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Sports Physical Therapy for Peak Performance and Injury Prevention
Our sports physical therapy programs are tailored for athletes of all ages, offering specialized injury prevention and performance strategies to help you achieve peak athletic performance and longevity.
Our 3 Step Process
Reset
Find the root cause. If you are in pain–put out the fire.
Restore
Optimize movement patterns specific to your sport or activity to help you perform at your best.
Reload
Ensure the problem stays away for good.
About Dr. Mark Smothermon
Dr. Mark Smothermon is a doctor of physical therapy with a focus on sports rehabilitation and performance. He served six years in the Navy, bringing a disciplined and resilient approach to his practice. He holds certifications in athletic training, dry needling, and has received training in golf swing analytics from the Titleist Performance Institute.
Dr. Smothermon specializes in injury prevention and athletic performance training for athletes of all ages. His goal is to help athletes safely participate in their sport and excel at a high level. With his expertise, athletes can optimize their performance and achieve their goals on and off the field.
Your Partner in Customized Sports Recovery Solutions
Empowering Athletes to Overcome Injuries and Achieve Peak Performance with Tailored Rehabilitation Programs
Our Partners
Our Partners
Is Sports Physical Therapy Right For You?
1-on-1 Physio
Tailored treatment plan to help you regain strength and mobility.
Manual Therapy
This technique involves gentle manipulation of soft tissues and joints to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall function.
Dry Needling
Dry needling offers a non-invasive and effective solution to alleviate discomfort and restore function.
Myofascial Massage/Manipulation
Myofascial massage/manipulation aims to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and restore proper function.
Myofascial Cupping
This technique helps to release tightness and adhesions in the fascia, providing relief from pain and improving range of motion.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesio tape is applied strategically to the skin to provide support to muscles and joints while allowing for full range of motion.
Titleist Performance Golf Swing Evaluation and Training
Our expert coaches assess your swing, tailor training programs, and help you reach your golfing goals.
Health and Wellness Coaching
Our experienced coaches will work closely with you to set achievable goals and develop a tailored plan that fits your goals.
VibePlate
Reduces soreness, improves flexibility, and boosts muscle activation—ideal for warm-ups, rehab, or faster recovery.
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
By strategically applying specialized bands or cuffs to your limbs during low-intensity exercises, BFR training maximizes muscle growth and strength gains with minimal stress on your joints.
Class IV Therapeutic Laser
Explore the power of Class IV Therapeutic Laser technology for pain relief, tissue healing, and rehabilitation. Our advanced laser treatments offer non-invasive solutions to accelerate recovery, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall well-being.
Pelvic Health Therapy
Personalized rehabilitation to restore function, alleviate discomfort, and improve overall quality of life.
BlazePod Reactivity Training
Enhance speed, coordination, and agility with BlazePod Reactivity Training—a cutting-edge system that uses sensory stimulation to activate your body’s natural reflexes. Designed to sharpen reaction time and boost athletic performance, this training helps you move faster, smarter, and more efficiently.
Post-concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation
Post-concussion and TBI Rehabilitation provides comprehensive care to help you recover safely and efficiently. We focus on restoring cognitive function, improving balance, and reducing symptoms.
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
By strategically applying specialized bands or cuffs to your limbs during low-intensity exercises, BFR training maximizes muscle growth and strength gains with minimal stress on your joints.
Class IV Therapeutic Laser
Explore the power of Class IV Therapeutic Laser technology for pain relief, tissue healing, and rehabilitation. Our advanced laser treatments offer non-invasive solutions to accelerate recovery, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall well-being.
Amanda Vestri
Pro Athlete Recommended
Mark is the best! He’s extremely thorough and attentive. I do not like needling at all but continue coming back because he does such a good job! Highly recommend.
Julian Porter
Staying Game-Ready
Dr. Mark Smothermon is not only a great guy but a great doctor as well. Knows his stuff and has given me some of the tools I need to be able to stay healthy and excel in my Division 1 football career.
