Most of us, if we have the opportunity, shop for the best surgeons to repair our breaks and tears. I have found over the years it is even more important to shop for the best therapist because physical rehabilitation is a long journey. And it makes a huge difference who takes that journey with you. Your rehabilitation may not require the extensive experience and analytical skills Jason Gauvin possesses. However, you will be glad he has these talents if your recovery is anything other than predictably routine. Jason knows what to ask of you and when to ask it. He also has no hesitation to speak directly with your surgeon whenever he needs to advocate on your behalf. If you want the best physical therapist there is, you will ask for Jason.

I want to say a big thank you to Irish, Jason, and the whole team at Athletic Advantage for helping me get back on my feet! I started my sessions with reoccurring knee and hip pain as well as tightness in my joints from a minor running injury in 2005, which, for about 6 months, was keeping me from exercising at all. They are patient and have taken the time to work through my pain with a regimen of exercises and stretches. They listen and genuinely care about what is going on, are passionate about getting to the root of the problem, and make the healing process fun. My pain has been very discouraging at times because I just love running, and with the knowledge and dedication of the team, I have come so far with my level of discomfort! I hope to train this summer for a half marathon in September! Thanks again for everything!

Maureen R.

In September 2008 I had a labral repair on my right shoulder after several years of competitive rugby and shoulder pain. After my initial appointment with Irish, I knew Athletic Advantage would help me get back to exercising and even playing rugby again. Shoulder rehab can be a frustrating process but Irish was motivating, supportive and encouraging. He tailored my physical therapy to meet my individual needs and goals and was patient with my many questions and concerns.

By the time I left Athletic Advantage, I was back to running and exercising without pain or problems and Irish had my shoulder feeling the strongest it's ever felt. I am very appreciative of Irish and the rest of the staff and I've already recommended Athletic Advantage to several friends.

Tonya V.

I was referred to you by a friend since I had injured my shoulder from tennis and bowling. I liked your idea of trying a conservative approach of daily exercises to attempt to compensate for a probable partial tear in my rotator cuff. I had become quite depressed having to give up my sports activities which were both a source of fun and socializing. Your suggestions of daily exercises, clear explanations, and professional knowledge has gradually led to a substantial recovery of my shoulder injury. I have been quite amazed that the low impact/ high repetition of these exercises has brought me to a point of rejoining the sports world. I have made steady progress and can now participate in bowling once again, along with your guidance of steps to participate in tennis again soon. You really have helped give my life back to me again and my mental attitude has improved as much as my shoulder. I really appreciate all the time and direction you have given me and I will certainly refer anyone else I know that develops a sports injury.

Bill R, Raleigh NC

When I first came into your practice in June, I was 100% doubtful you would be able to successfully alleviate my pain or address my calcific tendonitis. However, after two weeks of daily, intensive therapy with your team, the transformation in my pain level was very dramatic. I went from a 10 on a scale of 1-10 to about a 1 or 2 - if at all! I have to give your practice all the credit for my success. And, I also credit your vast knowledge - you knew of a little known type of treatment that ultimately proved successful for me. You guys made a frustrating issue easy to deal with and enjoyable during my treatments! Thank you for all the great work!

Diane E, Durham NC

Jason was the primary physical therapist for my daughter Sara's recovery from ACL repair. She is a smart, funny, intense and challenging adolescent (16) and Jason was continually remarkable in his ability to find exactly the right way to both challenge and reassure her about her recovery. Sara is very quick to make accurate assessments about the skills and abilities of both friends and adults. She does not suffer fools gladly. With Jason, it was clear that she found someone she enjoyed knowing and enjoyed working with.

Jason was intuitive, sharp, funny, and engaging. He set clear goals for her to strive for and was continually supportive of her when she was scared, when she worried, when she faltered. He pushed her to achieve beyond her best and she rose to the challenge. Jason was inspiring to watch and was a great resource in my daughter's successful and rapid recovery. I'm grateful to Jason for how he worked with her and consider him to be one of the finest, most intelligent, and capable physical therapists I have ever had an opportunity to know. I'm sure that my daughter could have come through well with anyone at Duke but I'm also sure that it's because of her work with Jason that she came through as well, as rapidly, and as happily as she did. She not only recovered to her prior level of skill and athleticism but exceeded that and ended up at a new and higher level of fitness and skill. Jason was a great part of her process and I'm happy she had a chance to work with him.

Frank O, Durham NC

Jason knows it all. I have seen Jason for two different knee injuries equivalent to over eight months. In each visit, Jason assesses where the problem or pain is located. He then uses creative activities to answer the problem. I went to several other places before Dr. Toth recommended him and by far he is the best. Always cheerful and joking around he makes PT fun but always gets the job done. Most importantly, he meets your demands. I have been training all my life to be a Division I athlete. I needed someone to push me to the limits and get ready to play soccer at Elon. In response, Jason customized my workouts. He holds me to the same standards as my club and college coaches. All in all, there is no one who could have done a better job. Jason RULES.

