Tactical Optimization Program Offers Special Operations Forces a Path to Healing
Since 2019, the Tactical Optimization Program (TOP) at Vail Health has delivered life-changing care to active Special Operations Forces (SOF) operators from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, who have made significant sacrifices in service to our country. This unique program provides expert medical care and personalized attention to individuals who often do not have the opportunity to prioritize their own healing.
Launched through a generous contribution from Ellie Rubenstein, TOP has evolved into a proven model for whole-person care and optimization. Through Howard Head Sports Medicine, the program offers SOF members a two-week intensive program that addresses chronic injuries and mental health challenges that can arise after years of high-stakes operations.
More Than Physical Therapy
What sets TOP apart is its comprehensive approach to care. Participants receive one-on-one physical therapy for orthopedic and concussion-specific treatment, advanced movement assessments using cutting-edge technology, functional medicine consultations, sports psychology sessions, nutritional guidance, EEG brain mapping, and audiology screening tailored to those with repetitive blast and noise exposure.
The program also features expert presentations on sleep and recovery, stress management, and resilience, along with recovery activities such as aerial yoga, massage therapy, and outdoor pursuits in the Vail Valley’s mountain setting. All services, housing, meals, and activities are provided at no cost to participants.
“I cannot emphasize enough the relief that understanding the issues with my neck, brain, balance, and pain has brought me,” shared one recent participant. “This revelation alone has been life-changing. One day, I was moved to tears because I hadn’t experienced such genuine care from anyone in my care team before.”
Creating a Safe Space for Healing
“Special Operations Forces members are often reluctant to talk about their injuries or behavioral health concerns. Disclosing them could impact their ability to stay in their specialized roles,” explains Colleen Rynn, Senior Director at Howard Head Sports Medicine. “Our team provides a safe environment where operators can focus on their health and well-being.”
The program and setting have been described by participants as family-like, offering a space where they feel welcomed and cared for as individuals. Staying in the same house during the two-week program fosters camaraderie among participants who may face similar challenges, enabling them to support one another throughout their recovery journey.
Measurable Impact
Participants report significant improvements in sleep quality, reduced stress and pain, increased mobility, and a better understanding of their injuries. They leave with hope and the tools to keep improving after they return home.
“I can’t say enough about this program and the impact it has had on my life,” reflected one participant who had been carrying years of overlooked traumatic brain injuries and operational injuries. “From day one, the support at HHSM was unmatched. Every member of the staff treated me with a level of care that made it clear I wasn’t just another broken patient in their eyes. I was someone they believed in.”
Looking Ahead
Currently, TOP accommodates six to eight service members twice annually in May and October. The program maintains a persistent waitlist through word-of-mouth referrals.
The program is sustained through ongoing philanthropic support. Future opportunities include enhancing technology with virtual reality and brain mapping, securing consistent housing for future cohorts, offering quarterly sessions, and expanding research on brain and balance deficits.
