When Dan Schaal founded Ohana Sports Medicine 11 years ago in Kalaheo, he didn’t imagine opening a second clinic. What prompted the 16-year Kauai resident and business owner to bring his style of physical therapy to the southern edge of
When Dan Schaal founded Ohana Sports Medicine 11 years ago in Kalaheo, he didn’t imagine opening a second clinic. What prompted the 16-year Kauai resident and business owner to bring his style of physical therapy to the southern edge of Kapaa at Waipouli Plaza were two beloved employees: Jeff Gatling and Emelia Haraguchi.
For the past four years, Haraguchi commuted to Schaal’s Kalaheo clinic from the North Shore. When she recently had her first baby, Schaal grew concerned over such a long commute for the new mother.
Gatling, an 8-year Kapaa resident, drove the same commute to the Westside.
“I’m opening this clinic for them,” Schaal said. “Kauai is a hard place to be a professional, and the natural progression for a young professional is to move from being an employee to growing more independent.”
It made sense to Schaal to have his two dedicated employees run their own clinic. He praised Gatling for his expertise with “weekend warrior” style of injuries.
“Jeff lives that kind of lifestyle,” Schaal said. “He knows what it takes to get back in shape. And Emelia is a genius with women who excel physically. The way she solves an orthopedic problem is a joy to watch.”
The Ohana Sports Medicine team thrives on challenging cases.
“Send us the most complex and sensitive cases to solve,” Schaal said. “We just want to do something great.”
The public can tour the new clinic from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 13.
Info: ohanasportsmedicine.com
