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CONDITION

presenting with left-sided post-operative meniscus repair and persistent knee pain affecting in-season performance and athletic development

17

Male

8/10 constantly

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6 mth

CHALLENGES ROOT CAUSES
Jumping and landing Dynamic valgus collapse on the left side during landing and cutting
Cutting and deceleration Poor left foot pronation control affecting kinetic chain loading
Playing competitive basketball and volleyball Weak hip stabilizers contributing to knee instability
Sport-specific fatigue management during in-season demands Reduced pelvic control under dynamic load
Confidence with high-load athletic movements Neural tension with left-sided sciatic involvement
Over-reliance on hypertrophy-based training without sport-specific force absorption or deceleration work

PREVIOUS TREATMENTS

Physical therapy through insurance (Kaiser), with minimal functional improvement and limited carryover to sport

GOALS

Return to full senior-year participation in volleyball and basketball without pain, improve athletic performance, and increase potential for college scholarship opportunities

TREATMENT PHASES

1

Pain Relief & Early Management

  • Improve foot pronation and load distribution
  • Strengthen hip stabilizers for alignment
  • Reduce neural tension and back pain through stability work
2

Restore Movement & Function

  • Isometric training for ankle and knee stability
  • Eccentric loading for tissue capacity
  • Begin landing and force absorption drills
3

Load, Performance & Strength

  • Speed and agility training
  • Jump and power development
  • Rotational strength and return-to-sport conditioning

Treatment Obstacles & Adjustments

  • Athlete remained in-season throughout rehabilitation, requiring careful load management to avoid overload. Programming was adjusted around practices and games to prioritize recovery, maintain performance, and progressively address movement deficits without compromising participation.

Measurable wins

  • Immediate reduction in knee pain during activity following implementation of heavy isometric holds
  • Improved confidence and reduced pain awareness during sport participation
  • Enhanced movement quality in cutting and landing mechanics
  • Full participation in senior season without significant pain limitation
  • Returned to pain-free competition during senior year and demonstrated improved athletic performance compared to pre-surgery levels, including faster movement, quicker cuts, and increased vertical jump capacity.

Knee Results

Client Feedback

“Dr. Alex’s method literally gave me a new life. I am able to bend at the waist, have fun with my son doing activities running around, even sleeping through the night. I can work a lot more comfortably and even sit longer periods of time with much less pain.”

Dr. Alex Mak, DC, CCSP, CSCS, QME

562.545.4425

Your FREE First Visit

60min

Your first step is a low-pressure visit to understand your body mechanics, what will resolve it, and explain our approach.

  • Quick intake: what’s hurting, what triggers it, training goals
  • Movement: mobility, strength, control, and sport-specific patterns
  • Clear plan: observations, why it’s happening, best path forward

What You’ll Receive

  • A clear clinical direction and root-cause hypothesis
  • Recommended next steps, including a plan and projected timeline
  • Practical guidance on what to do, and what to avoid, in training right now

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What They’re Saying About Us

