What these treatments are, and what they are not
At Okhowat Chiropractic, this page describes physical therapy style rehabilitative treatments provided within chiropractic scope: therapies that support healing tissue and active work that rebuilds how you move. They are used together with adjustments and hands-on care rather than as a stand-alone program.
It helps to be clear about one point. Dr. Okhowat is a Doctor of Chiropractic, not a licensed physical therapist, and the rehabilitative care described here is provided under his chiropractic license. In California, physical therapy as a licensed service is provided by licensed physical therapists. If your situation calls for a dedicated physical therapy program, such as rehab after joint replacement surgery, he can talk with you about a referral.
Rehab-focused care usually blends two kinds of therapy. Passive therapies are done to you while you rest, and active therapies are things you do, such as guided exercise. Passive care can make movement more comfortable early on, while active care is what tends to carry results forward.
Who rehab-focused therapies may help
These therapies are typically used for musculoskeletal problems, meaning issues in muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. They tend to suit people who want to recover function, not only reduce pain for a day.
- Recent strains and sprains
- After a pulled muscle or a rolled ankle, early care often focuses on calming swelling and protecting the area, then gradually reloading it as it heals.
- Shoulder stiffness and overuse
- Reaching overhead, carrying bags or repetitive work can leave a shoulder sore and limited. Combined therapy and exercise may help restore comfortable range.
- Low back flare-ups
- When the back seizes up, short-term relief measures can make it easier to start moving again, which is often the real goal of the visit.
- Hip and knee discomfort
- Aches that come from weak or tight muscles around the hip and knee may respond to a mix of soft tissue care and strengthening.
- Recovery after a car accident
- Neck and back soreness after a collision often benefits from a gradual, monitored plan. Learn more on our car accident injury care page.
- Repeated muscle strain
- If the same muscle keeps tightening or tearing, rehab work aims to find the weak link and build capacity so it is less likely to recur.
How a rehab-focused visit works
Every plan starts with an exam and is adjusted as you improve. A typical course moves from calming symptoms toward building strength.
Assessment
Dr. Okhowat reviews your history, tests strength, flexibility and joint motion, and identifies which tissues seem to be involved. He also screens for anything that needs a physician or imaging first.
Calming the area
Early visits may include passive therapies such as heat, cold or other comfort-focused modalities, along with gentle hands-on work. The office can tell you which specific modalities are part of your plan. TODO: confirm with client (which modalities are offered, e.g. ultrasound, electrical stimulation, interferential current, cold laser)
Restoring movement
As pain settles, the focus shifts to mobility and controlled exercise. You learn movements you can repeat at home between visits.
Building capacity
Later in care, exercises progress so the area can handle the loads of your work, hobbies or sport. Progress is rechecked so the plan keeps matching where you are.
Potential benefits
Results vary from person to person. When rehab therapies are part of a thoughtful plan, they may offer the following.
- May ease pain and stiffness enough to make movement easier.
- Can support the normal healing process of strained soft tissue.
- May help restore strength and range of motion after an injury.
- Offers a non-surgical, medication-free option for many musculoskeletal complaints.
- Gives you practical exercises you can continue on your own.
Is this right for me?
Rehab-focused therapies generally suit people with muscle, tendon or joint problems who are medically stable and ready to take an active part in recovery. They are less useful if you are looking only for a quick passive treatment with no home work.
Certain modalities are not appropriate for everyone. Pregnancy, a pacemaker or other implanted device, active cancer, impaired sensation or circulation problems can rule out specific therapies, so share your full health history at your first visit.
Often a good fit
- A recent strain, sprain or overuse injury
- Pain that limits work, exercise or daily tasks
- Stiffness that has lingered after an injury has healed
- You want guidance on safe exercise as you recover
See a physician first
- A suspected fracture, dislocation or inability to bear weight
- Rapid swelling, warmth and redness in a joint, especially with fever
- Calf pain and swelling, which can signal a blood clot
- Numbness, tingling or weakness that is getting worse
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain after major trauma that has not been medically evaluated
- Recent surgery without clearance from your surgeon
If you have any of these, please see a physician or go to urgent care before booking. In an emergency, call 911.
How Dr. Okhowat approaches rehab-focused care
Rehabilitation work draws on Dr. Omid Okhowat's Cleveland Chiropractic College training and over 19 years in chiropractic practice. He is licensed by the California State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and holds a Certificate of Attainment from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
As a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine, including its College of Manipulative and Body Based Practices, his care looks at the whole picture: joints, muscles, habits and goals. Therapies are chosen for a reason and dropped when they stop helping.
You may also see spinal adjustments or corrective exercises in your plan. The office on Wilshire Boulevard is a short drive from Beverly Grove, and the aim is steady, active progress rather than waiting for pain to fade on its own.
- DC, Cleveland Chiropractic College
- AAIM Fellow
- AAIM Diplomate, Manipulative and Body Based Practices
- Over 19 years of experience
I have been going to physical therapy here for my hip and for the TMJ on my jaw and work on my neck/shoulder area affected by that. I have graduated from the work on my jaw because everything is reset and it has changed my life! The treatment they do is excellent and I'm noticing so much consistent improvement with every area that's been worked. Everyone is very attentive and patient and helpful to figure what's going on and how to help!! Highly recommend.
Questions patients ask
Is this the same as going to a physical therapist?
No. These are rehabilitative therapies provided within the scope of chiropractic care by Dr. Okhowat, a Doctor of Chiropractic, and they are not licensed physical therapy. Some needs, such as post-surgical joint rehab, are better served by a licensed physical therapist, and he can help you decide when that is the case.
Should I use heat or ice?
As a general rule, cold is often used in the first day or two after a fresh injury to manage swelling, and heat is often more comfortable for older stiffness and muscle tightness. Your exam will guide which makes sense for you, and you should avoid either on numb skin.
Do passive therapies alone help?
They may make you more comfortable in the short term, which has real value. On their own they rarely build the strength and control that help prevent the problem from coming back, so active exercise is usually added as soon as you are ready.
How long does a typical session take?
It depends on how many parts your plan includes on that day, such as an adjustment, soft tissue work and exercise. The office can give you a time estimate when you book, and the length may change as your plan progresses.
How many visits will I need?
Recent, minor injuries may need only a short course, while longer standing problems usually take more time. Dr. Okhowat will reassess regularly and explain whether you are on track, so you are not guessing.
Will I get exercises to do at home?
Usually, yes. Home exercises are a key part of rehab because they keep progress going between visits. You will be shown how to do them correctly and how to tell if one needs to be modified.
Can these therapies help after a car accident?
Many people with neck and back soreness after a collision may benefit from a gradual, monitored rehab plan. Get emergency or medical care first if you have severe pain, head injury symptoms or numbness.
Is it normal to feel sore afterward?
Mild soreness after new exercise or hands-on work is common and usually settles within a day or two. Sharp pain, increasing swelling or new numbness is not expected, so let the office know if that happens.