Today we’d like to introduce you to Youstina Atalla.
Hi Youstina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a first-generation Egyptian-American—both of my parents immigrated from Egypt to build a better life, and that mindset of grit, faith, and hard work has shaped everything about who I am today. Growing up, I was always active—basketball and soccer were a huge part of my life. Playing sports gave me a deep appreciation for the human body, movement, and the resilience it’s capable of.
I went on to study at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Integrative Physiology and a minor in Psychology. My interest in both physical performance and human behavior led me to pursue a dual-degree program—earning my Master’s in Occupational Therapy and my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, California.
After finishing graduate school, I completed an orthopedic residency at Kaiser Permanente, where I deepened my clinical reasoning and refined my manual therapy skills. That set the stage for a Fellowship in Biomechanics, where I specialized in high-level movement analysis and performance optimization.
Now, I combine all of those experiences in my work—bridging science, rehab, and performance to help athletes and individuals not just recover from injuries, but move better, perform stronger, and thrive long-term. My journey has always been about redefining what’s possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth is the complete opposite. It’s been an absolutely broken road—one filled with setbacks, detours, and resilience. I didn’t get into physical therapy school the first time I applied, and that alone shook my confidence. I questioned everything—whether I was good enough, whether I belonged in this field, whether all the sacrifices were worth it.
Even after completing my degrees, breaking into the sports world wasn’t easy. I knocked on doors that didn’t open and faced a lot of rejection. It wasn’t until I finally got the opportunity to consult with the LA Galaxy that things began to shift. That one opportunity opened a whole new lane for me—and I ran with it.
The struggle, though painful, has been my greatest teacher. It taught me patience, persistence, and the value of betting on yourself, even when no one else does.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Moxie Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, we go beyond traditional rehab. We focus on injury recovery, return-to-sport, and performance optimization. As a cash-based practice, we offer personalized, data-driven care for athletes and active individuals—free from the constraints of insurance limitations. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a high school competitor, or a weekend warrior, we meet you where you are and guide you to where you want to be.
With my background as both a Doctor of Physical Therapy and an Occupational Therapist, along with my board certification in orthopedics and advanced fellowship in biomechanics, I provide a comprehensive, highly specialized approach to movement and performance. I’ve worked with athletes at every level—from youth to professional—including my current role as a physical therapist with the LA Galaxy.
What sets Moxie apart is our unwavering focus on return-to-sport progressions and sports performance. Using objective tools and movement assessments, we go beyond recovery to enhance how our clients move, compete, and build resilience. Our mission is clear: to help individuals return to what they love, stronger and better prepared than ever before.
In addition to my clinical work, I’m passionate about educating others through speaking engagements focused on biomechanics, injury prevention, and performance science—empowering both individuals and organizations to move smarter and more effectively.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is the people in my life—especially my family and friends. I’m known for being a “ride or die”—I’ll go to the end of the world for the people who mean the most to me. The relationships I’ve built are my greatest source of fulfillment. Life has its ups and downs, and being able to support the people I care about through it all is what keeps me grounded and driven.
Whether I’m helping an athlete recover and return to their sport or being there for a friend or family member during tough times, being present and loyal is what matters most. It’s these deep connections that fuel me to keep pushing, to show up, and to give everything I have for those who matter to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moxieptsp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.youstinaatalla_dpt/
