Review by Janet Pellegrini

I have been a public school teacher in San Francisco for 39 years, and in recent years have had some difficulty standing for the long hours in the classroom. As I started to get pain in my shoulder, knees and feet, I decided to seek help from the doctors at Saint Francis and the Center for Sports Medicine. I had heard many good things about their program, and how the physicians and staff give sound advice and recommended therapy and exercise programs to cure my aches and pains. Here are some thoughts on each doctor I saw:

Dr. Garrick: Very charming with a pleasant manner. I went to him with knee problems. He addressed my orthopedic problem with therapy and strengthening exercises. He wanted to do anything to avoid surgery. He is very knowledgeable, positive and patient. He is the founder of the Centers and the practice.

Dr. Prieto: Delightful and approachable. He will respond to emergencies quickly and with efficiency. He took care of my shoulders, knees, and sciatica with therapy, medication and rest. He avoids surgery and knows his practice. With a quick examination he can diagnose and prescribe. His fast action put me back together again three times.

Dr. Valmassy: He is the Italian “gentle” man of the Center. He solved three nasty walking problems I had over the past three years. He always shows genuine concern and gently seeks out the problem. He uses taping, casts, orthotics, exercise, special shoes, and cold/hot treatments before any thought of surgery. For me, he cured a tendon problem, fallen arches and planter faciatis. With time, patience and his kind direction, I overcame my foot ailments and have come to consider Dr. Valmassy not only a doctor, but a friend.

Janet, San Francisco
Center for Sports Medicine Patient