Expert Sports Physical Therapy in Laguna Hills, CA
At DANCEPREHAB, we provide performance-focused physical therapy for dancers, artist-athletes, and active humans who deserve more than a generic recovery plan. Whether you’re navigating a sports injury, returning to the stage, or simply moving through life — our Doctors of Physical Therapy bring one-on-one care, objective testing, and a deep understanding of how your body works. No referrals needed. Free discovery call to start.
Generic PT Isn’t Built for How You Move
When you train at a high level — as a dancer, athlete, or dedicated mover — cookie-cutter physical therapy doesn’t just fall short. It can set you back, cost you your season, and leave you with more questions than answers.
You’re Told to Just Rest
Generic advice to “stop dancing” or “take time off” ignores your training demands, your season, and your goals. Sitting out shouldn’t be the only plan your PT has for you.
Your Injury Keeps Coming Back
Surface-level treatment that chases symptoms — not root causes — leaves underlying movement problems unaddressed. The pain returns because the real issue never got solved.
Your PT Doesn’t Speak Your Language
A provider who doesn’t understand turnout, pointe work, or sport-specific loading can’t give you accurate guidance for returning to performance. You leave with exercises built for someone else.
Why Laguna Hills Athletes Choose DANCEPREHAB
DANCEPREHAB was built by Doctors of Physical Therapy who are also trained dancers and performers — which means we don’t just treat your injury, we understand your world. Every session is a full, uninterrupted hour with your DPT. No aides. No overlapping appointments. No guesswork. We use objective, research-grade testing tools to measure what’s actually happening in your body, then build a progressive plan that gets you back to doing what you love — stronger than before.
- One-on-one, full-hour sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy — every visit, no exceptions
- Objective testing with research-grade tools including dynamometry, movement screens, and return-to-sport assessments
- Out-of-network by choice — superbills, FSA/HSA accepted, and no referral needed in California
Getting Back to Performance Is a 3-Step Process
Step 1: Start with a Free Discovery Call
Tell us what’s going on — your injury, your goals, your season. We’ll help you decide if DANCEPREHAB is the right fit and answer any questions before you commit to an evaluation.
Step 2: Get a Real Assessment
Your first session is a full evaluation of strength, power, range of motion, and movement quality — not just where it hurts. We test load tolerance and movement patterns to understand the root cause of your issue.
Step 3: Follow a Plan Built for You
We build a progressive rehab program around your injury and everything surrounding it — preserving your strength, stamina, and confidence while you heal, so you return ready to perform.
Sports Physical Therapy for the Injuries That Sideline You
From ACL injuries and hip impingement to concussions and chronic back pain, our Laguna Hills sports physical therapy team treats the full range of orthopedic and performance-related conditions. We also specialize in vestibular disorders, growth-related injuries in youth athletes, and overuse conditions that generic clinics frequently mismanage. If you’ve been searching for sports physical therapy near me with providers who truly understand your demands, you’ve found it.
- Lower extremity injuries: ACL, meniscus, patellofemoral pain, IT band syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains, and plantar fasciitis
- Spine and upper body: low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, and carpal tunnel
- Head and neurological: concussion and post-concussion symptoms, dizziness, vestibular dysfunction, migraines, and TMJ pain
86+ Five-Star Reviews from Real Patients
Trusted by dancers, athletes, and families across Laguna Hills and Orange County.
“Dr. Rob is truly the most gifted Physical Therapist I have worked with. He catered to each of my goals, which has ensured longevity and improvement in my technique. He helped me get through Nutcracker season injury free… If you are a serious dancer looking to maintain, improve, and heal your facility with maximum effectiveness, Dance Prehab is the best option in the SoCal area.”
–Axel S.
“Dr. Claire’s knowledge of dance provided my daughter with a tailored plan, unique to her dance needs. With Dr. Claire’s help, my daughter was able to continue dancing, while rehabbing her shin splints in an intentional and safe way. We are so grateful and can’t recommend them enough!”
