Donald E. Nelson Jr. PT, OCS
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
ORTHOPAEDIC CLINICAL SPECIALIST
Don graduated from the California State University Long Beach in 1996 with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy. He finished 3 clinical internships in outpatient orthopaedics at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo California, St. John's Hospital and Health Center in Santa Monica California, and Mariners Physical Therapy in Costa Mesa California. He then worked as a staff physical therapist at Mariners Physical Therapy and Larchmont Physical Therapy up until 2003.During that time Don has aggressively pursued continuing education that led him to have expertise in assessment and treatment of lumbar spine and lower kinetic chain problems. He has completed the year long Orthopaedic Long Term Manual Therapy Course; which is based on G. D. Maitland's Australian Approach, and the Year Long Manual Therapy Course in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Both courses are now part of the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency Program.In October of 2004, Don attended "Manual Therapy and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System" at the Charles University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic. The course was taught by Karel Lewit, MD, and Pavel Kolar. The course emphasized assessment and treatment of trigger points and using reflex movements to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Don continues to enhance his skills and treatments by attending several continuing education courses a year.Don is an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Diplomate by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties since June 2001 and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association since January 2001.
Don enjoys resistance training and running. In the past he has participated in golf, tennis, mountain biking, swimming, yoga, Pilates, snow skiing, and jet skiing.Don enjoys treating a variety of musculoskeletal problems with an emphasis on spine, hip and knee problems, and foot/ankle problems. He has been trained in orthotic casting, however, he refers clients out for this service.Don is available Tuesday and Thursday. He is out of network with most insurance but we can check to see what your plan covers for out of network. Please call 323-655-9055 to schedule an appointment.