Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Toback.
Hi Daniel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was always interested in helping people and initially was thinking of going to medical school but became disenfranchised when I saw that most of the medical side of practice was focused on treating symptoms and not getting to root causes. I found Physical Therapy during my Junior year in college when working with young adults with developmental disabilities and witnessing Physical Therapy on a regular basis. From there on the rest was history. I did my undergrad at UCLA, Physical Therapy school at Arcadia university just outside of Philadelphia, and worked in Chicago for 4 years right next door to the United Center(home of the Bulls and Blackhawks) where I worked with professional, college, and H.S athletes.
I’ve spent the last 8 years of my career trying to understand the “WHY” behind injuries which has lead me to develop “The Run Mechanics”. The standard model of sports rehab and treatment, both on the MD and PT side, involves a lot of guessing. We consistently treat patients without actually looking at the quality of their movement. It’s sort of like prescribing a blood pressure medication without checking blood pressure. I believe that a detailed assessment of biomechanics is the future of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
I also practice at Three Lakes Physical Therapy which has allowed me to partner with the only foot and ankle specialists in town to help build a complete team of Physical Therapists, Podiatrists, and personal trainers to offer a team approach to treatment for athletes of all ages and experience.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am thankful that things have been relatively smooth sailing so far but there have been a few notable struggles. The first being my lack of social media experience and I don’t enjoy marketing myself. I prefer to spend my time honing my craft but I am learning the importance of getting my name out there. Similar to the concept of “If a tree falls in the forest…”
It has also been really difficult connecting with other providers in the sports and rehab space. I am learning that most people are very siloed. I am a big proponent of a team approach to treatment and I realize that not one clinician/trainer/etc… can do it all. I have been lucky to find some like minded people however and am excited to continue to build a strong team of individuals who focus on their strengths and refer out for things that are not.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Run Mechanics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At “The Run Mechanics” we are experts of biomechanics. We currently use that knowledge to help improve performance and reduce injury risks in runners and team sport athletes. Unlike some other companies, we are not just a run analysis company. We have an entire team of different specialties focused on helping people reach their goals. We also perform our analysis outside in a natural running environment.
The run/movement analysis is only a portion of what we do. We combine the data of HOW you run with a strength and mobility assessment, your injury history, and your personal goals to build people an individualized program. We also use this information to give specific shoe recommendations.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Oof, this is a long list. Of course I have to thank my friends and family who have been very supportive and given me feedback the entire way. I would specifically like to shout out my boss and owner of Three Lakes Physical Therapy, Leslie Hartman, for providing me the environment to learn and grow as well as be creative with how I treat. Her mentorship from both the treatment and business side of things has been invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Therunmechanics.com
- Instagram: therunmechanics262
