Meet Our Experts — Over 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
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
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
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!
Brandon Bishop, PT, DPT, ATC
Specialties include: Sports Medicine, Spine, Shoulders, Ankles
Brandon Bishop, PT, DPT, ATC
I love being able to educate, inspire, and assist with the healing process with patients. It is extremely rewarding to see people be able to achieve their goals that we set together in physical therapy!
Education:
Bachelors in Athletic Training from Brigham Young University
Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine
My background is primarily Sports Medicine. I have learned that age is not a determining factor in being an athlete. I have treated patients as young as 3 years old and up to 101 years of age. Whether it’s teaching someone how to walk again, returning to work, or getting back on the field, I love being able to be part of the process.
I have been blessed with 4 kids that keep me entertained so in my spare time I like to sleep 🙂
Steven Osborne, PT, DPT
Specialties include: Sports Medicine, Spine, Health and Wellness, Rehabilitation
Steven Osborne, PT, DPT
Steven received his B.A. in Kinesiology from Chico State, M.S. in Kinesiology from San Diego State and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from CSU Northridge. Steven’s interest in physical therapy started after personal injuries and his interest in learning about the human body. A local of San Jose, Steven is excited to help his community to get back to a healthy life so his patients can return to activities that they enjoy. In his free time, Steven enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising and watching the San Francisco Giants.
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
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
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
Nikkie Stewart, PTA
Specialties include: Spine and Shoulders
Nikkie Stewart, PTA
Nikkie has her B.A in communicative disorders from San Francisco State and received her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Ohlone College in Newark, CA. She discovered physical therapy while caring for individuals with developmental disabilities/neurological disorders striking a curiosity for how the body and mind work together to create movement.
You would be surprised to know that I love building Lego and puzzles. I also play ice hockey and mountain bike in my free time and love spending quality time with family and friends.
Being a PTA means bringing smiles to patients faces in the midst of physical challenges and providing knowledge and resources to better the quality of life in each person I encounter.
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.