Marcaun Robinson
Faster Recovery
Dr. Mark has done a tremendous job!!!! He knows exactly what he’s doing. This is my second time reinjuring my knee and within 3 sessions I have experienced a faster recovery than I did with the other therapist I was recommended to in Texas. Last year it took me about 3-4 months to jog but I was able to jog within 3 weeks working with Dr.Mark. I highly recommend!!!
Justin Cope
Improved Mobility and Chronic Pain Relief
I live with daily pain, and after meeting Dr. Smothermon, I finally felt hopeful that something could help. My first session with him last week was truly amazing. In just one hour, he made a noticeable difference in my mobility and brought real relief to the back pain I struggle with every day. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or limited movement, I highly recommend scheduling a visit with him. You won’t regret it.
Kevin Storm
Strength and Agility
We really appreciate Mark helping our daughter with her strength, agility, and performance. Mark’s expertise has helped our daughter immensely!!
Gage Gaines
Asks Detailed Questions And Looks At The Full Picture
I’ve been to a few physical therapists before, but Dr. Mark was the first to really take the time to look at the full picture. He asked detailed questions, checked how everything was connected, and actually explained what he was seeing instead of just jumping into treatment. Felt like he genuinely wanted to figure out what was going on, not just get me in and out. Also he’s trained grappling before which is hard to come across someone who understands. Very grateful for his knowledge!
Eddie Veyran
Relief from Golfer’s Elbow!
Dr. Smothermon is very knowledgeable and professional. I had a golfers elbow injury and he had me heeled in just a few days. I highly recommend this practice!
Christina Tidwell
Thorough, Knowledgeable, and Highly Effective
As a parent, I sent my athletic son to see him during the off season to help with some muscle tightness and mobility issues. He was fantastic in working with him, providing the right treatments and stretches to keep him in top form and ready for his next season. The improvements were noticeable, and my son felt great throughout the entire process.
What sets Dr. Smothermon apart is how thorough he is. He really knows his stuff and takes the time to understand the root causes of any issues I’ve had. He was highly recommended to me, and after seeing the results, I’ve been sharing his name with anyone I know who’s in need of a great physical therapist. I know there are so many to choose from, and it’s hard to know which ones are actually effective. But I can say with confidence that he is one of the best.
John Miller
Pain-Free Golfing Thanks to Dr. Smothermon
I’ve been working with Dr. Smothermon and Empower Sports Medicine for a while now and I can’t recommend his/their services enough. As a golfer, I was dealing with severe back pain that was affecting my game and daily life. Thanks to Dr Smothermon. I’ve been able to recover and improve my mobility through targeted stretches and personalized treatment. His approach has made a huge difference, and I’ve been pain-free for a long time now.
Karen Wiegandt
From Injury to Gold: A Champion’s Recovery Story
Mark Smothermon, PT, is nothing short of a miracle worker. As a competitive Masters rower at the international level, and Physical Therapist myself, I faced a rib injury just weeks before the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta, the largest rowing event in the world. With my performance and participation at risk, I entrusted Mark with my recovery—and he delivered beyond expectations.
Through his expert use of dry needling, Mark was able to eliminate my symptoms entirely, restoring my mobility and strength. His deep understanding of biomechanics, personalized care, and unwavering dedication gave me the confidence to compete at my best. Thanks to his skillful intervention, I not only participated in the regatta but came home with the gold medal.
Mark’s professionalism, expertise, and genuine passion for helping athletes are unparalleled. I am endlessly grateful for his role in my journey and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking world-class physical therapy. A resounding 10/10 stars!
Greg Simons
Back in the Boat in 10 days!
Mark saved my season! As a competitive Masters rower, downtime due to injury can totally derail your training plan and ability to compete. When I found myself suffering from hip and groin pain to the point where I could not train for the upcoming race season, Mark’s expert diagnosis and treatment plan got me back in the boat in less than 10 days.
