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Natalia Ushak

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Natalia Ushak
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physical Therapist IN SAN JOSE

Meet Natalia Ushak

With nearly 20 years of experience, Natalia takes a comprehensive, whole-body approach to orthopedic care. She specializes in post-operative rehab, chronic conditions, and helping active adults maintain long-term health. Her treatment style is individualized, practical, and focused on sustainable results. She works best with patients committed to staying active.

    SPECIALTIES

● Shoulder pain/injuries● Low back pain and lumbar radicular symptoms● Knee injuries and post-operative knee rehabilitation● Orthopedic post-operative rehabilitation● General musculoskeletal injuries in active individuals

    CONDITIONS TREATED

● Shoulder pain and injuries, including post-operative rehabilitation, rotator cuff injuries, impingement-related pain, and instability, ● Low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain● Lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica, non- and post-operative rehabilitation● Neck and cervical spine conditions, including cervical radiculopathy● Thoracic spine pain and dysfunction● Knee injuries and conditions, including post-operative rehabilitation and total knee replacement● Hip conditions and post-operative rehabilitation, including total hip replacement● Foot and ankle injuries, including ankle sprains, post-operative rehabilitation and other lower-extremity sprains and strains● Orthopedic post-operative rehabilitation, including shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, and spine procedures

    BODY REGIONS TREATED

Natalia particularly enjoys treating the shoulder, knee, spine, hip, foot/ankle, with a broad orthopedic approach that allows her to consider how the entire body and the patient's individual circumstances contribute to their presentation.

    PATIENTS TREATED

Ages 16-80, including:● High school athletes● Runners● Gym/strength training athletes● Crossfit athletes● Pickleball/tennis players● Active adults● Older adults● Post operative patients● People with chronic pain● Recreationally active individuals; active adults & recreational athletes who value fitness and staying active through injuries/setbacks, including strength training, running, recreational fitness & post-op return to activity

    PUBLICATIONS

● Petrofsky J, Batt J, Suh HJ, Jones R, Ushak N, Tucker JP, Gentry L, Kambe V, Billings T. Muscle Use During Isometric Co-contraction of Agonist-Antagonist Muscle Pairs in the Upper and Lower Body Compared to Abdominal Crunches and a Commercial Multi Gym Exerciser. The Journal of Applied Research. 2006;6(4):300–324. ● Petrofsky J, Batt J, Jones R, Kambe V, Ushak N, Tucker JP, Gentry L, Billings T, Gunda S. Muscle Strength Training and Weight Loss from a Combined Isometric Exercise and Dietary Program. The Journal of Applied Research. 2007;7(1):77–85.

ABOUT Natalia Ushak

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I love helping patients get back to: ● Strength training and their regular workout routine ● Running and recreational fitness● Hiking and other outdoor activities ● Their favorite sports and hobbies ● Exercising confidently after injury or surgery ● Doing the things that make them feel strong, capable, and like themselves again

  • Natalia believes excellent physical therapy starts with truly listening to the patient and understanding both the details of their condition and the bigger picture of their health, lifestyle, and goals. She believes treatment should be individualized rather than protocol-driven, with ongoing assessment and adjustment as a patient progresses. Education, exercise, and hands-on care are tailored to meet each person where they are and help them understand what is happening, what they can control, and how to move forward with confidence. She also believes rehabilitation doesn't have to feel intimidating or overly serious—patients can be challenged while still feeling supported, encouraged, and even having a little fun along the way.

  • Patients can expect a thorough history and examination that goes beyond the immediate area of concern. Natalia takes time to understand the full context of a patient's symptoms—including previous injuries, medical history, activity level, lifestyle, goals, concerns, and other factors that may influence recovery—and is attentive to both what patients say and what may be communicated nonverbally. She then uses those findings to develop an individualized plan, explain the reasoning behind it, and adjust it as needed throughout the rehabilitation process.

