Our Story

Peak Physical Therapy is proud to provide our everyday patients with the same elite standard of care, expertise and treatment as we do the professional and college athletes who also count on us. No matter your competitive level, Peak therapists are passionate about getting you better – and doing so with the most effective methods available. All of our therapists hold advanced certifications in orthopedics, strength and conditioning, and Pilates. We take a sports-oriented approach to treatments, utilizing state-of-the-art methods, techniques and equipment based on the latest research. Because of their expertise with elite athletes, Peak therapists are able to treat common injuries to obtain optimum healing results for ordinary people. And we impart to you the knowledge to take control of your own personal care and improvement routine.

Peak founder Garrett Akahoshi has been a vital member of Cupertino and the surrounding community for 40 years. Growing up in Saratoga, Garrett attended nearby Lynbrook High School, and is now proud to oversee a physical therapy clinic that keeps the people and organizations that surround it close to heart. From professional sports clubs to local groups and charities; from pro athletes to weekend warriors; from the exam room to the playing field, Peak and its therapists are pleased to give the same high-quality effort in all that we do.

Our Mission & Vision

Peak Physical Therapy is a private physical therapy clinic that provides a comprehensive combination of rehabilitation, health, fitness and sports performance services. Located in Cupertino, we are a patient-centered community of caregivers with a singular goal of helping you get better by carefully listening to you and understanding your goals and concerns. In this way, we are able to provide individualized treatments geared toward the needs of each unique patient. It is our hope to empower you and teach you how to manage and improve your physical condition.

What We Do

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Physical Therapists do?

Physical Therapists are experts in movement and function, so they do not confine their talents to only treating people who are ill. A large part of a Physical Therapist’s program is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery. Physical Therapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing lower back pain. They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs.

The cornerstones of Physical Therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to “hands-on” care, Physical Therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, Physical Therapists may also “mobilize” a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical Therapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high frequency waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice.

Most forms of Physical Therapy treatment are covered by insurance, but the coverage will vary with each plan. Most states do not legally require patients to see their physicians before seeing a Physical Therapist (Direct Access). Most of the time all you have to do is ask your doctor if Physical Therapy is right for you.

Why is Physical Therapy a good choice?

More than half of all Americans are suffering from pain. Whether it is acute pain or chronic pain, there’s a ton of evidence showing that pain in America is a widespread problem that commonly results in sick days from work, and can be a precursor to opioid use and dependency. However, many do not even know that Physical Therapists are well equipped to not only manage pain but also its source.

Physical Therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and Physical Therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

Why should I choose a private practice Physical Therapist?

Would you prefer treatment from a Physical Therapist (PT) who works for a physician or one that owns a private practice? We leave it up to you to draw your own conclusions but here are some facts from three different studies:

Results indicate there were more treatments, and the cost was greater for those patients that attended a physician-owned Physical Therapy practice vs. private physical therapy practice (visits per patient were 39% to 45% higher in physician-owned clinics; and both gross and net revenue per patient were 30% to 40% higher in physician-owned clinics)1.
Results indicate that licensed and non-licensed Physical Therapy providers spent less time with each patient in physician-owned clinics, and more often, Physical Therapy Assistants were substituted for Physical Therapists.2
Results concluded that “Therapists who had treated patients through Direct Access were significantly more likely to believe that Direct Access had benefited them professionally and benefited their patients than were Therapists who had not practiced through Direct Access.”3

At Professional, we believe we can provide you with the highest quality of care available and do it in a cost-effective manner.4 You will work closely with your Physical Therapist and in most instances, your treatment will be managed by the same Physical Therapist from the beginning to the end of your experience with us.

Mitchell, J., Scott, E., Physician Ownership of Physical Therapy Services: Effects on Charges, Utilization, Profits, and Service Characteristics, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992.
“Joint Ventures Among Health Care Providers in Florida,” State of Florida Health Care Cost Containment Board, 1991.
Domholdt E, Durchholz AG. Direct access use by experienced therapists in states with direct access. Phys Ther. 1992 Aug;72(8):569-74.
Federal Office of the Inspector General May 1, 2006 – This report calls into question billing processes done by non-physical therapist owned practices.