–Jen B.
“Within our very first session with Dr. Tsai, he was able to get her ankles to do what she long thought she couldn’t, along with giving her the confidence that with work and expert guidance, she can overcome her limited mobility… It all makes sense! Again, we are forever grateful!!”
–Desiree F.
Meet the Doctors of Physical Therapy Behind DANCEPREHAB — Clinicians Who Move, Teach, and Care
Our team of DPTs are trained dancers, educators, and performers who bring lived experience into every session.
Dr. Robert Tsai, PT, DPT Founder & Director
A former professional dancer with 8 years in the LA commercial dance industry, Dr. Rob earned his DPT from Chapman University. He has supported dancers from youth studios to Disneyland Resort performers and has taught at institutions including The Juilliard School, NYU Tisch, and American Ballet Theatre. He is on faculty at Chapman University in both dance and physical therapy.
Specialties: Sports Physical Therapy, Dance Rehabilitation, Performance Medicine, Return-to-Sport Assessment
Dr. Claire Spivak, PT, DPT Dance Performance Physical Therapist
A pre-professional ballet dancer turned Doctor of Physical Therapy, Dr. Claire trained at Kirov Academy of Ballet and ABT before earning her DPT with honors from Chapman University. She specializes in ballet rehabilitation, youth and adolescent dancer care, and individualized, goal-centered treatment that builds strength, mobility, and confidence for long-term performance.
Dr. Ludmila Malakhov, PT, DPT Dance Performance Physical Therapist
Dr. Malakhov earned her DPT from the University of Southern California and continues to teach ballet and serve as ballet mistress for Little Women Ballet in LA. Her dual role as clinician and working dance educator gives her a uniquely grounded perspective on the demands facing performing artists at every stage of their career.
Find Us in Laguna Hills, CA
We’re conveniently located near Irvine Spectrum Center and Lake Forest Gateway on Moulton Pkwy — open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
Email
Contact via phone for fastest response
Phone
[INSERT PHONE NUMBER]
Office
23011 Moulton Pkwy, Suite E5
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Just 11 minutes (4.3 miles) from Laguna Hills via Moulton Pkwy. Take Alicia Pkwy, turn onto Moulton Pkwy, then turn left onto Granite Way. Use GPS to 23011 Moulton Pkwy, Suite E5, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 for the most accurate directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first visit to our Laguna Hills sports physical therapy clinic.
Do I need a referral to be seen at DANCEPREHAB?
No. California allows direct access to physical therapy, which means you can schedule with us without a physician referral. Start with a free discovery call and we’ll guide you from there.
Do you treat non-dancers and non-athletes?
Absolutely. While we specialize in dancers and performing artists, our physical therapy approach applies to any active adult or everyday mover. The same principles that keep dancers strong work for anyone who wants to move better, recover from injury, and build lasting strength.
How does your billing work? Do you take insurance?
DANCEPREHAB is out-of-network by choice. We operate on a self-pay model so we can provide full, uninterrupted one-on-one sessions with your Doctor of Physical Therapy. We provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement, and FSA/HSA cards are accepted.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your first session is a comprehensive evaluation — not a checklist. We assess strength, power, range of motion, and movement quality to understand the root cause of your issue, not just the location of your pain. You’ll leave with a clear picture of what’s happening and a plan for what comes next.
Do you offer virtual or remote physical therapy?
Yes. We offer virtual physical therapy follow-ups and hybrid care options for dancers and athletes in greater Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond. Out-of-state and international consultations are also available.
What ages do you treat?
We treat patients of all ages — from youth and adolescent dancers navigating growth spurts and competition seasons, to collegiate and professional performers, to retired athletes and active adults. Growth-related injury care (Osgood-Schlatter, Sever’s disease, and more) is a specific area of expertise for our team.
Still have questions?
Book your evaluation today and start your journey to lasting performance.