5.0
Stephanie C.
3 months ago
Dr. Alex Mak developed an excellent program to improve my mobility and stay on track to improved health. After starting a work from home job, I lost sight of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. I pushed myself too hard after living a sedentary lifestyle. What was meant to be a short walk resulted in an injury that resulted in months worth of hip pain. Dr. Mak’s experience in athletics was a game changer to helping me get back on track. Growing up as an athlete and swimming division 1, my instinct is to push myself hard to get back into shape. Dr. Mak helped me realize the importance of measured goals to achieve better outcomes. Knowing my history as a swimmer, he pointed out ways in which my body developed that I should keep an eye out for when lifting weights, running and more. He developed a recovery and strength training plan that considered my work travel schedule and preferred methods of exercise. Dr. Mak has a keen eye for identifying small details that can make a big difference in achieving recovery. I would recommend his services to anyone seeking support after an injury.
Alexander H.
4 months ago
If you want the best Physical Therapy come to Olympus. Movements that actually work.
Mordox S.
5 months ago
As a former competitive swimmer during highschool. I had a chance to work with Dr. Alex Mak and he helped a lot. My flexibility was very bad and that hindered my swimming. Alex was able to give me routine that helped my flexibility ultimately helping my swimming. Pretty much he knows his stuff and I highly recommend.
Nelson P.
6 months ago
Don’t think of this as a typical review written for business—think it as a genuine testimony! As a self-proclaimed athlete with a background in soccer and track (though you DONT have to be an athlete), this experience was truly a self investment in body mobility, agility, performance, endurance, strength, and—most importantly—optimal function. And if you think you’re already fine in these areas, you probably aren’t if you’re reading this. Dr. Alex Mak will quickly humble you and help you realize that many of our injuries stem from imbalances, mechanics, and not functioning optimally. As I mentioned, this is a true investment in yourself. You have to put in the work to see results—my pain didn’t disappear instantly or overnight. Through a constant desire to grow, feel better (with little to no pain), and consistent training both in and out of the his gym and office real progress happens. Dr. Alex Mak is young, easygoing, polite, and extremely professional and informative, which makes the entire process more comfortable which felt amazing! You never feel alone during the rehabilitation journey. Having someone on your side who truly understands what you’re feeling—at your worst pain and at every stage of recovery—is incredibly reassuring. He explains what you should be feeling throughout recovery, so you know you’re not only healing but progressing. I stubbornly learned that pain doesn’t go away overnight—it’s a process. The body works as one complete unit, and everything must be kept in check and aligned. After completing my sessions, I can confidently say I came out pain-free, stronger, and far more knowledgeable—allowing me to live a more optimal life. If you’re experiencing pain, don’t hesitate to work with Dr. Alex Mak. He genuinely helps you understand your body, your injuries, and how to overcome them!
Nelson P.
6 months ago
Don't think of this as a typical review written for business--think it as genuine testimony! As a self-proclaimed athlete with a background in soccer and...
Polina D.
6 months ago
Dr. Mak is truly exceptional. His expertise goes far beyond simply addressing pain—he takes the time to deeply understand the unique challenges of each patient. In my case, he carefully assessed the long‑term impact of my back injury and multiple surgeries, dedicating quality time to listen, evaluate, and design a treatment plan tailored specifically to my needs. What impressed me most was his holistic approach: he didn’t just focus on temporary relief, but created a structured program of strengthening exercises and supportive routines to help rebuild my stability and resilience. Through his guidance, I not only regained physical strength but also developed the confidence to continue working out independently, something I never thought possible given my history of trauma. Beyond his professional skill, Dr. Mak brings an approachable, down‑to‑earth energy that makes every session feel encouraging and motivating. He’s knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in his patients’ progress. Simply put, he’s not only knows his craft inside and out—he’s also a genuine person to be around.
Fernando B.
7 months ago
After my medical doctor referred me to Physical Therapy, I thought my back pain and sciatica pains would eventually heal. After months, I finally “came to gribs” about my situation. My pain was becoming disabling and I needed help. I started searching my area,and what I wanted from physical therapy. Strength and mobility needed to be important to my therapy. My pain needed to be gone or at less become more manageable from therapy. After finding a few practices I started looking through their respective social media accounts. I found and followed Dr.Alexmax on instagram. I found the account informative and helpful. To my surprise, a Direct message from the account was sent to me and they invited me to have a consultation. Long story short, I signed up and after a few sessions I started feeling real relief from sciatica pains. I’m about to have my 15th session and I can confidently state I’ve been giving a foundation to continue a more hopeful and healthy life with less pain and more energy. Highly recommend this practice with anyone who need help with physical therapy
Jeffrey L.
8 months ago
I have gone to countless chiropractors and physical therapists searching for answers to the issues within my body. But no one has given me a deeper and in-depth understanding like Dr. Mak. When I first started seeing Dr. Mak back in July, I did not know what to expect and if he had the answers I was looking for. The first few weeks were investigative and it definitely took some time to figure out the roots of my problems. However, just three months later and I don't recognize the person I've become, most of all the lingerering issues I had been experienced at the start of my journey have seemingly subsided and I feel like a brand new person! Dr. Mak is very knowledgeable helping me not only understand the issues I was facing but also the areas I need to improve to better my condition. I admit I was skeptical in the beginning due the great deal of commitment it would require to get better, but now that I'm at the end I can happily say I have no regrets and would highly recommend Dr. Mak to anyone who is serious about not only feeling better but anyone who wants to function properly into their later years. There's so much I thought I knew that Dr. Mak helped to clarify and I've definitely gained a great deal of knowledge from my time spent with Dr. Mak. I hope him the best as he builds his practice and encourage anyone who wants to grow and learn to reach out to Dr. Mak. He likely has all the answers to your issues and if he doesn't he will figure it out if you give him the time!
chris S.
8 months ago
I’ve been dealing with back pain, tight hips, sciatica pain, and right foot mobility for a couple years. Finding Dr. Alex, I set up the initial consultation meeting to address my issues. In this meeting Dr. Alex Mak answered all my questions, provided solutions, and expressed his knowledge on the different areas of my pain. He explained with an honest tone, that identifying the root cause of my pain, and building a personalized treatment plan can help me achieve my goal, of finding relief and mobility. I moved forward with his program that was designed directly for me. Having the ability to talk to Dr. Alex for the full session, allowed him to study my progress and adapt the program to the speed of my progression. I believe this is what separates Dr. Alex Mak from other PT. His ability to motivate, inform, study, adapt, and treat the client is top class. He is distinguished in that he listens, explains, cares, and organizes proper exercises to achieve results in a timely manner. If you are looking for a Dr. who supports and treats, rather than giving a generic try this and that, then book the consultation with Dr. Alex Mak.
Alejandra P.
8 months ago
I had a really good experience at Olympus Sports Therapy and working with Dr. Alex Mak. He's very knowledgeable about his craft. He guides you through the exercises so that you do them safely and correctly. I referred a friend to Olympus Sports Therapy and Dr. Alex Mak with a confidence that he would be able to help them with their particular issues because I saw clear improvement in myself very quickly. I'm glad I went there.