Mark was very thorough in his evaluation of my issue, discussed treatment options, explained the required downtime, and recovery plans that were best suited to my needs. Mark went beyond just getting me back to training and racing but also showed me how to avoid repetitive injury.
Mark’s guidance for post treatment care and ongoing strength and mobility training to bulletproof the injured region was spot on. I still use the guidance and methods Mark taught me and I’m happy to report that I’m better than ever thanks to Mark.
Gina Levesque
The Right Diagnosis, The Right Treatment – Empower Got It Right
I was experiencing heel pain which I thought was plantar fasciitis. But after a few sessions I learned it was fat pad atrophy, which I never would have guessed. Thankful for wonderful support from Empower Sports Medicine for getting me back on my feet quickly, and showing me a variety of stretches & strengthening exercises to stay healthy.
Cam Phayre
Getting Back in the Game
Experiencing a knee injury during my final year of high school cross-country training was a major setback. With half the season remaining, the prospects of completing my last year seemed dim. Thankfully, Mark stepped in, assessing my injury and crafting a personalized recovery plan. His weekly meetings kept me motivated and on the path to recovery. Against the odds, I not only finished the season but also achieved my personal record time. Mark's guidance and expertise were invaluable, and I'm incredibly grateful for his dedication. Thank you, Mark, for helping me cross the finish line stronger than ever.
Samuel Shaw
Empower Sports Medicine Keeps WWE Wrestler in the Ring
Being a Professional Wrestler has been an awesome ride. Very rewarding. Early on, you’re taught that at some point, the bumps will catch up with you. Wear and tear is inevitable and a possible career-ending injury can happen at any moment.
At this stage of the game, having wrestled professionally for close to 20 years, I’m not taking any chances with my career. Correcting nagging areas of concern before they become really problematic is where Mark comes in. His attention to detail in addressing underlying issues is phenomenal and his personalized treatment plans have been a game changer.
I highly recommend Mark at Empower Sports Medicine!
Mason Staggs, PT, DPT, OCS
Your Go-To Therapist
Having worked closely alongside Mark over the last 5 years, I can confidently say you will be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated, compassionate, and knowledgeable therapist. Beyond the advanced clinical skills and techniques is someone who makes your goals his own and maps out a course for you to reach that destination. His approach to optimizing the movement and function of each client strikes a balance of the latest evidence-informed practice as well as real-world, in-the-trenches experience, giving you the best of both worlds. He's the guy I would send my mom to for any orthopedic issue.
And with Mark, going the extra mile for his patients is just standard operating procedure.
Zara Staley
Back to Golf!
After our daughter injured her knee in a freak accident at school, Dr. Mark did a great job diagnosing what was wrong and then gave us recovery exercises that really worked. Now everything feels great and she’s back to being an active child and playing golf without any issues. Thanks Dr. Mark!
- The Staley Family
Hannah Moretti, PT, DPT
Transforming Pain into Progress
Lisa Rainsberger
Top-Notch ACL/MCL Recovery
Justin Stiver, PT, DPT
Dedicated to Patient Success and Innovation
I had the pleasure of working with Mark for years while he was a clinic director for our company. Mark has the unique ability to connect with his patients and fully understand their goals so that he can customize a treatment plan that works for them. He has always been cutting-edge with the latest rehabilitation techniques and principles. He is truly a master of his craft!
Mike and Tara DeSantis
Gymnastics Success
I wholeheartedly recommend Mark as an exceptional physical therapist. His professionalism and expertise have been invaluable in supporting our daughter Addison's gymnastics journey. Mark possesses a deep understanding of the physical demands of gymnastics and has provided targeted therapy that has greatly enhanced Addison's strength, flexibility, and overall performance. His personalized approach, attention to detail, and commitment to her well-being have made a significant impact on her progress. Mark's dedication to helping athletes reach their full potential is truly outstanding.
