Clinic Staff:
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Arthur Ando, PT, DPT, MS, CFMTPhysical Wellness Therapy Clinic Owner/Clinician, Educator Email: arta@ andoaston.com "My role in educating and training physical therapists has motivated me to set high standards of patient care, and to meet these standards on a patient by patient basis." |
Dr. Ando earned his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from University of Southern California in 1982, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in 2009. He successfully underwent the vigorous process of Certification as a Functional Manual Therapist from the Institute of Physical Art (IPA) in 2002. He is currently in the process of obtaining his OCS designation. As part of his training, he completed the world-renowned Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) training program at the Kaiser Rehabilitation facility in Vallejo, CA. After applying his training with neurological patients at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, CA for 2 years, he joined his current business associate, Gary Aston PT, CFMT, in 1985 to establish an integrated Physical Therapy and Wellness clinic in Anaheim Hills, California.
Dr. Ando earned his MS in Physical Therapy from USC in 1982, and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2009. Following 2 years working with neurological patients at Huntington Memorial Hospital, he joined Gary Aston PT CFMT in 1985 to establish an integrated orthopedic Physical Therapy and Wellness clinic in Anaheim Hills, CA. In 2002 he successfully completed the process of becoming a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT).
He is the Founding Physical Therapist of OC On Stage, a Performing Arts Medical Network started in 2009 with Chris Koutures MD, an Olympic sports pediatrician. Dr. Ando is Professor of Human Anatomy at Chapman University in Orange, CA.
As a Certified Functional Manual Therapist with nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Ando's goal is to assist patients in achieving their pain and function goals without expensive surgery or the side effects of medications. To achieve this goal, he has fine-tuned a 5-Step Functional Approach.
STEP 1: True Source Evaluations. Finding the root problem is the 1st and most important Step. Our training as CFMTs allows us to look beyond just what is painful or what has been assessed by x-rays.
STEP 2: Skilled Joint Mobilization. Getting the joints to move is a critical step in regaining mobility and preparing the body to exercise successfully.
STEP 3: Skilled Muscle and Nerve Mobilization. Hands-on manual therapy to muscles and nerves decreases pain and completes the body's preparation for exercise.
STEP 4: Therapeutic Exercise. Neuromuscular re-education through individualized exercises is the 4th Step. Core strengthening in spine cases uses time-honored methods such as Pilates. All patients are trained in their home exercise program, receive them in writing or video format, and are encouraged to do them responsibly.
STEP 5: Body Control Training. Education and training in posture and body mechanics is the 5th and final Step. This allows patients to regain basic functions such as pain-free sitting, walking and lifting or, if a patient desires, more vigorous activities like gardening or sports. Patients that understand how to use their body safely and efficiently in functional activities have the best chance of maintaining their health and lifestyle of choice.
Our 5-Step Functional Approach reliably achieves patient pain and function goals when other treatment methods have failed. The particular order of the Steps and the cumulative skills needed to deliver each of the Steps is what sets our approach apart from others. The most debilitating and chronic cases have their best chance of pain resolvement and restoration of function when our thorough 5-Step Functional Approach is used.
In pursuit of developing the finest orthopedic physical therapy clinic in Orange County, Dr. Ando has developed a series of programs over the years. Comprehensive spine management was introduced in 1988, thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in 1993, sacroiliac and sciatica programs in 1995 and Women's Health as a specialty program in 1996. Wellness programs were initiated with Pilates and Feldenkrais in 1997, and subsequently expanded with the addition of the Ando Studio in 2002. Current offerings include Pilates, Acupuncture, Yoga, Yamuna Body Rolling, GYROKINESIS, Structural Integration (Rolfing), therapeutic massage, Guided Imagery/Clinical Hypnosis, Registered Dietitian services and Tai Chi for geriatric fall reduction.
In 1997, he spearheaded the rehabilitative use of Pilates at Ando & Aston Physical Wellness Therapy. He then underwent full Stott Instructor Certification Training in 2000/01 to better understand the integration of Pilates work in core strengthening for spine patients and in Wellness.
In 1985, Dr. Ando began his second career is in clinical education with a post-profession teaching position with the IPA. As a senior faculty member, he has lectured in 23 states, the District of Columbia as well as in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He was the Professor of Orthopedics at Chapman University Physical Therapy School from 1996 to 1999. He returned to teaching at Chapman in 2010, and is Professor in undergraduate Human Anatomy including oversight of cadaver labs. He guest lectures in the Pilates certification program at Orange Coast College. Dr. Ando and his colleagues model and mentor the 5-Step Functional Approach to interns from the 10 Physical Therapy schools in Southern California.
