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Category: Physical Therapists

Mar12^th 2024

Alyssa

Dr. Alyssa earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Colorado in Denver. Alyssa was raised in northern Minnesota and grew up playing a variety of competitive sports. She went on to play NCAA collegiate soccer for four years at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, where she experienced a career-ending ACL injury during

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Mar12^th 2024

Mitchell

Dr. Mitchell earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri before relocating to Southern California. With a multifaceted background as an Athletic Trainer (ATC) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS), he brings a wealth of expertise to his practice. Outside of work, Mitchell maintains an active lifestyle, engaging in volleyball and CrossFit

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Aug26^th 2020

Gwen Alden

Gwen Alden, Physical Therapist and Owner of HealthWest Physical Therapy landed in San Marcos, CA after moving every few years with her husband who was a Naval Officer, and their 3 daughters. She studied Physical Therapy and Health Sciences at The University of Missouri and proceeded to work in various fast-paced settings around the country

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HealthWest Physical Therapy

5.0

Based on 39 reviews

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Iam Mimikim

10:30 16 Nov 22

Really glad to have found Healthwest Physical Therapy when I fell and injured my knee earlier this year. Been to a few physical therapists over my many years for different accidents and none compare. Gwen has a healing touch and guided me from hobbling around to strength and mobility. I worked with Mitchell too and he is a wonderful compliment to Gwen and my care was seamless. I appreciate their compassion and one-on-one attention in a smaller setting.

Rebecca Young Buys

23:26 05 Oct 22

I'm so grateful to have found Gwen and Mitchell at Health West Physical Therapy for my badly sprained ankle. They were both so professional, personable and dedicated to inspiring me to work hard to heal my ankle. I'm impressed with the way they personally tailored a plan for me to regain a healthy ankle and in the process inspired me to get back to a good physical exercise program. I'm now walking twice a day for 30 minutes as well as using the tools I purchased to maintain ankle flexibility. It was a pleasure to get to know them and I plan to work with them again in the future for another issue. I would enthusiastically recommend them for any physical therapy needs you may have. I've given their business cards to my doctor to recommend them as well.

Sylvana Szuhay

00:06 23 Aug 22

I had a great experience continuing my ACL rehab here! They pushed and supported me particularly in (knee) strengthening and getting over the mental barrier to begin jogging again. Wonderful people to work with!

brianna “Those Darn Davises” davis

14:23 26 Jul 22

Gwen and Mitchell of HealthWest Physical Therapy got me back into my body. After three years of being “scared stiff” to move, Gwen and Mitchell helped me through range of motion and strengthening exercises for my neck and low back, that increased my overall well-being.I am forever grateful to the kind, careful and experienced guidance HealthWest Physical Therapy gave me. Through one-on-one thoughtful sessions, Gwen and Mitchell coached me back into my life and gave me the tools (encouragement, education, and home workouts) to continue my road to recovery.Thank you Gwen and Mitchell, from my whole family! 🙏

Paul Roman

17:18 24 Jul 22

As a firefighter my job requires a lot of physical labor. I have had many injuries including a low back bulging disc, and shoulder surgery. I have seen Gwen and and off for my injuries over the years. Including during my full rehab for my shoulder surgery. She is the best physical therapist I have ever seen. She is professional, personal, attentive, and skilled. I would recommend anyone seeking physical therapy to see Gwen without hesitation.

Juanita Rhodes

00:22 10 Jul 22

I cannot recommend Gwen Alden (and her staff) at Healthwest Therapy highly enough. She is so receptive to my particular needs, extremely knowledgable, sensitive, and a joy to work out with. Nobody will be disappointed choosing Healthwest Therapy.

Mike D (Vista)

23:16 13 May 22

I had total knee replacement surgery near the end of December. After completing in-home Physical Therapy, I was asked where I was planning to go to complete PT. I had heard good things about Gwen"s physical therapy and Gwen accepted me.I don't have good things to say. I have GREAT things to say.From my first visit with Gwen to my last visit with Mitchell, I have nothing to say but "Thank you for pushing me to work hard and being better after every visit." They listened to my goals and set up a plan to achieve them.It was hard work but I am back to hiking with my wife and dog again. I clocked more than 16,000 steps in a day recently with next to no pain.I recently began playing racquetball and pickleball again. Two things I enjoy but never expected to be able to play again.Gwen and Mitchell,Thank you again for allowing me to getting back to enjoying life.

