DAY
OPPONENT
SCORE / TIME
OUR PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.
We are Physical Therapists from SMI (Sports Medicine Institute) in Orange with expertise and years of experience treating athletes and active adults. After years in the field, we have seen that it is essential for every athlete, youth to professional level, to have an individualized, comprehensive pre-rehabilitation program that addresses specific weaknesses in order to decrease injury rates.
Joan Boesel | PT, DPT
Owner & Founder of SMI
Joan Boesel is the owner of Sports Medicine Institute with over 30 years of experience in the field of sports medicine, orthopedic physical therapy, and athletic performance. She has successfully treated world class and professional athletes from a variety of organizations including the MLB, NFL, NHL, MLS, AVP, FIVB, USOC, NBA, Major Professional Tennis Championships, as well as collegiate, high school and youth athletes. Joan specializes in injuries of the shoulder and elbow joints in the overhead athlete, developing a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol including return to throwing program to meet the athlete's specific needs. Joan was a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and a graduate of the Ola Grimsby Institute for Manual Therapy. Joan was a member of the Oregon State University Women's Softball Team.
Julia Santana PT, DPT
jsantana@smipt.com
Dr. Julia Santana is a dedicated physical therapist with a passion for helping individuals return to the activities they love. With a strong educational foundation, Julia earned a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton, followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chapman University. This academic background has equipped Julia with a deep understanding of human movement and rehabilitation, allowing her to provide personalized, evidence-based care to patients of all ages.
In addition to a thriving career in physical therapy, Julia is an avid sports enthusiast, playing soccer and basketball outside of work. She also enjoys spending quality moments with her nephews and reading.
Samantha Richards, PT, DPT, MS
Dr. Sam is a dedicated physical therapist with a rich background in sports and a deep-rooted passion for movement as a lifelong athlete. An Orange County native, she received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology followed by a Master of Science in Motor Control and Learning & Biomechanics from California State University, Fullerton. She then completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado. Today, Dr. Sam is passionate about empowering individuals through fitness, specializing in barbell athletes, overhead athletes, and lower extremity rehabilitation. As a former NCAA softball pitcher with a decade of experience in the strength and conditioning field, Sam strongly believes that movement is medicine and is committed to providing high-quality care tailored to each individual’s needs. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and nursing a crippling iced coffee addiction.
