About Us

In an industry where it’s becoming increasingly harder to differentiate between physical therapy and other exercise and bodywork practitioners, and where so much information and self-treatment methods are provided online, finding a physical therapist in-person that could provide quality medical care is more important than ever. 

At Central PT, each session is 1-on-1 with the physical therapist and is a hands-on, whole body approach – first with an initial evaluation, and then with manual therapy and exercise that’s specific to how the patient presents. The focus is not only to treat the cause of pain, but also to restore centralized positions in the body, based on innate developmental motor programs, which helps to facilitate balanced and strong movement and decrease risk of future pain and injury.

Quality movement first — then quantity. The deeper the roots, the stronger the tree.

A young Asian man with short black hair, crossed arms, wearing a pink polo shirt, a silver wristwatch, and a gold chain, standing against a yellow background.

Education

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy - Marymount University

  • Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine - Pepperdine University

Influences

  • Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS Certified Practitioner)

  • Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)

  • Manual Trigger Point Therapy

  • Maitland-based Manual Therapy (Maitland-Australian approach)

  • McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy

  • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

License#: 291359

Nate Shin, PT, DPT

Owner, Physical Therapist

Nate is from Seattle and moved to the LA area in 2016. His journey began early on when he took a sports medicine class in high school, doing a job shadow with the Seattle Sonics’ strength and conditioning coach which spurred his interest in the field. As a sports medicine major in college, his natural knack for the human and exercise sciences and various life experiences along the way, including a major car accident and injury of his own, led him to pursue physical therapy which he felt was a better fit than athletic training or medical school. He went on to receive his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2012.

Since then his growth as a PT has come through years of experience working in various outpatient settings and taking many continuing education courses.  In 2016 he was introduced to an approach called Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and through the years has seen it have a great influence on his work with patients as well as with his own body. In 2025 he became a DNS-Certified Practitioner and is one of the few in the Los Angeles area.  He truly believes quality physical therapy could be beneficial for anyone – not just for pain but for everyday postures and movements – and hopes Central PT could be a place where it is easily accessible.

In his free time he enjoys playing basketball and tennis, running, being out in nature, and watching movies. He continues to take courses to improve his craft.

A physical therapy session with a male therapist talking to a male patient in a clinic room.

Treatment Philosophy


(a) Every patient should be assessed and treated with a whole body approach, not just the area of pain. When one part is dysfunctional it has its effects throughout the entire body.

(b) Proper breathing, trunk stabilization, and joint centration are essential for anyone with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

(c) Properly coordinating and controlling body parts through the central nervous system (neuromuscular control) is just as important for optimal function as working on flexibility, mobility, and strength.

(d) Pain in a certain body part may only be a symptom and not the root cause of the problem.

Testimonials

  • "Nate is priced reasonably and is an great PT. He not only treats the affected areas, he treats the entire body. The experience is wildly different than typical offices, where you barely see the actual PT and spend a lot of time doing general exercises that can be done at home. He works with you directly for the entire session. A truly rare approach. I’m so happy I found Central Physical Therapy."

    Google Review, Central Physical Therapy

  • "I have been seeing Nate for over a year now. He's a consummate pro, hard worker, and has helped me heal from several injuries. HIghly recommend."

    Yelp Review, Central Physical Therapy

  • "Nate is so friendly and knowledgeable. Total body wellness!"

    Google Review, Central Physical Therapy

  • "I had rotator cuff surgery and have been going to Nate. He's been fabulous in offering things that stretch my abilities without going too far. I've had physical therapy in the past and when I said something hurt to the point where it seemed counterproductive - and I have a pretty high tolerance to pain - I was told it was going to hurt and I just needed to deal with it. While it sometimes is very uncomfortable, I don't feel that it goes beyond the healing pain. Nate will push a little more each time and I progress each visit. I feel confident with the therapy I'm receiving."

    Kathy C. (Google Review, Select Physical Therapy, Vienna,VA)

  • "I was diagnosed with bulging spinal discs a few months ago and was referred to physical therapy. I was a bit wary at first but Nate [and Ian] worked with me over about 6 weeks and I feel better now than I did even before the injury. Very attentive, very professional and very knowledgeable."

    Mike S. (Yelp Review, Select Physical Therapy, Vienna, VA)

  • "Nate is a wonderful PT! I highly recommend him. He is very knowledgeable, Kind, helpful and caring."

    Yas S. (Yelp Review, Select Physical Therapy, Vienna, VA)