Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

header-title-decorationPhysical Therapy

Physical Therapy 

“A Tradition of Excellence and Leadership” 

The Physical Therapy Department has a long tradition of excellence and leadership in rehabilitation. We deliver high quality, individualized care based on the latest research. Clinicians collaborate with patients for the best outcomes and demonstrate a commitment to education and a spirit of innovation and progress. 

Physical Therapists help people optimize function by improving or restoring mobility or by reducing pain and treating other impairments. Physical Therapists have unique expertise in movement dysfunction and how to promote optimal neurologic and functional recovery. Physical Therapists help improve individuals’ function, fitness, and overall health. This may be achieved through stretching, strengthening, improving neuro-motor control, exercise, pain reduction, education, or the use of assistive technology. Rancho’s Physical Therapists evaluate each person’s specific needs and in collaboration with that individual, customize a treatment plan to address their goals and particular needs. 

Physical Therapy at Rancho 

The Physical Therapy Department at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center began as an organized unit in the late 1920s and is one of the premier departments of Physical Therapy in the world, providing over ninety years of clinical expertise and leadership in rehabilitation. The Department’s commitment to excellence continues today with the delivery of individualized and collaborative care which incorporates the latest evidence into clinical practice as well as a commitment to educating the professional community and a spirit of innovation and progress. 

Our department provides both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation therapy as well as consultations for clinics and specialty services. Our physical therapists have expertise with patients with complex neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions. Over one-half of our PT staff has obtained a clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Over one-quarter of our physical therapists are Board-Certified Specialists (by the American Physical Therapy Association) in Neurologic, Geriatric, or Orthopedic Physical Therapy. 

Rancho physical therapists have mentored countless physical therapy interns and residents and have contributed to the training of other disciplines’ residents and interns. The University of Southern California-Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center Clinical Residency Program in Neurologic Physical Therapy is one of the first two post-professional clinical residency programs in neurologic physical therapy in the country. A residency program in Orthopedic Physical Therapy was more recently established. 


PT Department March 2020

Programs and Services in Physical Therapy 

Your physical therapist will evaluate you and make a treatment plan. Depending on your health issue, your therapist will work with you to regain your mobility and return to participating in life roles by improving function, flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and/or balance. 

Balance and Vestibular Program  

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Program

Pathokinesiology Laboratory 

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction / Incontinence Program   

Polio Clinic   

Seating Center   

Inpatient and Outpatient Physical Therapy Services 

The Physical Therapy Department at Rancho provides inpatient and outpatient therapy, as well as consultations for clinics and specialty services. Inpatient and Outpatient services are provided to the following rehabilitation programs: Amputations and Limb Preservation, Brain Injury, Major Multiple Trauma, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Neurologic Disorders, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Spinal Injury, and Stroke. The PT Department welcomes referrals for outpatient consultation and treatment.

Outpatient Referrals

The Physical Therapy Department welcomes referrals for outpatient consultation and treatment. Providers and patients, please complete an Outpatient Therapy Community Referral Form prior to scheduling an appointment.

Submit completed forms by fax to the Rancho Outpatient Referral Office at (562) 385-7826. For appointments and appointment related inquiries please call (562) 385-7111, Option #4, 2. Office hours are Monday – Friday (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). 

Other Programs Affiliated with the PT Department: 

Student Programs for Physical Therapy  

USC/RLANRC Clinical Residency Program in Neurologic Physical Therapy   

USC/RLANRC Clinical Residency Program in Orthopedic Physical Therapy   

Research in Physical Therapy Department   

Research at Pathokinesiology Laboratory   

PT Department Publications and Presentations 

Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology (CART)   

Don Knabe Wellness Center   

Career Opportunities in Physical Therapy (link to DHS online application) 

If you are interested in working at a world-class facility that values staff development and strives to provide the highest quality care, then Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center may be a match for you. 

For more information contact:
Physical Therapy Department
E-mail: pt@rancho.org
Tel: (562) 385-7061 / Fax: (562) 385-6690