Professional Certifications
- Certified Professional Specialist, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Society
- Recognition of Practice Excellence (RoPE) Site Reviewer, California Chapter American Physical Therapy Association
- Certified Clinical Instructor, APTA IACC Clinical Instructor Education and Certification Program
- Certified Functional Manual Therapist, Institute of Physical Art
- Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator
- Certification in Bobath Treatment for Adult Hemiplegia
- Certificate of Completion, Post-Graduate Curriculum In Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center, Vallejo
Professional Organizations
- American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Member - Orthopedic Section Member - California Private Practice Special Interest Group Member - Performing Arts Special Interest Group Member - Performing Arts Medicine Association
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Society Medical Advisory Board
He lives and works in Anaheim Hills, California, with his wonderful wife Elizabeth. He has great kids and amazing grandkids. He loves cooking every day, woodworking, fishing, gardening, biking, his faithful Labrador retrievers and time away at his local mountain cottage.
Gary Aston, PT, BS, CFMT
Owner/Clinician
"The challenge of solving physical problems, relieving pain and restoring lost function is my motivation for being a physical therapist. When the outcome of treatment is the relief of pain and restored or improved daily functional activities, it brings great satisfaction to me."
Gary earned his physical therapy degree from U.S.C. in 1976. His first work experience was at St. Jude's Rehabilitation Hospital as a staff therapist. He was a partner in O.T.A. Physical Therapy, which operated as many as six offices for 13 years. Gary was the Director of Physical Therapy at Martin Luther Hospital for 8 years, and the Director of Physical Therapy at Esperanza Hospital for 2 years.
Gary co-owns Ando & Aston Physical Therapy with Arthur Ando PT. He actively treats patients as well as manages a growing business. He has continuously supported the education of students and has demonstrated this as a clinical lab instructor at Chapman University for 4 years, and as a Clinical Education Instructor to graduate physical therapists for the past 15 years. Gary successfully underwent the vigorous process of Certification as a Functional Manual Therapist in August of 2002.
His community support activities has included the medical coverage of the local 5-10K run, high school basketball tournaments, ballet performances, and Olympic-level professional beach volleyball events. He was a member of the medical team supporting the 2003 World Gymnastics Championships in Anaheim, California.
Gary feels that the human body is the most complex "machine" on the earth. He believes that understanding the biomechanics of human pain and dysfunction is a lifetime educational process. The best clinician's that he has met over his twenty-six years of practice have been those unique individuals that have been able to acquire great knowledge in their scientific study of the human body and yet have the hands and creative abilities of a great artist. The ability of a clinician to merge "the art and the science" of physical therapy is what Gary considers to be the hallmark of a great clinician. This ability has and continues to be his professional goal.
Gary believes that when a patient places himself or herself in a clinician's care, a great trust has been placed. It is therefore incumbent upon each and every clinician to provide the very best treatment possible. He feels strongly that the physical therapy model is a very effective treatment remedy for neuromusculoskeletal (nerve-muscle-bones-joints) problems.
Gary's most frustrating experience is to interview/evaluate a patient, and find that they have been experiencing pain and/or dysfunction for many years and have not been properly treated or assessed. They have usually lost hope of meeting their life goals, and have been told to live with their pain and /or dysfunction. As one of the clinicians at Ando & Aston Physical Therapy, he feels great satisfaction when he is able to discharge those same patients, pain diminished or resolved, function restored and hope for better life restored.
James Sposa DPT
Clinician
Dr. James Sposa, PT, OCS graduated from California State University of Long Beach in 2002 with a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. He went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Western University of Health Sciences in 2006. As part of his training, Dr. Sposa was an intern at Ando & Aston. Upon graduation he chose to return to practice advanced manual therapy in a cutting-edge clinic uniquely supported by a variety of Physical Wellness services.
In June 2009, Dr. Sposa received his Board Certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and was recently certified as a Professional Specialist by the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Society. Dr. Sposa is currently working towards his Certified Functional Manual Therapy certification through the Institute of Physical Art.
In addition to his orthopedic emphasis, Dr. Sposa has experience treating patients with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, Parkinson's and other neurological diseases. He has been trained in developing specific exercise programs to assist patients with hypertension and diabetes control benefit from conditioning programs.
Dr. Sposa is active in the Orange County community. He has provided on-site clinical support to Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) events in Southern California. He has supported local schools by assisting with sports physicals, speaking on Backpack safety and representing Physical Therapy on Career Days. He currently serves on the Canyon Hill Community Council as the Health Chairperson, organizing the Health Fair at theAnnual Fourth of July Canyon Hills Community Council Firecracker 5K-10K Fun Run.
Dr. Sposa is a long time local resident in Orange County and enjoys working out, playing golf and scuba diving, but most of all he enjoys spending time with his exceptional family.
