ED LE CARA

Ed is an expert in manual and exercise therapy for athletes and clients. He is the President and founder of SportsPlus: Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation that provides rehab and athletic training coverage at all levels.

Most Notably he is...

A PhD Candidate in Athletic Training. His dissertation research is focused on the main spinal stabilizing muscles in the lower back.

Is the lead Medical Provider for the Ballet San Jose.

Holds a clinical appointment at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Martinez.

He has held positions as Head Athletic Trainer for the San Jose Stealth of the National Lacrosse League and California Cougars Professional Soccer of the MISL and PASL. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Exercise Science and Palmer College in San Jose, CA with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. He has attained certifications from the National Athletic Trainers Assocation, The National Strength and Conditioning Association, Kinesio Taping Institute, American Board of Chiropractic Sports Physicians, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

ZACH ZUGSCHWERDT

Dr. Zach Zugschwerdt is a sports chiropractor that specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries by integrating manipulation, soft tissue therapy, functional rehabilitation and strength training into his treatment plan. Dr. Z implements a variety of treatment techniques that many professional athletes use today. Some of these treatment techniques include Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, Functional Movement Screens, and Kinesio taping. He uses Motion Palpation Technique for joint manipulation to restore proper joint mobility and incorporates functional rehabilitation exercises to ensure proper movement patterns and joint stability. Dr. Z has gained experience treating everything from professional athletes to weekend warriors at events all across the country. He makes it his priority to educate his patients on their condition and give them the tools they need to actively participate in their own rehabilitation process. Dr. Z understands that this treatment approach, in combination with the latest research, will allow his patients to return to their pre-injury state in an accelerated time and help prevent them from experiencing a future relapse. He believes that no one should suffer from musculoskeletal pain and strives to get you back on your feet in no time! When not in the office, Dr. Z enjoys spending his time hiking, snowboarding, playing tennis, fly fishing and exercising.

Education:

 

• Doctor of Chiropractic - Palmer College of Chiropractic, San Jose, CA
• Bachelor of Science - Exercise and Sport Science/Pre Physical Therapy, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA

 

Sporting Event Experience:

 

• Ford IRONMAN World Championships, Kona, Hi
• Nationwide Tour Fresh Express Classic, Hayward, CA
• San Jose Ballet Company, San Jose, CA
• Senior Games, Palo Alto, CA
• North Face Endurance Challenge, San Francisco, CA
• Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, CA
• Corona Wide Open Invitational, Santa Cruz, CA
• High School and Youth Football
• Santa Clara University Rugby

ADAM MEISENHELDER

Dr. Adam Meisenhelder is a sports chiropractor integrating soft tissue therapy, joint manipulation, functional rehabilitation and exercise when treating patients. He utilizes modern, evidence-based diagnostic procedures and treatment techniques, including the following: Function Movement Assessment (FMS), McKenzie Method Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, Active Release Technique (ART), Graston Technique, and Rock Tape Kinesiology Taping. He uses manipulation to restore proper joint mobility, and incorporates functional rehabilitation to ensure proper stability and movement patterns. Dr. Adam has worked with athletes of all levels, from professional to weekend warrior, and has developed specialized skills in the assessment and treatment of runners and endurance athletes. His passion for running and endurance sports extend beyond the clinic – he can be found on the road or trail during much of his free time.

"There are clubs you can't belong to, neighborhoods you can't live in, schools you can't get into, but the roads are always open." – Nike

Education

 

• Doctor of Chiropractic - Palmer College of Chiropractic West - San Jose, CA
• Residency – Veterans Administration Hospital – Martinez, CA

 

Sporting Event Experience

 

• San Jose Ballet Company
• Nationwide Golf Tour
• Stanford Human Performance Lab
• National Senior Games
• Professional Beach Volleyball
• Professional Cycling & Mountain Biking
• Northface Endurance Challenge
• Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon
• San Jose State & Santa Clara University Rugby
• High School & Youth Football

 

Bri received her bachelor's of science degree in athletic training in 2006 from Lincoln Memorial University. While completing her degree she worked with the universities division II sports programs, providing coverage for the women’s softball team, as well as, m/w basketball, baseball, m/w soccer, volleyball and off campus sites with local high school football teams.