  • Natalia considers one of her greatest strengths to be seeing both the details and the big picture. She is a thoughtful listener and perceptive clinician who works to understand not only what is physically contributing to a patient's symptoms, but also how their health, lifestyle, goals, and concerns may influence recovery. She is skilled at explaining complex diagnoses and rehabilitation concepts in understandable terms, setting realistic expectations, and continually adapting exercise and treatment through appropriate progressions and regressions. She also strives to meet patients where they are—whether that means modifying a program around pain, energy, equipment, schedule, or simply finding an approach that fits the person in front of her.

  • Patients frequently tell Natalia that she takes the time to explain things clearly and thoroughly—from what may be contributing to their symptoms to why a particular exercise or treatment is being recommended and what to realistically expect during recovery. They appreciate feeling heard, having their questions answered, and receiving more individualized attention throughout their care. Patients also often appreciate that their home program feels realistic and achievable; Natalia works collaboratively with patients to choose exercises that fit their goals, lifestyle, available equipment, and what they are actually willing and able to do.

  • ● Manual therapy● Joint mobilization/manipulation● Return to sport testing● Running analysis

  • ● Why did this happen, and what is happening?● What can I do to make this better, and how can I prevent it from happening again?● When will I feel better or get back to normal?

  • ● Consistency matters. Rehabilitation and taking care of your body are lifelong processes. The small things you do consistently—during PT and beyond—can add up to meaningful changes over time. You're worth that investment● Healing takes time, but you have more control than you may realize. Some parts of recovery are simply biology and require patience. But there are also many things within your control, and understanding that distinction can help you stay patient while still feeling empowered in your recovery.● Learn to listen to your body. Your body is constantly giving you information. Learning to recognize when it is ready to be challenged, when something needs to be modified, and when you may be pushing too far is an important part of staying active and preventing setbacks.

  • Natalia was drawn to physical therapy because it combines her long-standing interest in healthcare and caring for others with her belief in the body's capacity to heal, adapt, and become stronger. Her own experiences with orthopedic challenges helped her appreciate how empowering it can be to understand what is happening in your body and to have an active role in recovery. She was especially drawn to rehabilitation because it is about rebuilding—helping people regain strength, confidence, and function and return to the activities that make them feel like themselves.

  • Outside of work, Natalia enjoys strength training and working out in her home gym, staying active outdoors, reading, cooking, and learning about health, nutrition, and wellness. She also loves spending time with her cats, laughing with family and friends, and finding the humor in everyday life.

MEMORABLE PATIENT SUCCESSES

SUCCESS STORIES

If you're struggling with pain, limited mobility, weakness, or an injury that's keeping you from the activities you love, Natalia would love the opportunity to help you build a realistic path back to moving and feeling like yourself again.

High school swimmer — shoulder/labral repair

A high school swimmer following labral repair who had significant limitations in shoulder range of motion and strength. Through progressive rehabilitation focused on restoring mobility, strength, and power, she returned to swimming with confidence.

College student — scoliosis

A college student with scoliosis who was experiencing significant limitations with prolonged sitting and driving. Rehabilitation focused on core strength and stability, flexibility, and spinal mobility, allowing her to return to previously painful activities and develop an exercise routine she could continue independently for long-term maintenance.

3. 30s male — trimalleolar fracture/ORIF

A man in his 30s following ORIF for a trimalleolar ankle fracture who was limited by reduced mobility, strength, and stability and was hesitant to trust his ankle again. Through progressive rehabilitation, he rebuilt strength, mobility, and confidence and ultimately returned to mountain biking.

62-year-old woman — THA + rotator cuff repair

A 62-year-old woman recovering from both a total hip replacement and rotator cuff repair who needed to regain mobility and strength in both her lower and upper body. She progressed to walking her dogs comfortably and returning to favorite fitness activities, including Pilates and BodyPump.

The PRO Performance Therapy Group is a group of physical therapist owned rehabilitation centers. We are backed by a first class team of highly trained physical therapists and athletic trainers with specializations in sports rehabilitation and strength and conditioning.

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The PRO Performance Therapy Group is a group of physical therapist owned rehabilitation centers. We are backed by a first class team of highly trained physical therapists and athletic trainers with specializations in sports rehabilitation and strength and conditioning.

Navigation

Legal Pages

© Created by DEARDOC

All Rights Reserved