Not sure if Catalyst is the right fit? Take us up on our free PT discovery visit — about 20-30 minutes with a physical therapist, no charge, no obligation. We’ll talk through what’s going on and figure out together whether we’re the right next step.

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“Many A False Step Was Made By Standing Still“

~ Fortune Cookie

ORTHOPEDICS

Orthopedic physical therapy is the foundation of our practice as it represents the majority of the conditions we treat on a daily basis.

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COMMON ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS WE TREAT:


  • Lower Back Pain: Disc Herniation, Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Neck Pain: Facet Dyfunction, Disc Herniation, Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Whiplash
  • Headaches: Cervicogenic (postural)
  • Nerve Pain: Sciatica, Entrapment, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Spine Injury: Cervical, Thoracic, Rib, Lumbar Dysfunction
  • Fractures
  • Sprains (Ligament Injury)
  • Strains (Muscle Tendon Injury)
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Bursitis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Knee Pain: Meniscus, Patellofemoral Dyfunction
  • Shoulder Pain: Impingement, Frozen Shld, Labral Dysfunction, Rotator Cuff Dysfunction
  • Hip Pain: Impingement, Labral Dysfunstion, IT Band Syndrome
  • Foot/Ankle Pain: Heel Spur, Ankle Sprain, Peroneal Tendonitis, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Repetitive Stress Injuries:Tendinitis, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Postural Pain: Upper Body Crossed Syndrome, Lower Body Crossed Syndrome
Wellness and movement at Catalyst Physical Therapy

Unsure what you need or how to proceed?

Just as you want to know if we can help you, we want to be sure our team will be a good fit for your particular needs. Call or fill out a form below to get in touch with us and have your questions answered.


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More About Orthopedics

Orthopedic conditions impact the musculoskeletal system comprised of bones, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, joints, and connective tissue. When one area of the system has been stressed too much or injured, failure will result and pain will alert the brain that change is needed. Our skilled team has been trained to evoke the necessary change by identifying these faults and eliminating the pain response through hands-on therapeutic techniques and exercise prescription. Each one of us is composed of a different genetic code and “wired” a little differently. Therefore, a response to a corrective exercise that works for one person might not provide the same outcome for another person. Our highly educated staff is trained to teach proper movement patterns using an open-floor concept to allow for the reproduction of exercises that look like the activities you need to accomplish on a daily basis. Realistic and achievable goals are then identified for each patient using active participation of both parties (patient/family & physical therapist). This collaboration starts during the first visit and evolves with each subsequent visit based on different healing rates. We find this allows for more effective treatments as patient involvement increases adherence to prescribed programs, decreases depression, and improves overall satisfaction. Our secret for success is simple – we are all working together.
Frequently asked questions about Catalyst services

Frequently Asked Questions

Too Busy or Too Shy? Maybe Your Answer’s Here.

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We have compiled a list of the most common questions we get in our office.
This guide will answer those questions and allow you to make a more informed decision on what’s right for you.


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Why Catalyst for orthopedic care

Orthopedic physical therapy works when the clinician has time to assess movement carefully, deliver real hands-on treatment, and progress exercise based on what is actually changing visit to visit. Every Catalyst orthopedic appointment runs a full physical-therapist supervised with a physical therapist who provides skilled manual therapy, biomechanics correction, and bodywork — alongside personalized exercise progressions. We work in bite-sized care: meaningful updates each session, never a flood of new exercises. Our orthopedic team works closely with referring surgeons across San Diego on post-operative ACL, rotator cuff, total joint, and spine cases, and we coordinate plan of care directly with your surgical team. Three San Diego locations, no physician referral required in California for up to 45 days or 12 visits.

DPT performing hip mobilization with a patient lying supine at Catalyst Physical Therapy Mission Valley in San Diego.
Hip mobilization.
Catalyst physical therapist performing leg mobility work with a patient at the Mission Valley clinic in San Diego.
Leg mobility work.

What to expect at Catalyst

Your first visit

We start with a thorough conversation about your history, goals, and the issue that brought you in — then run hands-on assessments: range of motion, strength, joint mobility, and movement-pattern testing relevant to your condition. You leave with a working diagnosis, a plan of care, and the first round of bite-sized exercise prescription.

Every follow-up visit

Each visit puts you with a physical therapist for hands-on bodywork, skilled therapy to correct faulty biomechanics, exercise progressions, and reassessments — so each session builds on the last. We update your home program with bite-sized changes, not a flood of new exercises.

How long will care take?

Most acute conditions resolve in 6–12 visits over 4–8 weeks. Chronic conditions and post-surgical rehabilitation typically require 16–24 visits over 8–12 weeks. We’ll give you a personalized estimate after the initial evaluation, and we’ll tell you honestly when discharge is appropriate.

What to bring

Photo ID and insurance card · any imaging or surgical reports related to your condition (MRI, X-ray, op notes) · comfortable clothing you can move in · a list of your current medications. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early to complete intake paperwork, or

No referral required. California is a direct-access state — you can begin physical therapy at Catalyst without a physician referral for up to 45 days or 12 visits, whichever comes first. See our insurance page for coverage details.

Available at our San Diego locations

You can book this service at any of our three Catalyst clinics across San Diego.

Mission Valley

1333 Camino Del Rio S, Ste 103
(619) 501-2195

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Point Loma

4490 W Point Loma Blvd
(619) 810-8856

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4S Ranch

10890 Thornmint Rd, Ste 100
(619) 501-2195 (select 4S Ranch)

Visit 4S Ranch