A native of Durango, Dan is the owner of Rivergate Physical Therapy. He graduated in 1993 with distinction from The Colorado College and has a Liberal Arts and Science Degree in Biological Anthropology. He then worked several years as a firefighter/paramedic for Durango Fire Department and Mercy Paramedics. Dan received his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2001. Since Graduation, He has worked in outpatient orthopedics and is certified to do Trigger Point Dry Needling / Intra Muscular stimulation and spinal manipulation.

Dan enjoys telemark skiing and since 1998 has worked on the ski patrol for Purgatory Resort on the weekends. When the snow melts, he plays soccer, mountain bikes, enjoys trail running, rafting, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing and climbing 14ers. Dan also loves to travel and when he gets the opportunity, he scuba dives and snorkels. He also enjoys rafting, camping, and skiing with his wife and two daughters.

Since 2001, He has practiced Kokikai Aikido (Japanes Self-Defence) and is the senior practitioner / assistant instructor for Kokikia Durango. Dan also practices Arnis, also known as Kali or Eskrima/Escrima, which is the national martial art of the Philippines.

• High Velocity Low Amplitude Spinal Manipulation
• Reiki Level II
• Trigger Point Dry Needling/ Intramuscular Stimulation
• Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic since 1998
• Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Automatic External Defibrilator (AED)
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Health Care Provider (CPR)
• Certified National Academy of Sports Medicine: Performance Enhancement Specialists
• Certified to fit Custom Orthotics & Don Joy Custom Knee Braces
• Certified as clinical instructor for Athletic Trainers from Fort Lewis College and Doctoral Physical Therapy Students
• Treatment of neck and low back pain, and scacroiliac dysfunction
• Treatment of knee, ankle and shoulder injuries
• Treatment of Sacroiliac Dysfunctions

Rick moved to Durango from Prescott, AZ in 2012. He originally received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 1986. He became interested in exercise science and returned to NAU, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science in 1994, and then on to a Master of Physical Therapy Degree in 1997. He has more than 20 years’ experience, which includes 2 years of Home Health physical therapy, otherwise, he has extensive experience in outpatient orthopedics, emphasizing manual therapy and exercise progression. He also specializes in Astym® treatment, which is a non-invasive manual technique which is effective in the treatment of strains/sprains, repetitive motion injuries, post-surgical scarring, or other soft tissue dysfunctions.

Rick is an avid cyclist, enjoys mountain biking, and has been a competitive road cyclist since 1987, winning Arizona State Championships multiple times for categories of time trial, criterium, road race, and hill climb, and has been on the podium at Masters Road National Championships 3 times. He also is active with hiking, backpacking, downhill and cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and scuba diving.

• Astym certified for treatment of tendinopathies, scar tissue problems, and other soft tissue dysfunctions
• Soft tissue and joint mobilization
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Treatment of neck and low back dysfunction
• Neck and core stabilization progression
• Elbow and wrist dysfunction
• Shoulder, hip, knee dysfunction
• Ankle/foot dysfunction
• Posture dysfunction
• Balance dysfunction
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)

Christopher moved to Durango from Phoenix, Arizona in 2007 to attend Fort Lewis College. He graduated with a degree in Exercise Science. Christopher sought hands-on experience in physical therapy and worked as a Physical Therapy Technician. He then continued his studies at South College and received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2018. After completing his degree, Christopher continued his professional career in Farmington, New Mexico where he emphasized evidence-based practices to improve his patients’ quality of life.

In his spare time, Christopher enjoys spending time with his family and being active outdoors. He can be found camping and adventuring as much as possible with his young children, Jillian and Arlo. Their adventures usually include bikes, skateboards, and skis and traveling throughout the Southwest with friends and family.

Satchel is originally from Farmington, NM, but moved to Durango in March 2022. He started his interest in healthcare by pursuing an Athletic Training degree at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. In 2020, Satchel earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Physical Therapy Assistance from San Juan College in Farmington, NM. He works as a Physical Therapy Assistant at the Rivergate Physical Therapy Office in the fitness center at the Dalton Ranch Golf Club in Durango, CO. When Satchel is not working at Rivergate, he enjoys playing golf, hiking, and snowboarding in the winter.