Nicky Rafalik

00:34 13 May 22

I’ve been a patient of Gwen and Mitchell for a few months now. I can whole heartedly tell you that if it weren’t for PT I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I came in from a broken foot injury and discovered a can of worms with other painful areas. Each visit Gwen really takes her time, she’s hands on and will even provide a nice but painful massage if necessary. Gwen is very easy going and I truly enjoy coming to see her weekly. Both Gwen and Mitchell are very passionate and want to help their patients.One thing I will mention, this office is connected to a volleyball gym. While in the office it can be a loud at times. Although not a deal breaker for me, just know that you will hear loud gym noises during your session if you come during “after school hours”. Thank you Gwen and Mitchell!

Natalia Sheely

21:12 11 May 22

When I came to Gwen, I was in terrible shape. A broken clavicle that soon turned into a partial frozen shoulder. We exhausted so many avenues of different techniques. After 2 solid months of therapy I see the light. I feel progress!! I could not be more appreciative with the constant dedication to helping me feel better. Both her and Mitchell are fantastic PT’s and I only wish I had found them when I had my back injury.

Ginni Sobti

17:05 22 Apr 22

Gwen has been simply amazing! There are not enough words to describe how great she has been with my son after his ACL replacement. She has made him both physically and mentally stronger! Being hurt at the beginning of football season is no fun, but Gwen navigated us through these tough times and made the healing process bearable. She goes above and beyond to make the patient (as well as the ever worrying mom!) comfortable. Even though our PT is now over, she still checks on my son!! How great is that! You are honestly in great hands with Gwen.

Fern Hirsh

21:53 21 Apr 22

I would highly recommend Healthwest Therapy to anyone who can benefit from physical therapy. I can’t say enough good things about Gwen and Mitchell. Both are so knowledgeable and friendly. They are innovative in that they will create a program of therapy that fits your specific needs and your abilities to carry out the program. They are excellent communicators and teachers. They will demonstrate all recommended therapies so that you can video them on your phone to help you remember the proper form. Their facility includes a gym with a wide variety of equipment. I had visited a more corporate type of therapy place in the past and I much prefer the one-on-one personal attention provided at Healthwest. Gwen or Mitchell will focus their attention solely on you on each full hour session. I walked out of each session feeling very enthusiastic and motivated to carry out the program at home.

Steven Newman

02:17 25 Jan 22

Gwen and Mitchell are amazing!! It is a very relaxed and comfortable office. They listen to you and really do care. I had 12 sessions on a very stubborn elbow issue, and very satisfied with the progress. I would recommend this facility 100%.

Ruthann Kirby

01:05 07 Dec 21

I have been here three different times for three different operations. Gwen is nice, personable and helps you every way possible. She does what your Doctor has ordered and then some. She’s helped me through both knees replaced and one shoulder. She also gave me exercises for home for these and my balance. I would not go any where else. Ruthann

Stacie Brenner

18:54 29 Nov 21

After I had reconstructive foot surgery, my doctor wanted me to go to physical therapy. Over the years, my experience with PT has been less than optimal and I found it a waste of time so I was skeptical about going again. This time I found HealthWest PT and decided to give it a try.Hands down, this was the best experience I have ever had! Gwen is so warm, knowledgeable, and genuine. She knew just how to treat my foot and she even gave me exercises that simulated hiking so I could get back out on the hiking trails quickly! Each session was time well spent.Thanks to Gwen, I am now a believer in PT! Highly recommend HealthWest Physical Therapy!

Elaine Jeffries

04:22 24 Nov 21

Oh boy - HealthWest PT is a game changer and a savior! I have been to several Physical Therapists resulting from a car accident several years ago. Gwen has a gift of listening and knowledge. I am so grateful for her. I highly recommend HealthWest to anyone who wants personalized treatment and someone who is not just checking of boxes.

Nancy Link

03:50 23 Nov 21

Gwen and her team are the most attentive Physical Therapists I have ever worked with. I am a long time athlete so I have seen dozens and dozens of PT's through the years. The difference is significant more me. Gwen seeks the best modality for the patient based on their individual needs and differences. This rarely happens in Physical Therapy clinics. They are warm, welcoming and focused on helping you recover. I highly recommend them.

SurfWarr

23:01 22 Nov 21

I was fortunate enough to get HealthWest through the VA.The acupuncture is amazing, I have had acupuncture at two different locations and for the first time, it's not uncomfortable or being told sorry let me pull it out and try a different spot.Afterward, I get a massage to help with my lower back pain and my calves are massaged to help with the overall well-being of my body. I recommend anybody who has lower back pain due to military service get in contact with the VA and get the medical help you need. It will improve your quality of life.

Heather St. Amour

12:27 02 Nov 21

Not your typical physical therapy, Gwen had me doing exercises I couldn’t just do at home. Although, she did send me home with exercises to do in between visits. She pushed me to get better and stronger. The later hours helped me because I work everyday. Thank you!