Drew G, Cary NC. Elon University Men's Soccer Player

Physical therapy is the most effective tool we have for rebuilding and strengthening injured bodies. Most of us, if we have the opportunity, shop for the best surgeons to repair our breaks and tears. I have found over the years it is even more important to shop for the best therapist because physical rehabilitation is a long journey. And it makes a huge difference who takes that journey with you.

Your rehabilitation may not require the extensive experience and analytical skills Jason Gauvin possesses. However, you will be glad he has these talents if your recovery is anything other than predictably routine. Jason knows what to ask of you and when to ask it. He also has no hesitation to speak directly with your surgeon whenever he needs to advocate on your behalf. If you want the best physical therapist there is, you will ask for Jason.

Kaye B. Hillsborogh, NC

My son's doctor and surgeon, Dr Alison P Toth (at Duke Sports Medicine) recommended Jason for physical therapy to get my son ready for Elon University soccer. Jason is very professional and relates well to parents and relates to patients on their level, a big plus! Jason is committed to his patient's well being and goals as he worked my son into his already booked schedule and stayed late several times to work with him.

Kevin G. Cary, NC

Jason has provided excellent care and advice through the course of my injury and continuing rehabilitation. I injured my left knee playing sports, completely tearing the ACL and shearing off a large portion of the articular cartilage of the medial femoral chondyle. Due to the severity of the injury and the inherent uncertainty in treating cartilage defects, the rehabilitation has been approached in a cautious manner. Jason has been my primary therapist since just after the injury, through two surgeries, to the present rehabilitation.

It is obvious to me that Jason is invested completely in his patients' treatment and well-being. It is my nature to ask many questions, and since my injury was a fairly complicated one, I had many questions about it. Jason always spent as much time as I needed to answer all my questions.

His willingness and enthusiasm to do this really helped me through the most taxing parts of the treatment. In addition to answering questions for me, I learned that Jason spoke regularly with my orthopedic surgeon about my case. This also demonstrates the level of commitment Jason has to his patients.

I am presently beginning more aggressive rehab, about which I am excited. I understand that new activities need to be approached with caution, but with Jason's excellent guidance I am sure I will see great improvement in the condition of my knee.

Brent P. Durham, NC

Jason Gauvin's work is effective, rational, well-planned, and well-executed. In 2000, I experienced this first-hand when I was recovering from a workout-related stress fracture in my lower lumbar spine. Jason created a specific physical therapy program that helped me return to full health. Jason's program was based on experience and collaboration with doctors, therapists, and trainers at Stanford. Jason provided progressively challenging exercises that built off each other and helped me regain strength and flexibility. Jason pushed me when needed, backed off when the work was too tough, and always provided encouragement. Thanks to Jason, I was able to return to all everyday activities and collegiate competition. I am forever grateful for Jason Gauvin and my four-month experience with him. Thanks for everything, Jason.

John W. Stanford Men's Swimming Team swimmer (1999-2003)

I came in for some PT a few weeks ago when I was having some issues with my knee that, according to about 3 doctors, was probably a torn meniscus. However, you (Jason) seemed to think it might be an IT band issue and put me on a program of stretches. I just wanted to write and let you know that you were right on the money. When I came in, I had been forced to decrease my running schedule from about 15 miles at a time to about 2 miles at a time - the pain was just too piercing to continue after a couple of miles. However, I've been stretching daily as prescribed, and I'm now back up to about 10km at a stretch. So, while I'm not totally back to capacity, it's a big help. I just wanted to write and thank you for your help - a few stretches a day is much preferred to surgery and multiple bills from the orthopedist. Thanks again - I appreciate the help!

Ben H

Earlier this year, at Duke University Hospital, I had rotator cuff repair surgery and a biceps tenotomy, requiring lengthy follow-up physical therapy. I chose to see a therapist where I live in Winston-Salem. During this time, I developed excessive inflammation and scarring, requiring me to have a second surgical procedure (a capsule release and cleaning out). After this surgery, it was highly recommended by my surgeon (Dr. Alison Toth) to at least start my physical therapy with Jason Gauvin at Duke. After having Jason as a therapist, I chose to continue with him rather than return to the therapist in Winston-Salem. This choice required a three hour round trip drive for a minimum of two times a week, for a couple of months. However, it was well worth it to me (and my husband) because of Jason's expert knowledge and skills; his dedication to his patients; and his great rapport with his patients.

I have been completely satisfied with my progress since surgery, and I deeply appreciate Jason's care and help in getting my shoulder healed correctly.

Sue G

Jason really strives to take the time and get to know his patients so that he can customize a rehabilitation plan that fits their personality and lifestyle. His motivation and genuine concern for my health encouraged me to stay committed to my treatment and obtain my goal of a full recovery. His desire for the success of his patients is unmatched!

Brelana D.