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Physical therapy helps Turlocks elite back on their feet
In Business pic
Elite Physical Therapy and Fitness helps the community recover from injuries through techniques like therapeutic exercise and balance training. - photo by Photo Contributed

Name of business: Elite Physical Therapy and Fitness

 

Type of business: Physical rehabilitation clinic

 

Location: 405 Crane Ave.

 

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Contact information: 209-250-2226

 

Specialty: Sport, orthopedic and post-surgical rehabilitation

 

History of business:

 

Whether an injury comes from a car accident, happens on the job or is just an ache or pain that occurs every day, the most important step in getting back to your old self is recovery. Turlock native Caleb Fontes wanted to provide a place where the community could recover in a comfortable, inviting environment, so he opened Elite Physical Therapy and Fitness nearly three years ago.

“I’ve had clients tell me that the reason they keep coming back is that they don’t feel like they’re in a clinical setting,” said Fontes. “Sometimes you go to a doctor’s office and it feels stale and cold…I wanted to have a clinic that didn’t feel like a medical clinic.”

Elite treats clients who have undergone sports or orthopedic injuries, like torn ACLs or rotator cuffs, post-surgical clients and even those who have old, nagging injuries they would like to get looked at. Through a variety of physical therapy methods, such as therapeutic exercise, cupping, balance training and other alternative treatments, Fontes can help athletes recover from sprained ankles and twisted knees, accountants overcome carpal tunnel syndrome and even get a dancer back up and walking after having surgery on a torn meniscus.

“My favorite part is having people come in and they’re in bad shape, or uncomfortable and unable to function,” said Fontes. “But, by the time they’re done here they can get back to doing what they like. Helping people in that way is great.”

Elite helps people with different injuries and those in different stages of recovery on a daily basis, and also those of all ages. The youngest client that Fontes has helped was just four months old, while the oldest he has assisted are in their 90s.

“That’s why I like my job,” he said. “There are so many different things we do here, and so many different people. I’m always learning about new stuff. I’m never bored.”

Elite accepts most major insurers, but also provides a cash pay option for clients to pay as they go. Each session costs $60 for those without insurance, and sessions typically last around an hour, according to Fontes.

The pay-as-you-go option makes thing easier on some of Fontes’ clients, and the attitude of looking out for his neighbors is not lost upon the Turlock business owner.

“It’s important to support local businesses, because the people who own those businesses live in Turlock themselves, so you’re supporting other people who live in your community,” said Fontes. “I try to help other businesses out too. I’ll refer my clients to yoga studios or gyms around town…we offer our services, but support the businesses near us as well.”