Rehab Specialistsinc Inc

Our Philosophy

Rehab Specialists Inc. (RSI) was established in Santa Monica, CA in 1986 by current owner and President, Gail Pekelis. A second location was opened in Beverly Hills in 1996 (now in Century City), with other locations now in Encino and Marina Del Rey. 

The goal of all therapy at Rehab Specialists is to provide a breadth of quality physical therapy services in order that each client finds necessary, appropriate treatments for enduring healing. RSI treatments begin with a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s physical complaint and condition. A treatment plan is designed to address the assessment findings and to meet the individual’s personal therapy goals.

“My vision for providing care is a proactive approach to the development of best business practices and promotion of effective treatment methods aimed at achieving goals and milestones in health and rehabilitation.”

Gail Pekelis

Founder & President

Our Mission

Rehab Specialists are committed as primary healthcare professionals to help our clients resume their lifelong pursuit of health, fitness, and well-being.

Goal Oriented

We take a goal-oriented approach to healing and wellness. We create customized rehabilitation programs based not only on what aches and pains you feel today, but also for what you expect from your body tomorrow, next year, and in 10 years. We track progress, changes, setbacks, and achievements all to assist you in achieving your goals.

Patient Care

We’ll provide hands-on treatment in the office and education you can take home with you, enabling you to become an active participant in your recovery and future physical health.

We Are Professionals

The physical therapists at Rehab Specialists have a combined 150+ years of clinical experience and a shared passion for helping our community stay healthy and active. Our kind and caring team is here to make you feel safe and comfortable so that you can relax and focus on your goal(s) for healing and progress with your body.

Therapeutic Specialties

Women's Health

Women's Health

RSI has been treating all facets of women’s health for over 35 years. We provide a supportive environment to treat a variety of women-specific conditions such as pregnancy/postpartum, lactation challenges, diastasis recti, breast & gynecological cancer rehab, pelvic floor conditions, and many others.

Aquatic Therapy Orthopedic​

Aquatic Therapy Orthopedic​

Aquatic therapy can be beneficial in treating patients with neurological disorders, return to sports and many other orthopedic conditions. Water creates a low impact environment that is great for individuals that are unable to tolerate high impact activities. Our partner Aqua Flex’n Stretch offers a wide range of individualized and group sessions and provides all the equipment.

Sports Injuries

Sports Injuries

Sports Injury Therapy and the Return to Play protocolare something that RSI has been providing for decades. These injuries can be as severe as an ACL tear or tendon rupture, or as mild as nagging knee pain. Our staff of Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists that can create a customized rehab program so you can return to play sooner.

Chronic Pain Management

Chronic Pain Management

We understand that chronic pain is a multifaceted problem. New research reveals that the most effective approach is the biopsychosocial approach. We believe in treating the patient as a whole person and developing a therapeutic alliance between the therapist and individual to encourage improvement and independence in managing their condition.

Pregnancy/Post Partum

Pregnancy/Post Partum

Pregnancy and Childbirthis an amazing natural process that may requiresupportfor the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and post-partum. RSI has been treating pregnant and postpartum woman for 35 years. Our therapists recognize the unique problems that the life-giving experience can present and create a custom plan for recovery.

Neurological

Neurological

The clinicians at RSI have over 40 years of combined experience treating patients with a variety of neurological diagnoses such as stroke, Parkinson’s, Bell’s palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and ALS.We have invested in specialized equipment that assist many individuals experiencing neuromuscular conditions to find strength, coordination, and increased independent functioning.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema

This condition occurs when lymphatic fluid becomes trapped and builds up in a specific part of the body. There are many reasons this can happen, but most often it is a result of lymph node dissection and/or radiation therapy. Our Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT) will use Complete Decongestive Therapy to reduce it.

Lactation/Clogged Milk Ducts

Lactation/Clogged Milk Ducts

During thebreastfeeding journey, it is common to experience a blocked milk duct . This can cause complications during breastfeeding such as pain, discomfort, and infections. RSI therapists are trained in the proper techniques to address the blocked ducts,and can provide great educational tips for self-care at home.

Vestibular

Vestibular

Dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance can occur due to many conditions. Our therapists are educated to understand the different treatment approaches to address unilateral hypofunction, bilateral hypofunction, and repositioning techniques for BPPV. Rehab Specialists takes a ‘whole-body’ approach to treating these serious conditions since multiple factors might be relevant.