Sara Everts
Supporting Dancers
I dance professionally and had a foot injury that was making my job very painful. Mark did an amazing job helping with recovery and preventing the injury from flaring back up.
Amanda Vestri
Pro Athlete Recommended
Mark is the best! He’s extremely thorough and attentive. I do not like needling at all but continue coming back because he does such a good job! Highly recommend.
Julian Porter
Staying Game-Ready
Dr. Mark Smothermon is not only a great guy but a great doctor as well. Knows his stuff and has given me some of the tools I need to be able to stay healthy and excel in my Division 1 football career.
Marcaun Robinson
Faster Recovery
Dr. Mark has done a tremendous job!!!! He knows exactly what he’s doing. This is my second time reinjuring my knee and within 3 sessions I have experienced a faster recovery than I did with the other therapist I was recommended to in Texas. Last year it took me about 3-4 months to jog but I was able to jog within 3 weeks working with Dr.Mark. I highly recommend!!!
Justin Cope
Improved Mobility and Chronic Pain Relief
I live with daily pain, and after meeting Dr. Smothermon, I finally felt hopeful that something could help. My first session with him last week was truly amazing. In just one hour, he made a noticeable difference in my mobility and brought real relief to the back pain I struggle with every day. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or limited movement, I highly recommend scheduling a visit with him. You won’t regret it.
Kevin Storm
Strength and Agility
We really appreciate Mark helping our daughter with her strength, agility, and performance. Mark’s expertise has helped our daughter immensely!!
Gage Gaines
Asks Detailed Questions And Looks At The Full Picture
I’ve been to a few physical therapists before, but Dr. Mark was the first to really take the time to look at the full picture. He asked detailed questions, checked how everything was connected, and actually explained what he was seeing instead of just jumping into treatment. Felt like he genuinely wanted to figure out what was going on, not just get me in and out. Also he’s trained grappling before which is hard to come across someone who understands. Very grateful for his knowledge!
Eddie Veyran
Relief from Golfer’s Elbow!
Dr. Smothermon is very knowledgeable and professional. I had a golfers elbow injury and he had me heeled in just a few days. I highly recommend this practice!
Christina Tidwell
Thorough, Knowledgeable, and Highly Effective
As a parent, I sent my athletic son to see him during the off season to help with some muscle tightness and mobility issues. He was fantastic in working with him, providing the right treatments and stretches to keep him in top form and ready for his next season. The improvements were noticeable, and my son felt great throughout the entire process.
What sets Dr. Smothermon apart is how thorough he is. He really knows his stuff and takes the time to understand the root causes of any issues I’ve had. He was highly recommended to me, and after seeing the results, I’ve been sharing his name with anyone I know who’s in need of a great physical therapist. I know there are so many to choose from, and it’s hard to know which ones are actually effective. But I can say with confidence that he is one of the best.
John Miller
Pain-Free Golfing Thanks to Dr. Smothermon
I’ve been working with Dr. Smothermon and Empower Sports Medicine for a while now and I can’t recommend his/their services enough. As a golfer, I was dealing with severe back pain that was affecting my game and daily life. Thanks to Dr Smothermon. I’ve been able to recover and improve my mobility through targeted stretches and personalized treatment. His approach has made a huge difference, and I’ve been pain-free for a long time now.
Karen Wiegandt
From Injury to Gold: A Champion’s Recovery Story
Mark Smothermon, PT, is nothing short of a miracle worker. As a competitive Masters rower at the international level, and Physical Therapist myself, I faced a rib injury just weeks before the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta, the largest rowing event in the world. With my performance and participation at risk, I entrusted Mark with my recovery—and he delivered beyond expectations.
Through his expert use of dry needling, Mark was able to eliminate my symptoms entirely, restoring my mobility and strength. His deep understanding of biomechanics, personalized care, and unwavering dedication gave me the confidence to compete at my best. Thanks to his skillful intervention, I not only participated in the regatta but came home with the gold medal.