Paige Marvil

19:25 25 Oct 21

Gwen is amazing! I couldn’t be any happier with her service, professionalism, knowledge, and overall genuine concern for the well-being and health of her patients. Both my children have been to see her and where it seems that many health care providers are content with managing pain she truly has a vested interest in curing patients. I love her vast knowledge and holistic approach. Highly highly recommend.

Sara Boozer

19:53 23 Oct 21

Gwen and Mitchell at HealthWest Physical Therapy are fantastic. They are working with my high school son through multiple football injuries and have helped get him back on the field as well as advising me as his mom, on how to help best support him. They are knowledgable, compassionate, and trustworthy. I don’t know where we would be if we hadn’t found them and am forever thankful.

Gabriela Mursalin

03:12 05 Aug 21

My daughter rolled her ankle with a pretty severe sprain at a tournament three weeks prior to Junior Nationals in Orlando. Gwen was able to see my daughter the day we got back after X-rays confirmed no broken bones.Gwen and her team worked on my daughters ankle three times a week along with strict instructions on how to manage swelling, massaging and exercises to help with recovery. She emphasized the importance of hydration, nutrition along with the elevated and iced ankle. And yet was very conservative with her assessment on whether or not my daughter would be healed to play.Ultimately its up to the player and parent to make the educated decision and risk in playing. But given the extensive exercises, workouts and recovery therapy, my daughter was able to play with a taped ankle. Followed by intense icing and massaging each night.She still has swelling. It's not 100% healed. But given that travel and high school tryouts were just 3 weeks later. I don't think any other ankle sprain expert could have helped us and most importantly educated us any better than Gwen and her team.Thank you Gwen for your passion and compassion. We truly appreciate you and your team.

Richard Zohn

02:26 26 Jun 21

Came in due to an old shoulder injury which limited my range of motion to ~160 degrees. After two months, left with >172 degrees range of motion & as a bonus am stronger! Gwen & Shavel take time to determine what the patient needs & desires are; then they go to work on you! Highly recommended! Even though I’m done, I w/b going back quarterly to keep that range of motion I worked so hard to get.

Sydney Amiatu

01:36 26 Jun 21

I absolutely loved the help I received from HealthWest! Before starting therapy, I had severe ankle instability from many previous ankle injuries. Now that I finished my sessions, I have seen an immense amount of improvements and have overall been able to strengthen my core, hamstring, glutes, and surrounding ankle muscles that help with stability.The staff was also very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my sessions! I would 100% recommend HealthWest physical therapy to my friends and family!

David Lord

00:20 25 Mar 21

I suffered wrist injuries in Dec 2020 when I was involved in a car crash. 2 months later, I was still having pain, so I decided to look for a PT. I found Gwen and in 3-4 weeks, I regained most of my abilities. Thank you Gwen! You are the best!

Chloe

23:29 25 Aug 20

I’ve done Sports Performance for three years now and it is so much fun. This program has helped me improve my vertical and overall volleyball skills. The coaches are helpful and patient while providing challenging workouts. I would highly recommend Sports Performance!

Elaine Lu

18:28 21 Aug 20

This review is for the Sports Performance Program that Gwen organizes. My 15 year old daughter started training with Gwen when she was 12 years old. She started off as one of the youngest athletes in the class. Gwen and her coaches made her feel at ease and walked her through the various exercises with patience, humor and professionalism. Fast forward 3 years later and Chloe is still energized after leaving a workout and looks forward to her next class. She is stronger and can jump higher in volleyball and has great endurance in large part to Sports Performance and the safe and effective program that Gwen has designed. Chloe broke her middle left finger (dominant hand) on 8/12/2020 and the Coaches have been able to modify her workout so that Chloe can still attend Sports Performance 2x/week and stay fit. We are so thankful and grateful to Gwen and her outstanding team for giving Chloe the confidence on how to work out safely and effectively for the rest of her life.

Anita St. George

22:39 14 Jan 20

Gwen is an amazing Therepist. My hip issue is a bit complicated and she is so good about figuring out what I need. She is super smart and its like she is solving a puzzle. I have seen many therapists over the years and she is absolutely the best one I have encountered.

Larry f

21:12 07 Jan 20

This was the second time Gwen helped rebuild my broken body. The only downside is halfway through my frozen shoulder rehab I relocated out of state. The physical therapy I received in Az was good but further made me realize the outstanding treatment I had received from Gwen. She’s the absolute best. I would highly recommend her to family, friends and anyone who needs PT.

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Category: Physical Therapists

Alyssa

Mitchell

Gwen Alden

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Therapeutic Massage Can Improve Your Physical Function and Mobility

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