PhysFit Health and Wellness Center

Our Mission

The mission of the UCSF PhysFit Physical Therapy Health & Wellness Center is to translate state-of-the-art movement and exercise sciences into physical therapy practice, supporting optimal health, wellness and general fitness.

Services

The Center provides individual and group programs. One-on-one care is provided by licensed physical therapists and is available to clients of all ages. Our programs are run by UCSF physical therapists to improve strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, posture, mental acuity, coordination and function. We offer specialized care for:

Return-to-sport performance:
- Cycling, running, triathalons
- Baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball
Athletic performance at any age
Teen fitness
Posture at any age:
- Core stabilization
- Osteoporosis

Fall risk/ balance
Neurological concerns:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Vestibular retraining
- Post stroke/CVA
Women's Health
- Pregnancy
- Postpartum
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- Female Athletes
- Miscarriage Support

Programs

Stand Tall Exercise Class

A group class directed by UCSF physical therapist faculty to improve posture, strength and physical performance, with potentially long-term reduction in risk of fractures in addition to providing social benefits and peer support.

Everyone knows the effect of gravity and time on your body and posture, rounded shoulders, slouched back, and weaker bones. But you can fight these changes and we can help. Stand Tall is a physical therapist created program designed to specifically address these issues.

The specialized exercise and postural training that make up this class will strengthen core and back muscles, improve posture and bone health with targeted strength training and weight bearing exercise. This social, specialized exercise class will improve your current and future functioning while offering a great peer support network.

Stand Tall was created by Wendy Katzman, PT, DPTSc, OCS. A board certified orthopedic clinical specialist since 1995, she is the principal investigator in 2 clinical trials to determine the effects of these exercises on posture, physical function, and quality of life.

Days & Times

Tuesday: 8:30am - 9:30am | Thursday: 8:30am - 9:30am

Location

Virtual (via Zoom) and First Tuesday of the Month (In-Person/Zoom)

Requirements

Participation is subject to screening by the supervising physical therapist.

Instructors

Kathy Bonacini, PT, DPT, GCS, OCS is a licensed physical therapist. In addition to instructing Stand Tall, Dr. Bonacini works with a variety of orthopedic patients at the Lakeshore location of the UCSF Faculty Practice, and has a particular interest in the geriatric population.

Sara Suddes, PT, DPT is a licensed physical therapist. In addition to instructing Stand Tall, Dr. Suddes works with a variety of orthopedic patients at the Mission Bay location of the UCSF Faculty Practice through telehealth.

Fee Structure

Stand Tall Video

The video adaptation of the Stand Tall exercise program can be purchased for download. For more information please contact us.

Balance Fit Exercise Class

Balance Fit is a group exercise program designed by physical therapists to address balance, coordination, strength, and mental flexibility. Connect with others in our community and improve your quality of life.

Sponsored by the UCSF Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science

Are you not as steady on your feet as you used to be? Do you avoid activities you used to enjoy because you are afraid you will lose your balance?

BalanceFit Group is a class that includes balance, strength, coordination, and mental flexibility exercises specifically designed to improve balance confidence.

BalanceFit participants include individuals with a history of:

Falls
- CVA
- High fall risk
- Injury from falls
- MS
- Post stroke

Cardiovascular disease (must be cleared by physician)
Parkinson's disease
Traumatic brain injury
Vestibular dysfunction
Other neurological problems

Note: Participants must have the ability to walk unassisted and must be able to tolerate physical activity.

Days & Times

IN PERSON – Friday: 12:00pm-1:00pm

Location

Health & Wellness Center, Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center, 1675 Owens Street, Room 195. San Francisco, CA 94158

Requirement

Participation is subject to screening by the supervising physical therapist.

Instructor

Erica Pitsch, PT, MPT, DPT, NCS is a licensed physical therapist specializing in neurologic physical therapy.

Fee Structure

Postpartum Rehab Class - Introduction

Postpartum Rehab Class - Advanced

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Programs