About

Meet Our Team

Meet Ironhorse Physical Therapy & Pilates Team

Our goal is to help people stay fit, active, and mobile by offering highly personalized 1 on 1 services with a “whole-istic” approach so that you can participate in the activities you enjoy most (whether it’s run, crossfit, triathlon or playing with kids/grandkids). We “walk the talk” and understand the demands of your life and/or sport better than anybody else (because we do those sports too!)

We are distinguished for our ability to blend the demands of your life and sports of choice with your physical wellness to allow you to participate pain-free and with peak energy. We know and understand the demands of your sport and how your body must be prepared and sustained to enjoy it.

When injury happens, we guide you through the process of managing your pain, healing, and most importantly, taking the steps to prevent the injury from recurring.

Contact us today or call/text us at (925) 222-5446 to live the energy-filled optimal life you deserve!

OUR TEAM

Victoria Liu

Victoria Liu
Owner/Physical Therapist/Certified Pilates
TRX & Kettlebell Instructor/RRCA Certified Run Coach

Experience: 20+ Years
Email: vliu@ironhorsept.com
Phone: (925) 222-5446

I graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000. I moved to California to obtain Fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), a certification that recognizes therapists with advanced clinical proficiency in helping patients with their bone/joint, muscle and tendon disorders. My goal is to help people stay fit, active and mobile by offering highly personalized 1 on 1 services with a “whole-istic” approach so that you can participate in the activities you enjoy most (whether it’s run, crossfit, triathlon or playing with kids/grandkids, Hike, Workout, Travel etc.). I enjoy working with clients of all different ages and abilities- from 30 yr old triathletes to clients in their 80’s who continue to travel, play golf, hike, kayak and want to continue to stay active!

Frustrated by the standard of traditional medical and PT care, which only treats symptoms without addressing root cause and only addresses one body part at a time, I decided to open my own practice in 2011 where I could treat patients “Whole-listically”. After all, everything in our minds and bodies is connected!

Specialized Techniques

  • Manual Therapy
  • CrossFit
  • Pilates
  • Certified Run Coaching
  • Certified ART Therapy
  • Active Release Technique

Personal Life

My hobbies include triathlon, running, cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, weight/resistance training, running after my daughter and the occasional Crossfit WOD. Some events/races that I’ve participated in include: Ironman 70.3 Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz & Santa Rosa, 5 passes of Death Ride, Xterra Lake Tahoe, Rancho Cordova 70.3, Donner Lake 70.3, Big Sur half marathon, & many more. I bring a passion for healing to my everyday life, which I easily incorporate into my treatments. Assisting others is not only a job, but an ingrained desire driven by the community of athletes I train and work with daily. I can’t wait to help you to excel in your passions by improving your training or enhancing your quality of life!

Achievements Acquired

Since 2011, I have successfully integrated my manual therapy (hands-on manipulation/massage) skills with muscle re-education and balance through various forms of exercise which include: Crossfit, Pilates, Kettlebells and Yoga. I have held certifications as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA, Health/Fitness Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and am currently a Certified Pilates Instructor through Pilates Method Alliance, Certified Russian Kettlebell instructor (RKC) as well a Certified ART therapist (Active Release Technique).

Kate Allen

Kate Allen
Physical Therapist, Certified Pilates Instructor

Position: PT
Phone: (925) 222-5446

Kate graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Biology. She then went on to get her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. She has worked in San Francisco and Marin for the past 5 years as a PT in outpatient orthopedics where her treatments often placed an emphasis on manual therapy using Maitland, Mckenzie, and Osteopathic muscle energy techniques to name a few. Kate also performs myofascial decompression (a.k.a. cupping) and is a certified Pilates instructor, having completed the Polestar Pilates Training for Rehabilitation.

She has a special interest in working with soccer players, especially getting them back to playing after ACL tear or surgery . She too had a tear herself and was able to recover fully despite having poor rehab early on.

Kate also specializes in working with people with low back pain and sciatica and often uses her Pilates training to help patients get out of pain and back to being active without the fear of “throwing their back out” again.

  • Manual Therapy
  • Soft Tissue Mobilization
  • Myofascial Decompression
  • Pilates instructor

As an avid soccer player and snowboarder herself, Kate enjoys implementing all the tools and techniques she has learned over the years to get patients back to doing all the activities they love. Whether it be getting back into a sport or being able to pick up those adorable grandchildren, she will be there to help guide you through your recovery with compassion and motivation.

Dr. Christina Alvarez

Dr. Christina Alvarez
PT, DPT

Dr. Christina Alvarez, PT, DPT received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of San Francisco. Dr. Christina played competitive volleyball and coached high school volleyball at Mercy San Francisco high school. It was through volleyball that she developed a passion for health and fitness and helping her team reach a common goal. Her love for building relationships with others and helping them return to the activities they love, sparked her interest in becoming a Physical Therapist. She has a diverse clinical background and has experience in treating headaches, vestibular dysfunction, and athletes of all ages. She has worked with volleyball, basketball, baseball, and soccer players of the high school and collegiate level. She treats her patients holistically and creates a treatment plan individualized towards her patients goals. Dr. Christina’s main goals are to make a positive impact on her patients, educate individuals on ways to independently manage their symptoms and improve their strength/flexibility, and empower them to achieve their goals.