After completing her bachelor's degree she attended Eastern Kentucky University as a graduate assistant for the universities division I-AA sports medicine department, and completed her Master's of Science degree in sports administration.

Since graduation in August of 2007, Bri has been working with the SportsPlus team in such organizations as PJFL and MISL California Cougars. She has also been serving as the primary athletic trainer for the University of California women’s rugby team and head athletic trainer at Castro Valley High school.

Anela has been with SportsPlus since 2007. She provides individual treatment for her patients with an emphasis in musculoskeletal strengthening and massage therapy. Anela received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training from California State East Bay in 2008. She has been a certified massage therapist since 2007 and is trained in Kinesio Taping from the Kinesio Taping Institute. She is currently working on an additional bachelor's from University of the Pacific in Stockton for a degree in Athletic Training. Upon completion she has aspirations of going to physical therapy school or physician assistant school.

SARAH HERBERT, BA, M.Ed

With 13 years experience as a competitive Highland dancer, Sarah comes to SportsPlus with the understanding that high caliber products are essential to the treatment and prevention of injuries. Since 2009, she has been working with Drs. Kearns & Le Cara to compile a thorough list of the best products on the market, in order to make them available to SportsPlus athletes online. In addition to her work at SportsPlus, Sarah supplements her knowledge of Psychology and Biology with advanced science courses and research projects. She hopes to one day obtain her PhD.

In 2008, Jess graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training. Shortly after becoming certified as an ATC Jess joined the SportsPlus team. As she pursues a Masters degree in Physician Assistant studies at Samuel Merritt UniversitY, she continues to work part-time at SportsPlus with the hope of combining her medical knowledge with her love for athletics.

DIEGO INZUNZA, EMT

Diego has been with SportsPlus since 2008 after graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz with his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. He has been actively involved in sports for most of his life, either playing, coaching or providing medical assistance on the field. Previous experience in a family care clinic, a county level one trauma emergency room and on the sidelines providing medical response have given Diego a unique insight to all aspects of medical care. He plans on becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon or Emergency Room Physician one day, and work closely with the community.

MARIA RAMIREZ, ATC

Maria recently graduated from San Jose State University (SJSU) with a Bachelors of Science degree in Athletic Training. Prior to attending SJSU, she assisted as an Athletic Trainer at Cal State East bay (formerly Hayward) where she enjoyed spending time at the field house covering soccer, baseball, and softball events. Maria enjoys snowboarding, playing with her Labrador, Chiquita, and spending time with her family. Her goals include getting her Master's in Sports Psychology.

MARTHA MONCADA, MS, ATC

Martha Moncada has been a Certified Athletic Trainer for over five years.Martha earned her B.S. Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training from San Jose State University in 2005. She has worked as an Athletic Trainer in the clinical setting as well as the division I college level. Martha was a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of San Francisco for 2 years and also earned her M.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology from San Francisco State University in 2009. Martha is also a personal trainer and is currently working at Equinox Fitness Club in San Mateo. She has joined the Sports Plus Team to continue her love and passion in the Athletic Training profession.

Martha plans to become a Physician's Assistant and specialize in orthopedic surgery.

EMMA MORRETT, EMT

Originally form Australia, Emma moved to the Los Angeles area for college. After lettering in basketball at El Camino College, she attended Long Beach State where she completed a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, specializing in Physical Education. She then continued on to complete her California teaching credential, Master's in school couseling and a PPS credential for school counseling. Emma put these degrees to work as a teacher in Los Angeles for 8 1/2 years and then in San Diego for another year.

Emma joins SportsPlus with certifications as a Water Safety Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, and Emergency Medical Technician. She is married and currently resides in the Sonoma/Petaluma area.

EMI STIELSTRA

Emi is a recent graduate of Santa Clara University with a double major in French and Art History. She is originally from Seattle but has lived in the Bay Area for the past three years.

At SportsPlus, Emi is responsible for assisting patients in all aspects pertaining to the front office, including verifying insurance and assisting patients with their appointment needs. She enjoys working at SportsPlus because of the great co-workers and the patients she encounters on a daily basis.