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Physical therapy, coordinated in your network.

LAOSS doesn't run its own PT clinics, and that's intentional. Physical therapy works best when it happens close to home with a provider already covered by your insurance. Your LAOSS surgeon writes your therapy plan, refers you to an in-network PT provider near you, and coordinates directly with that clinic on your progress.

Physical therapy, at LAOSS orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles: board-certified specialists, same-day appointments

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Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.

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Key takeaways

  • LAOSS refers physical therapy to providers in your insurance network; we don't run our own PT clinics.
  • Your LAOSS surgeon writes a detailed therapy plan and sends it directly to your chosen PT provider.
  • We coordinate with your PT throughout your recovery; your therapist isn't working alone.
  • Why this model: lower out-of-pocket costs, PT close to home or work, and you keep using providers your insurance already covers.

About physical therapy coordination

Physical therapy coordination is part of the orthopedic care we offer at LAOSS. Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, who benefits from this service, what it looks like at our clinics, and the recovery and risk considerations to weigh.

Our specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

Watch: Physical Therapy (Overview)

If you have problems moving your body, physical therapy can help. It can control your pain and help you recover from injury or disease. It can help you get better after surgery. It can also help keep you healthy as you get older.

Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomical illustration of a joint showing cartilage, ligaments, and surrounding muscle
General orthopedic anatomy: joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscle.

Inside the musculoskeletal system.

Most musculoskeletal pain comes down to one of four tissues: bone, cartilage, ligament/tendon, or muscle. The right care starts with the right diagnosis.

What we offer with physical therapy coordination.

Common symptoms

  • Comprehensive orthopedic evaluation
  • Same-day imaging at most offices
  • Conservative-first care plan tailored to your goals
  • Coordinated specialty referrals when needed
  • In-network insurance for most major carriers

Common causes

  • New patients exploring an orthopedic complaint
  • Existing LAOSS patients continuing care
  • Patients seeking a second opinion
  • Athletes and active adults of every age

How we start treatment

When you book with LAOSS for physical therapy coordination, here's the flow:

  • Initial visit: detailed history, focused exam, on-site X-ray when needed
  • Diagnosis & plan: most patients leave with imaging-confirmed answers and a written treatment plan
  • Treatment: whether that's PT, an injection, or surgery, your specialist stays involved at every step
  • Follow-up: measured benchmarks, direct line to your care team, plan adjustments as recovery progresses

Orthopedic care, conservative-first.

We start with the least-invasive option that fits, and escalate only when it doesn't.

Conservative care
Step 1

Conservative care first

Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.

  • Physical therapy & focused strengthening
  • Image-guided steroid injections
  • Activity & ergonomic modification
  • NSAIDs & topical anti-inflammatories
  • PRP & regenerative therapies
Surgical care
When needed

Surgical options when needed

Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.

  • Arthroscopy when minimally invasive surgery fits
  • Tendon / ligament reconstruction or repair
  • Fracture fixation
  • Joint replacement when arthritis is advanced
  • Pain procedures for chronic conditions

Why experience matters.

Why experience matters

Orthopedic care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you feel six months later.

  • Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
  • Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
  • Technique refined over thousands of cases
  • On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider

The LAOSS approach

Our orthopedic specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

  • Same-day imaging at most offices
  • PT coordinated in your insurance network
  • Board-certified specialists performing the procedures themselves
  • Direct access to your specialist between visits

Am I a candidate?

If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a orthopedic specialist is the next step.

You may be

You may be a candidate if

These signs typically point toward this service being a good fit.

  • Orthopedic pain or dysfunction lasting more than a few days
  • Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
  • Symptoms that limit walking, lifting, sleep, or work
  • Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
  • Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
Evaluation

What evaluation includes

Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.

  • Detailed history: onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
  • Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
  • On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
  • Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
  • Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests

ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).

Your orthopedic recovery roadmap.

Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.

  1. Days 0 to 14

    Right after care

    In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the affected area, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.

    • Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
    • Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
    • Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
    • Follow-up scheduled to track healing
  2. Weeks 2 to 8

    Rehabilitation

    Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the affected area.

    • Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
    • Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
    • Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
    • Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
  3. Months 2+

    Long-term care

    Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.

    • Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
    • Home program tailored to your sport or job
    • Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
    • Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations

What to weigh before you decide.

We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.

General

General considerations

Physical therapy is low risk, but it helps to know what to expect.

  • Muscle soreness for a day or two after sessions
  • A temporary flare of pain or swelling as activity increases
  • Slower progress if home exercises are skipped
  • A change of plan if symptoms are not improving
Specific

Treatment-specific considerations

Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.

  • Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
  • Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
  • Limits on motion or weight-bearing after surgery that your therapist must follow
  • Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function

Meet our orthopedic specialists

At LAOSS, our orthopedic specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive techniques to coordinating your rehab, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. We have cared for Los Angeles patients since 2007, with one goal for each: less pain, better movement, and a return to the activities you love.

Reliable physical therapy coordination starts here

With same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.

Call or schedule online today to see an orthopedic specialist in Los Angeles.

Find care by body area.

Jump to a nearby condition page and compare treatment paths across the body.

From our Google reviews

What patients say

Read all 9,626 reviews on Google
  • “Dr Hayk Rocks !! Beyond just normal knee, or joint therapy. Doctor Stepanyan, is very well-rounded in all around health.. He saved me from surgery, with exercise. Yes exercise and physical therapy. And it's opened up the door for complete health. …”

    Brian L.Google reviewJan 2026

  • “All the staff were very friendly, from reception to the nurse and the doctor, who explained very well the next steps I had to take for my recovery. After 4 physical therapy sessions, I'm starting to walk again without fear.”

    José T.Google reviewSanta Fe SpringsJan 2026

  • “…They listen to your medical concerns and do their best to help you. I had left knee surgery done by Doctor Pelton and couldn’t be happier with the results. Annie is very empathetic and always recommends the best treatment option, whether it’s medication, an injection, or physical therapy. I highly recommend this place!”

    Cruz C.Google reviewEast Los AngelesDec 2023

  • “Its a wonderful experience, from the desk, to all personal my doctor's assistant, even his referral to physical therapy are amazing. God bless us with this doctor "Erik Dworsky, MD" I am so thankful to: my doctor and all his staff.”

    Jose A.Google reviewSanta Fe SpringsAug 2024

Selected 5-star reviews from Google, shown as written. Individual results vary.

Physical therapy at LAOSS: FAQ.

  • No. We refer physical therapy to providers in your insurance network. We coordinate directly with the PT clinic you choose: your LAOSS surgeon writes the plan and stays in touch throughout your recovery.

Book a visit at LAOSS.

Whether you need a second opinion, post-op care, or you're starting fresh with an injury, we'll evaluate, plan, and coordinate the PT side seamlessly with your in-network provider.

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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network
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