MUSCLE RESTORATION - Key Persons


Ben Johnston

Job Titles:
  • Certified Personal Trainer
Ben is a Fort Collins native who, despite his best efforts, wasn't able to escape the charm of the Front Range for long. From a young age, he developed a penchant for fast paced entertainment and leaping before looking. He began climbing the rock walls and boulders at Horsetooth Reservoir and riding the foothills trails on his single speed bicycle around age 14. Once of working age, he gathered an eclectic string of jobs ranging from ranching and agriculture, driving heavy equipment in a mountain resort town, and working seasonally at a guest ranch in northern Colorado. Exposure to this variety of jobs brought him his other expensive passions: horses, and snow sports. After eleven years of moving seasonally for one job or another, he landed back in Fort Collins to catch his breath. He attained his Yoga Teacher Certification in late 2019 and enjoyed teaching for nearly two years. In early January 2023 he embarked on a journey to obtain his Full Body Specialist Certification with Muscle Activation Techniques, which he finished in late summer. He took on a position as a Muscle Function Specialist with Mark Rise at Muscle Restoration Therapy in the fall of that same year. His current hobbies still include rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding and finding new ways to enjoy his free time.

Craig Brinkman

Job Titles:
  • Certified Personal Trainer
Craig Brinkman, LMT, is an experienced Massage Therapist specializing in Neuromuscular Therapy and Scar Tissue Removal Therapy. Drawing from his prior roles collaborating with Physical Therapist, Acupuncturist, and Chiropractors, Craig brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice. He is dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal physical well-being through targeted massage techniques. Beyond his passion for massage therapy, Craig is an avid outdoor enthusiast. When he's not in the treatment room, you can often find him exploring hiking trails, perfecting his disc golf throws, dancing at a concert, or engaging in various forms of exercise to maintain his own wellness. He cherishes quality time spent with his partner, often accompanied by their beloved dog who joins them on outdoor adventures. Throughout his career, Craig has earned a reputation for his compassionate approach and commitment to client care. He believes in tailoring each session to the unique needs of his clients, fostering a comfortable and supportive environment for healing. His holistic view of wellness extends beyond the massage table, emphasizing the importance of self-care and continued well-being

Mark Rise

Job Titles:
  • Owner and Founder of Muscle Restoration Therapy
Mark is the owner and founder of Muscle Restoration Therapy. He has a passion to help others and deliver positive results. Mark uses a client-centered, personalized approach to determine the right treatment for clients of all ages. Mark designed and developed an innovative technique resulting in a systematic approach to biomechanically test and treat muscle dysfunction. He is the first therapist in the nation to combine the use of a low-level laser with techniques learned from massage therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic which ultimately led to the formation of Muscle Restoration Therapy. Mark is currently the only therapist in the nation practicing this specialized treatment. Mark received his Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science from the University of Nebraska. He graduated from the Boulder College of Massage Therapy with honors, is a Licensed Massage Therapist, a Certified Muscle Activation Specialist, a Muscle Restoration Therapist in addition to holding previous certifications from ACSM, NASM, and ACE. Mark enjoys the great Colorado outdoors with favorites including snowshoeing, skiing, wakeboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. He's an avid concert enthusiast and loves live music. For the past ten years, Mark has used his experience, his education and training, as well as extensive research to design a unique, healing practice. His knowledge of anatomy combined with his extensive professional expertise and compassionate approach drive his primary objective "to help clients be pain-free as quickly as possible".