Patty Morita-Nagai, PT, WCS
Physical Therapist
Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy APTA
Women's Health Clinical Specialist
Patty earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education from California State University Long Beach and continued there to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1992. From 1992 through 1997 Patty began her physical therapy career at Long Beach Memorial Hospital where she was not only an orthopedic and spine therapist but also the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education.
In 1998 Patty joined Ando & Aston Physical Therapy as a Supervisor Physical Therapist where she and Dr. Art Ando, physical therapist and practice owner began the development of the Women's Health program. Understanding that Women's Health integrated many disciplines of physical therapy and ancillary services such as Pilates, Patty obtained her certificate from Stott Pilates in Essential Matwork in 2002.
To further her career in Women's Heath, in 2005 Patty joined the UCI Women's Healthcare Center as a staff therapist and Women's Health Specialist and she remains on staff there today. At UCI Patty was responsible for Collaborating with Faculty in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology working closely with Fellowship trained Urogynecologists. She is currently participating in a prospective study to examine the effectiveness of treating Pudendal Neuropathy.
To improve the opportunities for patients to receive excellent care in the area of Women's Health and pelvic floor dysfunction Patty returned to Ando & Aston in 2011 to add program development and treatment to the program she and Dr. Ando began back in late 1997.
Patty is a member of the following organizations to help her understand and meet the needs of her patients:
- American Urogynecologic Society
- International Pelvic Pain Society
- APTA Women's Health Section
- American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Ingrid Wu, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Ingrid Wu earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from National Taiwan University. She moved to the United States in 2003 to continue her graduate studies at the University of California, Davis, where she earned her Master of Science degree in Exercise Science. While at the University of California, Davis, she wrote her thesis, based on clinical and sports performance lab research, on the "Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Exercise Performance in Endurance Athletes". In 2009, Dr. Wu earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Loma Linda University. Dr. Wu is a ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist.
After obtaining her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Dr. Wu began a rigorous six month internship at Ando & Aston Physical Wellness Therapy. As an intern, she developed advanced techniques in manual therapy, prescriptive exercise, and motor control in the orthopedic population. At the completion of her internship, she left Ando & Aston to practice as a full-time physical therapist where she continued to develop various and effective methods in patient treatments, while gaining experience working with different physical therapists and patient populations.
In Fall 2011, Dr. Wu rejoined Ando & Aston to focus her attention on the fast growing field of Women's Health and has begun her studies for a Women's Health specialty.
Charlena Zamarripa PTA, FOC
Clinician
Char graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, Athletic Training. She began in a part time entry-level position at Ando & Aston in 1987 and a part time position as the Head Athletic Trainer at Canyon High School from 1987-1990.
Due to her undergraduate education and extensive work experience in out-patient and in-patient physical therapy, Char was able to successfully challenge the California State Boards for a Physical Therapist Assistant License in 1993.
Working at Ando & Aston has not only provided valuable hands-on experience, but also the opportunity for her to attend continuing education courses that have progressed her skill level and education in physical therapy. In 2003, she became the first PTA in the country to earn a Functional Orthopedic Certification (FOC) from the Institute of Physical Art in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
She appreciates the opportunities that allow her to work in a progressive physical therapy setting in which she is a primary instructor of body mechanics and activities of daily living (functional re-training), delivers hands-on manual therapy, and is the clinical support supervisor.
Elizabeth Ando, MBA, CBC
Operations Officer
Elizabeth has over 20 years of progressive operational, administrative, consulting and corporate executive experience with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to mid-sized medical practices. Her broad scope of experience includes operations, change management, project management, technology, marketing, business development, P & L management, and client relations. She has opened new businesses, changed and improved existing businesses, and closed and transferred assets for multi-billion dollar enterprises.
She has a proven record of delivering client value, increasing revenues and developing strong management talent in both the healthcare and financial services industries. Elizabeth is characterized as an effective change agent with a record of improving business performance; a catalyst who couples extensive industry knowledge and business acumen to drive revenue growth and market position. She works with her clients as an operational strategist, establishing goals and coaching to attain the execution required to achieve superior results.
Her unique perspectives come from being both an owner and an employee. She has owned a consulting firm, a Pilates studio, physical therapy clinic and two billing and collecting companies. She has significant experience in delivering bottom line results to both small and large organizations in the financial services, trust, loan servicing, and healthcare industries.
Her specific expertise is a forensic approach to problem analysis and a holistic approach to resolution. Elizabeth compliments her experience with a Bachelor or Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Retail Management and a Master of Business Administration. She holds a certification from the Business Professional Advertising Association as a Certified Business Communicator (CBC).
