local storiesNovember 4, 2025

Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Nathan Amezcua of RPTR Chiropractic Sports Medicine

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nathan Amezcua.

Hi Dr. Nathan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For me, it all started as a kid who loved being outdoors, staying active, and playing sports in South East Los Angeles. In high school, while wrestling, I developed an interest in athletic training. I thought it was an incredible job;, helping athletes recover while staying connected to sports.

During my undergraduate studies at Cal State Fullerton, I was introduced to Kinesiology and the vast opportunities within the movement and health sciences. While playing Division I-AA rugby, I sustained a few injuries and received care from both a physical therapist and a chiropractor on campus. I was fascinated by how their work helped me recover and continue performing at a high level.

That experience led me to work in a high-volume outpatient physical therapy clinic while finishing my degree and for two years afterward. During that time, I found myself torn between pursuing physical therapy or chiropractic school. I saw the value in both professions and knew there had to be a way to bridge the two approaches.

I decided to obtain my Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS®) credentials to gain more experience and begin transitioning into a different role for my clients and patients in the clinic. This allowed me to start working with mobile clients and become more involved in sports. Through these opportunities, I’ve had the privilege of working with athletes across multiple levels, including NCAA programs, the NFL, and international rugby organizations such as USA Rugby 7’s, All Blacks Rugby 7’s, Australia Rugby 7’s, Black Ferns Rugby 7’s, and France Rugby 7’s

Eventually, I discovered Southern California University’s Doctor of Chiropractic program with a focus in Sports Medicine. It was the first time I’d seen chiropractors who worked directly in sports medicine: providing sideline care, implementing exercise rehab, and refining their diagnostic skills. I knew this was the path that aligned with how I wanted to practice: evidence-based, movement-focused, and centered on functional recovery.

After graduating, I worked full-time as an associate chiropractor while earning my post-graduate certification as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP®). Fewer than 5% of chiropractors in the U.S. hold this credential, and fewer than 3% are Latino, so earning this distinction as a first-generation doctor has been a meaningful achievement for me.

Fueled by that drive and a vision for the type of care I wanted to provide, I decided to open my own practice. In February 2025, I opened my clinic inside EBS Performance in Costa Mesa, CA which is a 5,000-square-foot facility equipped with top-of-the-line tools that allows me to deliver high-level, individualized care and continue doing what I love every day.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As the first in my family to attend college, navigating undergrad was a major challenge. I was working full-time, playing a sport, and commuting, all while trying to figure out how to succeed in an environment that was completely new to me.

After graduating, I faced uncertainty about my next steps; being in a full-time job, unsure if I’d even be accepted into a graduate program. Once I started chiropractic school, I struggled again when I realized that many of the traditional philosophical views in the field didn’t align with my evidence-based mindset. There were moments when I questioned whether I belonged in the profession at all, but that conflict and influence from Sports Medicine mentors ultimately fueled my determination to be part of the change and help shift the narrative.

Another major challenge came later, deciding when to leave a stable associate position and take the leap into opening my own practice. It was especially tough as a new parent, weighing the risks and responsibilities that come with providing for a family. But through all of those challenges, each step pushed me to grow, trust myself, and stay true to the vision I had for my career and the kind of care I wanted to deliver.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
RPTR stands for Restoring Performance Through Rehab. The mission of my practice is to provide premier, one-on-one individualized care for active people, athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone who values movement. My goal is to help people identify the WHY behind their pain so they can continue doing what they love for as long as possible.

This type of care shouldn’t be dictated by insurance companies that see patients as numbers and offer short-term fixes. As a Sports Medicine Chiropractor, I specialize in diagnosing, managing, and improving neuromusculoskeletal conditions through a combination of soft tissue therapy, chiropractic adjustments when appropriate, and targeted rehabilitation exercises.

What sets RPTR apart is the integration of clinical expertise with strength and conditioning principles. This allows me to create truly individualized programs tailored to each patient’s needs and goals; not cookie-cutter routines. Many of my patients come to me after “failing” traditional physical therapy or chiropractic care. At RPTR, they receive dedicated one-on-one attention, a clear and actionable plan, and a long-term solution to their problem without the need for endless visits.

Our philosophy is simple: MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE. Too often, modern healthcare overlooks this truth. My mission is to empower people to move better, feel better, and reclaim their active lifestyle through evidence-based care and patient education.

What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the impact we’ve made in helping people who once thought they’d never train, run, or lift again. Seeing those individuals return to the activities they love: whether that’s competing, playing with their kids, or simply living without pain, is what fuels my passion every day. RPTR isn’t just a clinic; it’s a movement toward redefining what true, personalized care looks like.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s never the right time and it’s never going to be easy. Growth always comes with uncertainty and discomfort. I’ve also learned that if everyone is telling you you’re crazy, you’re probably headed in the right direction. Taking risks and betting on yourself is rarely comfortable, but it’s where real progress happens.

Pricing:

Free phone consultations for prospective patients so we can discuss their injury/goals and determine if my practice is the right fit for their needs. (They can fill out a form on my website or Instagram bio to be contacted)

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Marvin Yates
Corinne Votaw

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