Male & Female Pelvic Floor Rehab

Male & Female Pelvic Floor Rehab

Many individuals suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, yet the problems go unidentified and untreated. Statistics say that 1 out of every 5 suffer from some type of pelvic floor dysfunction. Our skilled therapists treat patients for a myriad of pelvic floor conditions such asoveractive bladder, constipation, perinatal care, postpartum recovery, and many other pelvis related conditions.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

The therapists at Rehab Specialists understand the impact that surgical procedures can have on the human body. We will create a customized program that will focus on flexibility, strength, endurance, and power to help decrease pain and improve everyday function at work and recreation.

Breast & Gynecological Cancer Rehab

Breast & Gynecological Cancer Rehab

Women recovering from breast & gynecological cancer surgery and treatment face many challenges including pain, fatigue, emotional stress, decreased strength and mobility. We aim to decrease pain and improve energy levels by providing a supportive environment so you can focus on what’s important… feeling better!

Specialized Equipment

Body Weight Support System

Body Weight Support System

The BWSS is an amazing tool to help retrain patients from an infarct in the brain or from the constant insult on the brain from nociceptive pain (pain is caused by damage to body tissue). On this device we can reproduce the pattern of normal gait repetitively with gradual weight bearing with visualization of the motion.

Redcord

Redcord

Redcord is a system of slings used in conjunction with the Neurac® Method, an active neuromuscular activation treatment approach designed to increase function and facilitate correct movement patterns.Neurac consists of specially tailored exercises and techniques that aim to restore functional and pain free movement patterns through high levels of neuromuscular stimulation.

Gyrotonic

Gyrotonic

The Gyrotonic Method is a unique movement method that addresses the entire body by opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and improving strength and movement efficiency. The system articulates joints, improves the flow of energy through the body, stimulates acupuncture points, builds stamina and strength and improves health.

Pilates Equipment

Pilates Equipment

Pilates is an innovative and safe system of mind-body exercise that builds strength without excess bulk, capable of creating a sleek and toned body. Our locations feature a variety of pilates equipment including the Reformer, Trapeze & Tower, and chairs and barrel.

Warm Water Salt Pool

Warm Water Salt Pool

Let our warm salt-water pool restore your body to its prior level of function. Whether you are recovering from an injury, currently pregnant or post-partum, or have been suffering from chronic pain or weakness pool therapy can help.Our aquatic therapists have years of experience using warm water to decrease your pain, promote relaxation, and gently strengthen.

Trx Suspension Bands

Trx Suspension Bands

TRX bands use body weight resistance to build muscle and strength. They're suspended from a single point, usually on the ceiling or a secure bar, but the real workout begins when you start leaning away from that point. When you lean away, your body is forced to balance, which works your core and activates your muscles.

Testimonials

Rupal B. Van Nuys, Los Angeles, CA

This office is amazing! Melissa was great and patient. She also kept checking in to be sure I had no pain. The front desk staff is also really nice and actually called me when they had a last min cancellation! Highly recommend!

Suzannae P. Topanga Canyon, CA

Thanks for the muscles, ladies! I never thought I'd enjoy physical therapy but Melissa (Dr. Peters) and Vera were delightful, attentive, and skillfully got my mobility and strength up to speed. Lovely, peaceful environment, easy access without much walking from the parking lot.

John S. Los Angeles, CA

Our daughter has been getting PT with Melissa here for the past several weeks, and she and the staff have been great. Very responsive, great with insurance, and the treatment has been excellent. Plenty of parking - parking is cash only tho.

John Judi F. Pacific Palisades, CA

I was lucky to have Sabir do my Evaluation. He was excellent so I wanted to use him as my therapist he has been great and even though he is super busy I'm lucky to see him when I can. His assistant Kyle is really patient and helpful in showing me all the exercises I need to do.

Kathy F. Los Angeles, CA

Had my first appointment today and I can already feel a difference in my mobility. The front office staff and the PT were friendly and helpful. They are busy but this is a great office to rehabilitate an injury.

Fayyaz M. Los Angeles, CA

My therapist, Sophia Qadir, and her assistants, Richard and Simha, are amazing. Sophia is very knowledgeable, patient and is using a program that has produced a large amount of progress.

Most Insurance Accepted

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