Danae Koolen (M.T.O.M., L.Ac., HHP)

Athletes always run into injuries, some lasting a lifetime. Fortunately, San Diego has a special holistic therapeutic center, Peak Performance, offering a blend of holistic and alternative therapies to achieve a balanced state of mind, body and spirit. With its unique approach to rehabilitating sports injuries, San Diegans can now enjoy some of their favorite hobbies and exercises without the pain.

Owner and Director Danae Koolen opened Peak Performance Holistic Therapies in 1992, just blocks away from the beach and beautiful Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. With Massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine not well known in the area at the time, Danae took a chance in opening the first holistic massage establishment in Point Loma. Today, Peak Performance has doubled in size and staff.

A graduate in Sports Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Danae Koolen specializes in pain relief and structural imbalances. She has the ability to blend Sports Medicine with Chinese Medicine and Massage Therapy.

Most of Danae's patrons come in for massage and acupuncture therapies. Longtime client, Heather Lamb, is a triathlete, marathoner, and devoted surfer. She first visited Peak Performance in 2003 to rejuvenate fatigued muscles through massage therapy. A few years later she experienced sciatica. Danae suggested acupuncture to alleviate the pain. After eight sessions, Heather was back to her regular routine -- surfing off Sunset Cliffs and training for triathlons.

Most sports injuries are due to an imbalance in muscle or muscle groups. This can create undue stress on joins, ligaments and muscles. Over time, this imbalance can cause muscles to become tense, contracted and fatigue which predisposes the body to an injury. "Acupuncture can be similar to trigger point massage," Danae explained. "But rather than putting pressure on the muscle, 'motor points' are targeted and needled." By using acupuncture, Dane can unblock and encourage energy flow through the body. Acupuncture can be used for the treatment of many medical problems, anywhere from infertility and migraine headaches to back pain and sports injury. Peak Performance offers may other treatments for sports injuries and medical problems. Danae performs many modalities such as electrical stimulation, massage, acupuncture, and stretching as well as providing herbal and nutritional advice for many of her patients who have had a sports related injury.

After a marathon, Heather Lamb experienced Plantar Fascitis, an inflammation of tissue connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. "I couldn't even walk without feeling a large painful lump at the base of my foot. Danae performed electrical stimulation to increase blood flow to the area, and now I'm back to my regular workouts completely free of pain."

In addition to their unique therapies, Peak Performance offers spa treatments, facials, waxing, and massages to pamper and delight. An onsite chiropractor, medical laser treatment specialist, and nutritional consultant round out their range of services.

Danae Koolen is pleased with what Peak Performance Holistic Therapies has evolved into. She has a loyal clientele base all over San Diego who return for the outstanding service, the comfortable atmosphere, and the many services offered. "We are not a cookie cutter, in-and-out spa. Our clients are our neighbors."

Come by and experience our unique blend of holistic and alternative therapies.

Written by Lina Polyak @ www.bellissimasandiego.com