Exceptional Care, Phenomenal Results

Our physical therapists are some of the most skilled and educated manual physical therapists in San Francisco. Charles is one of a handful of Fellows of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) and the only Bay area Fellow of Functional Manual Therapy (FMT). Lauren, Catherine and Allison have all completed advanced training in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) as well as becoming Certified Functional Manual Therapists.

Charles King


Charles King earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Charles had the privilege of studying Functional Manual Therapy under the direct tutelage of his mentors Gregg and Vicky Johnson, the founders of the Institute of Physical Art (IPA).

In his early career, Charles worked in Manhattan at a center devoted to the treatment and rehabilitation of world famous Broadway performers.  Continuing to study with the IPA, in 2010 Charles earned the distinction of being awarded his Functional Manual Therapy Certification faster out of school than any other Physical Therapist, and he earned it with Honors.

In 2011, Charles was invited to direct an FMT initiative in India. He spent two years as the Clinical Director of the Vardan Physiotherapy Center, where he was responsible for the teaching and direction of many talented PTs. Following his return to the USA, he completed his Fellowship with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists at the prestigious IPA Manhattan center.

In 2018, Charles received his OCS designation (Orthopaedic Certified Specialist).

Allison Massopust


Allison Massopust received her Doctor of Physical Therapy at University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco State University.  Immediately following, she completed a year-long residency program in an Inpatient Rehabilitation center at Kaiser Vallejo, certifying her as a Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Therapist (CPNFT).  In 2014, she pursued a professional goal of becoming a Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT) through the Institute of Physical Art, and received this degree with honors.  She is now a faculty member for CFMT coursework, teaching a Core First Strategies continuing education course to physical therapists.  In 2016 she received her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification through the American Physical Therapy Association.  

From her experience as a collegiate tennis player at University of California, San Diego (UCSD), she has sustained a passion for recreation.  She has practiced yoga since 2008 and finds many parallels to the goals of physical therapy. She is an avid skier and continues to participate in various recreational sports.

In alignment with the philosophy of Beacon Physical Therapy, Allison takes an integrated, whole-body approach to care.  Regardless of the current status of your physical health, Allison feels it is always possible to improve in some way.  Whether you have experienced an acute injury, or if you have been living with a chronic condition, it is her goal to take you to optimum function.  Oftentimes individuals only recover to 80% from an injury or condition, but miss the last 20% of recovery, preventing full return to activities.  No matter how essential or trivial an activity may be, if it is important to you, it is important to Allison and the staff of Beacon Physical Therapy.  It is an honor for Allison to help you on this path to recovery. 

Kurt Gorrell


Kurt Gorrell earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College (Troy, NY) in May 2019. Kurt previously enjoyed a 16-year career as a professional dancer, performing principal and soloist roles with many regional ballet and contemporary companies. Broadway National Tour credits include Contact (2005) and Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out (2008-9). 

In addition to his professional dance career, Kurt has been a personal trainer for 21 years, a competitive gymnast/gymnastics coach for 25 years, and a Pilates instructor for 10 years. He is a Certified Exercise Physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach. He holds Pilates certifications in both equipment and mat work from Pilates Academy International, is a Level 1 and 2 Certified Core Align instructor, and a certified trainer in Redcord, a dual suspension training system. Kurt is also certified in Pre- and Post-Natal Pilates and in Fascial Movement/ Kinesiology Taping.

With his extensive knowledge of the body and his experience as a dancer, gymnast and personal trainer, he was able to develop classes such as Gymnastics for Dancers (featured in Dance Magazine, March 2011), and Gymtensity, a gymnastics conditioning class featuring a boot camp style workout involving ring training, basic gymnastics conditioning and calisthenics. Kurt has instructed  elite and recreational athletes including professional dancers, Cirque du Soleil performers, competitive figure skaters, competitive gymnasts and competitive hockey players, from age 3 to 76. Kurt was also the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Russell Sage College. Kurt also developed a specific interest in rehabilitation across the lifespan, having had the privilege of working with stroke survivors, and those with age-related physical limitations.

In his approach to manual physical therapy, Kurt aims to provide patient-centered care that treats the body as a whole; to get to the root of the issue rather than only focusing on the symptoms. He also aims to provide his clients with the tools and education to further their knowledge of their presenting issues, working toward full functional movement that is pain-free and sustainable. Kurt is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Functional Manual Therapist through the Institute of Physical Art.

In his spare time, Kurt enjoys doing gymnastics, surfing, bodyboarding and playing guitar. 

Hannah Carey


Hannah Carey, PT, DPT graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco State University where she learned how to comprehensively treat a vast variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Hannah continues to take courses through the Institute of Physical Art (IPA)  in pursuit of becoming a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT). Additionally, Hannah has completed extensive training in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy.

 

Hannah takes a holistic, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to treatment in order to assist patients toward meeting their goals and their full potential. She is passionate about improving human movement through manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and specific exercise interventions.

 

Outside of being a Physical Therapist, Hannah enjoys trail running in the Marin Headlands, mountain biking all the amazing trails California has to offer, rock climbing in the Sierra, or skiing the slopes of Tahoe

Erin King


Pilates with Erin King is available at Beacon Physical Therapy.

Because of its therapeutic qualities, Pilates can be a great tool on the road to recovery after or coinciding with PT.

Therapists will often give “exercise homework” to their patients to help retain the work done during the PT session. This homework can be enhanced and expanded upon during the Pilates session.
There is an open dialogue between each therapist and Erin about a patient’s particular need, whether it be stabilizing, stretching or strengthening with regard to their injury or weakness.

Besides traditional Pilates, Erin — as a dancer — has explored many other different forms of movement so she can tailor each client’s exercises to fit individual needs.

Of course, you don’t need to be in PT to take Pilates. Many clients come solely for a great workout that strengthens their core, improves posture and flexibility and stabilizes joints.