Mark’s professionalism, expertise, and genuine passion for helping athletes are unparalleled. I am endlessly grateful for his role in my journey and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking world-class physical therapy. A resounding 10/10 stars!
Greg Simons
Back in the Boat in 10 days!
Mark saved my season! As a competitive Masters rower, downtime due to injury can totally derail your training plan and ability to compete. When I found myself suffering from hip and groin pain to the point where I could not train for the upcoming race season, Mark’s expert diagnosis and treatment plan got me back in the boat in less than 10 days.
Mark was very thorough in his evaluation of my issue, discussed treatment options, explained the required downtime, and recovery plans that were best suited to my needs. Mark went beyond just getting me back to training and racing but also showed me how to avoid repetitive injury.
Mark’s guidance for post treatment care and ongoing strength and mobility training to bulletproof the injured region was spot on. I still use the guidance and methods Mark taught me and I’m happy to report that I’m better than ever thanks to Mark.
Gina Levesque
The Right Diagnosis, The Right Treatment – Empower Got It Right
I was experiencing heel pain which I thought was plantar fasciitis. But after a few sessions I learned it was fat pad atrophy, which I never would have guessed. Thankful for wonderful support from Empower Sports Medicine for getting me back on my feet quickly, and showing me a variety of stretches & strengthening exercises to stay healthy.
Cam Phayre
Getting Back in the Game
Experiencing a knee injury during my final year of high school cross-country training was a major setback. With half the season remaining, the prospects of completing my last year seemed dim. Thankfully, Mark stepped in, assessing my injury and crafting a personalized recovery plan. His weekly meetings kept me motivated and on the path to recovery. Against the odds, I not only finished the season but also achieved my personal record time. Mark's guidance and expertise were invaluable, and I'm incredibly grateful for his dedication. Thank you, Mark, for helping me cross the finish line stronger than ever.
Samuel Shaw
Empower Sports Medicine Keeps WWE Wrestler in the Ring
Being a Professional Wrestler has been an awesome ride. Very rewarding. Early on, you’re taught that at some point, the bumps will catch up with you. Wear and tear is inevitable and a possible career-ending injury can happen at any moment.
At this stage of the game, having wrestled professionally for close to 20 years, I’m not taking any chances with my career. Correcting nagging areas of concern before they become really problematic is where Mark comes in. His attention to detail in addressing underlying issues is phenomenal and his personalized treatment plans have been a game changer.
I highly recommend Mark at Empower Sports Medicine!
Mason Staggs, PT, DPT, OCS
Your Go-To Therapist
Having worked closely alongside Mark over the last 5 years, I can confidently say you will be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated, compassionate, and knowledgeable therapist. Beyond the advanced clinical skills and techniques is someone who makes your goals his own and maps out a course for you to reach that destination. His approach to optimizing the movement and function of each client strikes a balance of the latest evidence-informed practice as well as real-world, in-the-trenches experience, giving you the best of both worlds. He's the guy I would send my mom to for any orthopedic issue.
And with Mark, going the extra mile for his patients is just standard operating procedure.
Zara Staley
Back to Golf!
After our daughter injured her knee in a freak accident at school, Dr. Mark did a great job diagnosing what was wrong and then gave us recovery exercises that really worked. Now everything feels great and she’s back to being an active child and playing golf without any issues. Thanks Dr. Mark!
- The Staley Family
Hannah Moretti, PT, DPT
Transforming Pain into Progress
Lisa Rainsberger
Top-Notch ACL/MCL Recovery
Justin Stiver, PT, DPT
Dedicated to Patient Success and Innovation
I had the pleasure of working with Mark for years while he was a clinic director for our company. Mark has the unique ability to connect with his patients and fully understand their goals so that he can customize a treatment plan that works for them. He has always been cutting-edge with the latest rehabilitation techniques and principles. He is truly a master of his craft!
