Meet Our Team

 

Chris

As an early inexperienced teenager beginning in exercise, Chris knew that he enjoyed being physically healthy and it had a significant role in daily life. His improper movement patterns but love for exercise continued until a sudden lower back disc bulge forced him to make a big decision; stop exercising completely or to learn about the human body and proper movement mechanics. Discontinuing exercise was not a seriously considered option.

After going through physical therapy treatment for his lower back, Chris made the decision to change his major/career path from Mechanical Engineering to Exercise Science. His experience after receiving soft tissue manipulation coupled with exercise drastically improved his physical well being and eliminated his pain completely. This experience sparked the beginning of his exploration into the marveling results seen from manual therapy.

After graduating from Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Exercise Science, he knew that his journey had just begun. Learning proper body mechanics was very beneficial, but one major issue was not covered. What about people who can not utilize many of the proper body mechanics due to pains, physical discomfort, postural distortions, and various other problems that could prevent healthy movement? Immediately following graduation, Chris attended North Carolina School of Advanced Bodywork. Furthering his education provided the necessary knowledge and skillset that was needed to pair with developing the optimal movement mechanics for each individual.

Now, he is well prepared to help clients with dysfunctional movement become more functional as well as clients who do not have any symptoms and want to maintain a healthy body. Chris has dedicated his life to continued education in the health and wellness field and thoroughly enjoys enhancing the life of each client.


Liz

Growing up in Puerto Rico, I was always in baseball parks with my brother who has been an athlete his whole life! Seeing him go through injuries, small and big, I was always intrigued and wanted to learn more about human anatomy and ways to help a person recover. I consider myself to be a very active person as well. Throughout my life, I have played volleyball and have danced competitively, & like most athletes, I too have dealt with injuries, the most serious one being a torn meniscus on my left knee. Going through that recovery process was what determined me choosing this career.

After graduating from High School, I started working as a Clinical Assistant (CA) for a Soft Tissue and Adhesion Specialist. There, I was able to learn so much about anatomy and chronic pain issues that almost everyone deals with! I realized that injuries come in many different ways and pain affects everyone differently. When we get injured, one can be doing something as strenuous as a crossfit routine or something as simple as tying your shoe. I learned that our day-to-day activities build up over time and when we don’t address our bodies correctly, it only takes the simplest thing to cause pain and prevent us from doing physical activities. As a CA, I got to witness first hand the results that scar tissue work was providing to anyone dealing with chronic pain and injuries.

After 3 years as a CA, I knew it was time for me to step into the field and that’s when I decided to pursue my massage license and attend the North Carolina School of Advanced Bodywork, which would be my first step into helping others as a provider.

In 2023, I graduated from school and was licensed a couple months after. While in school though, I went to a training that focused on adhesion and scar tissue work. I have focused a lot of my training on that technique along with other forms of bodywork. I got to witness first hand the results it was providing to anyone dealing with chronic pain and injuries.

Going through the meniscus tear injury, and now as a dance instructor and choreographer, I understand the importance of not only recovering but maintaining a healthy physical state to be able to continue doing the things I love. I want to help those dealing with chronic pain, and who are wanting to continue care to maintain their body in good physical health. Through thorough assessments and with non-invasive bodywork techniques & skills, I want to help my clients get back to the activities and lifestyle they want, pain-free.

¡Me encantaría poder ayudarte! Quiero ayudar a quienes padecen de algún tipo de dolor crónico, a través de evaluaciones exhaustivas, y técnicas de trabajo corporal no invasivas. Quiero ayudar a mis pacientes a volver a realizar las actividades y el estilo de vida que desean, sin dolor.


Cassandra

From the start, I always felt a deep calling to be in healing, though the right path wasn't immediately clear. My journey began as an EMT right after high school, followed by a brief stint in nursing school. It quickly became apparent that nursing wasn’t the perfect fit for me, leading me to switch gears and earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This pivotal shift helped fuel my passion to understand and genuinely help others.

It was a close friend, a skilled practitioner of Chinese medicine, who opened my eyes to the world of massage therapy. After taking their advice to explore massage, I enrolled in a massage program and it was love at first touch! I discovered a profound passion for holistic healthcare—a field that resonated deeply with my life’s purpose.

Now, with over ten years in massage and wellness, and three pivotal years in the physical therapy world, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each session. I specialize in sports massage and Chinese cupping, and have trained extensively in various Ayurvedic techniques including Abhyanga, Thai stretching, and Reflexology. To further enrich our sessions use my skills as a Reiki Practitioner to weave energy healing into our sessions to create a comprehensive healing experience.

Having worked with sports teams and individuals in physically demanding jobs, I've learned to listen intently and address every concern as if I were caring for my own family. My approach is personal and empathetic.

I'm here to help you feel good not just during our sessions, but every single day. To this end, I provide resources to enhance your well-being at home, ensuring the benefits of our sessions extend far beyond our time together.

I can't wait to meet you and embark on this journey of health and wellness together. Let's bring balance and healing into your life!

