Our Mission
Restoring More Than Movement
We help athletes regain confidence and strength after an injury. Recovery goes way beyond physical healing.
We believe recovery is more than fixing what hurts — it’s rebuilding confidence, capacity, and connection to movement.We don’t chase symptoms; we build systems. Every program follows our 4-phase progression:
Find It → Load It → Integrate It→ Express It
This is ensures long-term results and return-to-play confidence.
We believe that recovery is about more than just treating an injury.
We proudly serve athletes and active adults throughout New Braunfels, Comal County, and the Hill Country region, from youth athletes to professionals. Whether you’re rehabbing an injury or optimizing performance, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Science-based. Movement-focused. Outcome-driven.
Alyssa Watts, PT, DPT, OCS, TPS, FPS
Dr. Alyssa Watts is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) who is passionate about helping people overcome pain, move without limits, and get back to the activities they love. Her approach is built on a deep understanding of both the science of recovery and the personal journey that comes with an injury.
Dr. Watts’ path to physical therapy was shaped by her own experiences as a former Division I soccer player. After four knee surgeries, she learned firsthand the mental and physical resilience required to heal. This journey from athlete to provider inspires her to connect with patients on a deeper level, guiding them through the fear, hesitation, and challenges of recovery. She believes, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you,” and brings this mindset to her practice.
Combining evidence-based methods with personalized care, Dr. Watts empowers her patients through education and progressive rehab strategies. She holds advanced training as a Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS), a Fellow in Pain Science (FPS), and expertise in manual therapy and functional movement, allowing her to bridge the gap between science and compassionate care.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Watts serves as adjunct faculty for Baylor University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, where she helps shape the next generation of physical therapists. She joined Accelerate Sport & Spine to provide one-on-one, top-level care in an environment that values purpose and helps high performers in sports and life reclaim their joy through movement.
When she isn’t in the clinic, Dr. Watts enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Justin, their daughter, and their three dogs.
James R Jonas DC, BS
With over 20 years of clinical experience helping nearly 20,000 patients, Dr. James Jonas is a respected leader in sports rehabilitation and injury recovery. His expertise goes beyond typical chiropractic care, focusing on helping athletes and active individuals perform, recover, and thrive.
Dr. Jonas earned his Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness (BS) from Parker University. He has worked with a wide range of patients, from Olympic-level competitors to everyday individuals who want to move without pain. His deep knowledge of biomechanics, neuroscience, and functional rehab makes Accelerate NB the destination for cutting-edge care in New Braunfels. This unique blend of experience allows him to create tailored rehabilitation plans that deliver fast, lasting results.
Before founding Accelerate Sport and Spine, Dr. Jonas established himself as an industry leader in injury recovery, delivering top-tier results in both large corporate rehab centers and private practice. He brings that same drive and commitment to excellence here to New Braunfels.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Jonas also leads continuing education seminars for other professionals on practical injury management and the latest advances in sports recovery. For him, rehabilitation is about empowering the person, not just treating a diagnosis. He integrates research, technology, and hands-on strategies to ensure faster healing and long-term resilience, guiding each patient to become the hero of their own recovery journey.
A New Braunfels native, Dr. Jonas lives with his wife, Brittney, and their three boys. Outside the clinic, you might find him exploring nature trails, playing guitar, or traveling with his family.
Carly Popst
As the friendly face who welcomes you to Accelerate, Carly Popst believes every patient deserves to feel comfortable—especially when stepping into a new environment or seeking help for pain. Carly understands firsthand the uncertainty many patients feel, often asking, “Where do I go?” or “Am I in the right place?” She’s committed to ensuring you know you belong here and are supported every step of the way.
Carly’s lifelong love for movement began in her teens with boxing and kickboxing, where she discovered the empowering truth that anyone, regardless of age or background, can achieve remarkable things. She knows that injuries can be discouraging and has seen how compensating for pain often leads to further setbacks. Through her own training journey, she learned the importance of listening to your body and building resilience, both physically and mentally.
After ten years traveling across Texas in a corporate administrative career, Carly took a leap to become a certified personal trainer—a role where she coached clients ranging from age 6 to 82. Her goal was never just about physical results; she wanted to show people that movement can feel good at any age and that pain doesn’t have to hold anyone back. Each client was unique, and Carly found deep satisfaction in tailoring training to individual needs and watching her clients regain confidence and joy in movement.
Carly’s path led her to Accelerate, drawn by the clinic’s mission to provide patient-first care and a team that truly thinks outside the box. Inspired by Dr. Jonas’ vision, she embraced a new challenge and found purpose in creating a welcoming, respectful environment for every patient. Carly brings her administrative expertise and her genuine compassion for others to the role, ensuring you’re treated with respect and receive the individualized care and outcomes you deserve.
To Carly, Accelerate is more than a clinic; it’s a place where every person’s story matters, and moving forward, together, is always the priority.