Mike and Tara DeSantis
Gymnastics Success
I wholeheartedly recommend Mark as an exceptional physical therapist. His professionalism and expertise have been invaluable in supporting our daughter Addison's gymnastics journey. Mark possesses a deep understanding of the physical demands of gymnastics and has provided targeted therapy that has greatly enhanced Addison's strength, flexibility, and overall performance. His personalized approach, attention to detail, and commitment to her well-being have made a significant impact on her progress. Mark's dedication to helping athletes reach their full potential is truly outstanding.
Sara Everts
Supporting Dancers
I dance professionally and had a foot injury that was making my job very painful. Mark did an amazing job helping with recovery and preventing the injury from flaring back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
We treat all musculoskeletal conditions associated with an active lifestyle.
Short answer: It depends.
Long answer: Depending on the nature or degree of injury, rehabilitation can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months (and sometimes, even a year). We ensure that a holistic approach is taken as it is a bit more complex than just doing rehabilitative exercises. Rest assured, we will coach you through this process.
- Strength and conditioning
- Manual therapy (hands-on approach)
- Neuromuscular re-education and training (teaching you how to move better)
- Dry needling (soft, thin filament needles to decrease muscle pain and tightness, stimulate body’s natural healing processes)
- Class IV Therapeutic Laser (decrease pain, improve blood flow, accelerate healing)
The body will require a period of recovery to build and get stronger after a session with us. This is an absolute must. Most often, we will ask you to stay active and move on those recovery days, however, taking care that those activities do not impede on the body’s natural recovery processes.
Studies show that proper assessment of biomechanics can identify potential risk for injury. These biomechanical faults can be addressed with use of the modalities mentioned above, placing emphasis on restoration of safe and efficient movement. The better you move–the lower risk for injury.
Every sport and activity can be broken down into individual components. Whether you are swinging a golf club or performing a planche, each requires adequate strength and mobility, and there are efficient and inefficient ways to complete these. We improve efficiency of movement, which will help you perform better.
We do. While our mission is to support and empower our young female athletes, we work with all active age groups–from middle school to the aging athlete and weekend warrior.
It depends on your insurance. In most cases, out-of-network benefits cover up to 80% of physical therapy services rendered. Most private health insurers provide out of network benefits. This means the healthcare provider is not contracted to charge and get reimbursed a negotiated amount. This allows the provider to charge an amount based on the fair market value they bring to their profession.
Like many professionals, not all are created equal. With most high volume in-network clinics, you may see anyone from the physical therapist (holding a doctorate) to an exercise tech (as little as 1 year in some sort of exercise field). Most of these companies get reimbursed from insurance at the same rate no matter who treats the patient. Therefore, it makes fiscal sense for these high-volume clinics to have the assistant or tech treat as much of the caseload as possible. You may see a PT for the first 15 minutes (if at all) and then get passed off to an assistant or tech for the remainder of the 30-60 minute session, depending on how large the therapist’s patient caseload is. These clinics are typically loud and chaotic–which are not ideal environments for healing.
We're here to support you on your journey to optimal health and performance. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation. Your well-being is our top priority, and we're committed to providing you with the personalized care and attention you deserve.
Telehealth and Mobile Appointments Available
Sports Physical Therapy for Athletes of all Ages in St. Johns County and Surrounding Area
St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Marineland, Butler Beach, Crescent Beach, Flagler Estates, Fruit Cove, Nocatee, Palm Valley, Sawgrass, St. Augustine, Shores, St. Augustine South, Villano Beach, World Golf Village, Bakersville, Elkton, Hastings, Julington Creek Plantation, Mill Creek, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Johns, Spuds, Summer Haven, Switzerland, and Vermont Heights.
Address
TPL Sports Performance
585 International Golf Parkway, Suite 3
St. Augustine, Florida 32095
Hours
By Appointment Only
Phone
904-323-1915