I always knew I was meant to be in healing. I just wasn't sure how. I was an EMT after high school and then I went to nursing school. Early into the nursing program, I decided it wasn't for me. I switched my major to psychology and earned my bachelor's degree. A few years later a close friend and Chinese medicine practitioner suggested I try massage. I entered the massage program and fell in love with holistic healthcare! I believe massage and holistic health are why I am here in this lifetime. I listen to my clients and address their concerns as if I were caring for a family member! I look forward to working with you!

I have over 10 years of experience in massage and wellness and over 3 in the physical therapy field. I am well-versed in many different massage modalities. I specialize in sports massage and Chinese cupping. I have also trained in Ayurveda massage modalities like Abhyanga, Thai stretching and Reflexology. I am a Reiki Practitioner for energy healing. I have worked with sports teams and workers with physically demanding jobs. I send my clients home with resources to help improve their health at home after and in between sessions! I want you to feel good every day not just after a session!



Ken Smith The Fix Athletic Injury and Recovery Center Charlotte NC.jpg

Ken Smith

Please note: Ken is no longer taking new clients

While serving our country as a Paramedic/LVN in the US Air Force, I injured my back. The injury was severe enough that I thought I would never be able to play basketball or get out of a chair without groaning again.

So if you’re suffering from debilitating back pain or other injury, trust me when I say I know how you’re feeling because I’ve felt the exact same way.

I was fortunate that my story didn’t end there. Instead, I met a man that knew exactly what to do to help me. He was a Physical Therapist and Rolf Structural Integrator.

I’m sure a lot of you are saying, “What the holy hell is a Structural Integrator and what’s a Rolf?” It’s a fancy way to say he knew exactly what to do to help me, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little shocked when he got rid of my pain.

Shocked and amazed enough with the results he was able to achieve for me, 

I HAD to study with him. I was lucky that he agreed to teach me everything he knew and guided me into the right education courses to get the rest.

Fast forward another 16 years of clinical experience, and further education with tenured Osteopaths/brilliant Physical Therapists/top Rolf Method Structural Integration educators and many other amazing healers, 

I have no problem saying I have invaluable expertise, education, experience and confidence in this field.

Not to mention that 20+ years after my injury (and recovery) the results have stuck: I can still play the sports I want, hit the gym 5 days a week and get out of bed in the morning without sounding like a zombie. Not bad for kicking 50’s door down, right?

But back to that moment I started feeling like a human again. Because in that moment I had a flash of clarity, and realized that more than wanting the education from my mentor, I wanted it because I wanted to dedicate my life to assisting others that needed help in the same way I needed it. To this day I get amazing fulfillment every time one of my clients reaches their goals, walks without a cane, break records in their sport or avoids unnecessary surgery.

My heart bursts when someone is allowed a life unhindered by physical limitations, like the ones I thought I had to live with for the rest of my life. Regardless of your reason behind seeking treatment, I will always do my very best to help you. I am honored to be a part of your healthcare team and I look forward to meeting you soon!

For those of you that are looking for the credentials:

  • Massage Licensed and Certified in the state of California for over 15 years #4043

  • North Carolina Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist #16961

  • Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork #528975-07

  • Board Certified International Association of Structural Integrators

  • Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology from Oregon State University



Our philosophy here at The FIX:

 
Your body’s ability to heal is greater than anyone has permitted you to believe.
— Wise person
 
 
 

We as a society have become reliant upon a medical system that does not have our best interest at its core. Pills and scalpels, while they are necessary in many cases, have become the tools for every treatment. And as the old adage goes: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Here at The FIX, we look for ways to encourage prevention and educate you on how to use your body in more powerful and self-sustaining ways so that fewer pills and scalpels are needed in your life.

We use state of the art technology and science based massage/bodywork techniques to reduce swelling, minimize pain, and enhance your body's natural healing abilities. All so you can get back to what you love to do faster and with less pain. Massage/Bodywork, Cryogenic therapies, compressive wrap systems and micro-current technologies have all been scientifically proven to reduce surgical recovery times, improve blood and nerve flow and lower the risk of future injuries.

Client receiving knee pain testing prior to treatment
 
 

What does a session with The FIX look like?

 
Man with GameReady ice compression recovery equipment on his left shoulder.
  1. Your first session will be to gather information, listen to what you feel you need most and answer any questions you might have.

  2. Then we get you on the treatment table and using manual therapy techniques we search for the root cause of your issues. Where you feel pain may not always be where the pain is originating. Are there bones out of position? Are there muscles that aren’t “firing” properly? Are your connective tissues just tight or glued together? All of these things can be corrected using our proprietary and unique form of manual therapy.

  3. After your session you will get to use our cryogenic wraps, compression wraps and/or micro-current terminals to reduce any left over tension or inflammation. These systems are proven cold and compression therapies in a revolutionary treatment system that sets a new standard of care in injury and post-operative recovery. These technologies are helping more and more athletes and patients to come back faster after an injury or surgery.

  4. Your therapists will [probably give you body awareness tips or strength/stretch ideas to help you keep the results you obtain in your sessions with us. These home”play” (sounds better than homework, right?) exercises are integral in keeping you aware of your posture and how you use your body in daily life.