Is Physical Therapy painful?

For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your Physical Therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief, but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance.

In some cases, Physical Therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement, or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery, may be painful. Your Physical Therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your Therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the Physical Therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

Can my Physical Therapist provide me with a diagnosis?

In most states, physical therapists cannot make a medical diagnosis. This is something that your physician will provide for you. While physical therapists are important members of your medical team, physicians are typically the healthcare providers that will provide you with a medical diagnosis.

Is my Physical Therapist licensed?

Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are licensed by their respective states.

Can I visit any of Professional’s offices?

Yes. Professional maintains records electronically, so we can provide you with the added convenience of visiting any of our many clinics, and any of our Physical Therapists will be able to follow your specified Treatment Plan.

Are services available for those who don't speak English?

Yes, We have very clear service who don’t know English.

Overall Experience

“Peak Physical Therapy is the best! I have been a patient of all three of the most professional, caring, and dedicated staff, Garrett, Genevieve and Valerie. Not only is the facility one of the best in terms of facilities and cleanliness, but you can’t get more professional PT services in the Bay Area. They know their stuff, not only in terms of care & treatment, but also the staff who assist with scheduling and their knowledge of insurance billing. I have been a patient for almost 4 years (2 injuries, one very serious) and can’t say enough about how great my entire PT experience has been. Don’t walk, run (if you can) to Peak PT when you need PT services. Lovely people, great facility, and the most professional and caring individuals you could find.”

James Davis, Age 32

Work Injury

“I recently had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. I chose PEAK Physical Therapy in Cupertino for rehab because both of my children had gone to PEAK for sports related injuries. I work for a local Fire Department and getting back to full strength in my knee was crucial. The job can be very physical and my therapist was well aware of the activities that I needed to be prepared for to go back to work. My PT was very innovative in creating exercises that would simulate similar physical situations that I would be exposed to at work. Each time I went in, he had thought of a new creative way to challenge my knee in preparing me to return to full duty at work. He also was in contact with my Orthopedic Surgeon to make sure that everyone was on the same page. My therapist was friendly, easy to work with and talk to. The staff at PEAK was also wonderful and easy to communicate with.”

– Vernon C

TMJ

“My TMJ disorder is healed! To me, that is nothing short of a miracle. I thought I was going to have to live in pain for the rest of my life, and since I plan on being around a while longer, it’s nice to live without pain! Every day, my back gets stronger, and my new posture gets a little bit easier. I attribute all of this improvement to the fact that Genevieve took the time to look at me (how seldom people do this for each other) and notice that I was sitting and standing crooked! And then took the steps to help me fix this! I am so grateful for your wisdom, kindness, patience and skill! Every day I wake up thankful for my new pain-free life. Many, many thanks!”

– Laura H.

Excellent Care

“Thank you so much for all the care and help you have given me. You are truly the best healthcare professional I have ever known. I look forward to continuing on my path to good health, following your instructions, to the letter of course! Many Thanks,”

– Fran D.

Bike Fit

“I highly recommend Garrett Akahoshi for PT and bike fitting. As a PT and a triathlete himself he is exceptionally well-qualified to help you get the most out of your bike. Garrett combines fit and strength assessment to provide a custom prescription for getting stronger. He’s helped me get faster and more comfortable on the bike.”

– Amy R.

Hamstring Injury

“I strained my hamstring while cycling and was referred to Peak by my doctor. My therapist evaluated my injury and got right to the heart of the problem: flexibility and strength. He gave me stretches and exercises that focused on my injury and after 6 sessions I was feeling much better. My PT set clear goals for recovery and helped me meet them. He also helped me strengthen muscles I didn’t injure but contributed to my hamstring injury, which improved my overall fitness dramatically. I highly recommend Peak for any PT issues you run into! “

– Andrew B.

Customer Satisfaction

“Thanks for helping me avoid the needles and knives! I’m off and running, not perfect yet, but I’ll keep up with your exercises and stretches. I’m glad I had the opportunity to work with you. I learned a lot. All the best to you and yours! “

– Coleen C.

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