Shideh Ataii

Shideh Ataii
Certified Pilates Instructor

Experience: 10+ Years
Phone: (925) 222-5446

Shideh holds a Doctorate degree from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in the field of Pharmacy and is an Administrator and a Department Head at Contra Costa County. She is a Medical professional, Pilates instructor, designer, artist, and a former dancer. She initially discovered Pilates over 10 years ago.

With her background in the Medical field and knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology, Pilates was intuitive and in sync with her personal style of exercise. She loved the way it made her body feel and wanted to share that experience with others. She is a very compassionate professional. She is patient and has great attention to details and is very passionate about teaching. 

Shideh trained with Master Pilates instructor and the guru in the field, Tom McCook (Center of Balance), and became a certified Balanced Body Pilates instructor in Reformer, Mat, and Apparatus. 

  • Pilates Certified Instructor

Shideh is a Healthcare professional who is passionate about working with clients of all ages. She takes pride in helping them move healthier while teaching them how to avoid exercise-induced injuries and motivates them to radically improve longevity, through daily movement and exercise. 

Nicole White

Nicole White
Certified Pilates Instructor

Hi I'm Nicole White!

I'm thrilled to be joining the Ironhorse PT & Pilates team!

I’ve been teaching Pilates since 2008 and various other modalities along the way (yoga, fitness training, Barre, Zumba, Nia). I’m classically certified in Pilates mat and apparatus with Carol Appel, a Master Pilates instructor who is a disciple of Romana Kryzanowska, one of the “Pilates Elders” who were trained by Joseph Pilates himself. Though my training is classical, my teaching is a syntheses of my endless enthusiasm for learning different movement and healing modalities. I’ve studied many different kinds of dance and almost majored in dance but instead went for a BS in Kinesiology at SFSU with a concentration in Holistic Health. I’ve certified through the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), Yoga Tune Up, Barre Above, Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga at Yoga Tree SF, Core Align, Zumba/Zumbini/Zumba kids, and Nia. I spent 10 years of my Pilates career teaching at the JCC in Palo Alto where I had the opportunity to work with a great variety of people from the seniors who lived in the onsite retirement community to the seniors attending the onsite Jewish High School. I’ve worked with athletes, dancers, and many many sufferers of the great blight of our time -sitting. During 4 of those years, I split my time living half in Mexico, learning how to surf and speak Spanish, and living my dream come true of teaching yoga/pilates on the beach, along with other kinds of classes at studios and vacationer’s homes. 

Pilates is an incredible method for creatively strengthening and balancing the body. In my classes, I like to combine dynamic exercise with stretching and moments of meditative stillness even within isometric holding of the exercises, always looking for ways to make every move feel great for every body. The slow and focused nature of Pilates exercise truly encourages the building of better movement patterns and a deeper mind/body connection. My mission is to facilitate this deeper conversation with you and your body, offering you an uplifting movement experience. I look forward to meeting you!

Victoria Liu

Victoria Liu
Owner/Physical Therapist/Certified Pilates

Experience: 20+ YearsEmail: vliu@ironhorsept.comPhone: (925) 222-5446 I graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000. I moved to California to obtain Fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), a certification that recognizes therapists with advanced clinical proficiency in helping patients with their bone/joint, muscle and tendon disorders. My goal is to help people stay fit, active and mobile by of...
Kate Allen

Kate Allen
Physical Therapist, Certified Pilates Instructor

Position: PTPhone: (925) 222-5446 Kate graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Biology. She then went on to get her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. She has worked in San Francisco and Marin for the past 5 years as a PT in outpatient orthopedics where her treatments often placed an emphasis on manual therapy using Maitland, Mckenzie, and Osteopathic muscle energy techniques to name a few. Kate also performs myofasci...
Dr. Christina Alvarez

Dr. Christina Alvarez
PT, DPT

Dr. Christina Alvarez, PT, DPT received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of San Francisco. Dr. Christina played competitive volleyball and coached high school volleyball at Mercy San Francisco high school. It was through volleyball that she developed a passion for health and fitness and helping her team reach a common goal. Her love for building relationships with others and helping them ret...
Shideh Ataii

Shideh Ataii
Certified Pilates Instructor

Experience: 10+ YearsPhone: (925) 222-5446 Shideh holds a Doctorate degree from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in the field of Pharmacy and is an Administrator and a Department Head at Contra Costa County. She is a Medical professional, Pilates instructor, designer, artist, and a former dancer. She initially discovered Pilates over 10 years ago. With her background in the Medical field and knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology, Pilates was intuitive and in sync with her persona...
Nicole White

Nicole White
Certified Pilates Instructor

Hi I'm Nicole White!I'm thrilled to be joining the Ironhorse PT & Pilates team! I’ve been teaching Pilates since 2008 and various other modalities along the way (yoga, fitness training, Barre, Zumba, Nia). I’m classically certified in Pilates mat and apparatus with Carol Appel, a Master Pilates instructor who is a disciple of Romana Kryzanowska, one of the “Pilates Elders” who were trained by Joseph Pilates himself. Though my training is classical, my teaching is a s...