Meet Kellen Matsuno of Community Physical Therapy and Performance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellen Matsuno.

Hi Kellen, 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?
First interest in the field

A former high school and college athlete, I was first introduced to physical therapy through my own experiences with injury and rehab. Spending time in training rooms sparked my interest in the field, where I found a perfect blend of performance training, movement, and genuine human connection. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to work with athletes, apply principles of strength and conditioning, and build lasting relationships throughout the rehab process.

Introduction to the field: Physical therapy school + Residency

In 2015, I was fortunate to be accepted into USC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. After completing the program, I continued at USC to complete a residency focused on orthopedics. I’m incredibly grateful for those years — USC laid a strong foundation for my clinical development and allowed me to build lasting relationships with some of the field’s most respected leaders, many of whom I still consider mentors today.

Early career

After residency, I had the opportunity to work at a leading sports and orthopedic clinic in Orange County. Over four years, I worked with athletes across the NCAA, NFL, NBA, and MLB, gaining a deep understanding of the unique demands of each sport. This experience sharpened my ability to not only guide athletes back from injury but to push them to maximize their capacity and return to competition stronger than before.

Starting Community Physical Therapy

I set out to create a space that bridges the gap between traditional rehab and performance training — not just to help athletes rehab and recover, but to make them stronger, faster, and more resilient than they were before their injury. The goal is to return them to peak performance while minimizing the risk of future injuries.
I recognized that physical therapists have a unique role in healthcare. We see our clients more frequently and for longer periods than most other providers, and with direct access, we’re often more accessible. I wanted to build on this by creating a community grounded in trust and strong relationships—becoming the go-to resource for all things rehab and performance. By focusing on these connections, I aim to provide consistent, reliable support that athletes and clients can depend on throughout their journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been learning how to run a business. Throughout PT school and the early years of my career, my focus was solely on getting patients better—mastering techniques, exercise treatments, and clinical skills. However, once I stepped into running a practice, I quickly realized there were so many other variables to manage.
Suddenly, I found myself learning on the fly about marketing, accounting, operations, and everything else involved in keeping a business running smoothly—all while continuing to prioritize the best outcomes for my clients. Balancing these demands has been a steep learning curve.
I’ve relied heavily on the support of fellow physical therapists, mentors who have navigated this path before me, and professional PT business groups. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me find direction, set priorities, and avoid common pitfalls, especially in those early days after opening.
Despite this support, there’s been a lot of trial and error along the way. Each mistake has been a learning opportunity, helping me refine how I manage the business side of things without compromising the quality of care I provide.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in rehabilitation and performance training for athletes and the active population, helping our clients recover from injury and return stronger than before. Our primary focus is on orthopedic and sports-related injuries, with a particular expertise in ACL rehabilitation.

What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the physical demands of each sport and our ability to tailor every rehab and training program to meet those unique needs. Our goal isn’t just recovery—it’s to “bulletproof” our athletes so they can perform confidently and sustainably at the highest level.

Unlike conventional physical therapy clinics, we work exclusively 1-on-1 with our clients for a full hour—no aides, no support staff. Each session is completely individualized, backed by in-depth/data driven assessments, cutting-edge techniques, and ongoing communication. Our clients have full access to their physical therapist even outside of appointments, ensuring continuous guidance for training, programming, and injury prevention.

Our clinic is designed more like a high-performance weight room than a traditional PT office. We take pride in bridging the gap between rehab and performance, progressing clients beyond basic rehab movements to the strength and conditioning their sport truly demands.

We’re proud to have earned the trust of our athletes and active clients—becoming their go-to resource for everything related to rehab, prehab, and performance training. At the core of our brand is a commitment to helping people not only recover, but return to their sport ready to exceed their previous best.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
To work with us, feel free to contact us via phone at (949)-867-6191 or email at [email protected]. Also feel free to check out our website https://communityptp.com/ or Instagram @CommunityPTP

If you are a gym owner or coach looking for a physical therapy resource, feel free to contact us to discuss free fitness/injury assessments for athletes

Contact Info:

• Website: https://communityptp.com/
• Instagram: @Communityptp

Image Credits
Estevan Reynoso