

Lauren

The Premier Physical Therapy Center

The Premier Physical Therapy Center. BEST Physical Therapy is the premier physical therapy treatment center in the South Bay. I Read more “The Premier Physical Therapy Center”

Gail B.

Super Professional!

Super Professional! I enjoyed how much they got to know me, what I will be doing, and what I am Read more “Super Professional!”

Scott

Still Feeling Great

So a year later I’m feeling great and still doing all the exercises I was taught to stay in shape! Read more “Still Feeling Great”

Andrew H.

The Fine Line

Excel at Finding the Fine Line. Both Kathy and Kathryn excel at finding the fine line between discomfort and pain Read more “The Fine Line”

Sally P.

A God Send!

A God Send! Best Physical Therapy, Cupertino, has been a God send for our son! They have given him the Read more “A God Send!”

Brigid G.