Neil Sturman, founder of Encinitas Physical Therapy, is a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist who graduated from University of Southern California in 1976 and has led the practice since 1984. Neil draws from many approaches in selecting the most effective treatment for each patient. He has trained in Joint Assessment and Treatment, Soft Tissue Mobilization, Visceral Manipulation, Cranial Mobilization, Osteopathic techniques, Functional Manual Therapy and Rolfing. With over 25 years of teaching experience in advanced manual therapy, he is dedicated to treating each patient's unique dysfunction with custom, hands-on care in a private, therapist-owned setting. Neil lives in Leucadia with his wife, Michelle, and enjoys hiking, skiing, fitness, and travel.

Michelle Sturman graduated from the Physical Therapy program at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in 1996, after earning a degree in Psychobiology from UC Riverside and completing graduate work in biomechanics. She specializes in treating pain and tension in the spine, rib cage, abdomen, pelvic floor, and extremities using a range of hands-on techniques including Myofascial Release, Visceral Manipulation, and Cranio-Sacral Therapy. Known for her intuitive ability to identify and treat patterns of tension, Michelle brings both clinical skill and personal insight to her work. She lives in Leucadia with her husband Neil, and enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and skiing.

Lila earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 1991 and a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from UCLA. With a strong background in orthopedics, she focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of your issues. She helps people connect with their bodies and discover how to move more efficiently and comfortably throughout their day. Lila has advanced training in Soft Tissue Mobilization, Functional Mobilization, Pilates, Integrative Manual Therapy, and post-operative care, and she emphasizes a holistic, mind-body approach in her practice. She has a special interest in soft issue therapies, core development, targeted strengthening and refining form to minimize injury risk. As a lifelong runner she is a firm believer in the power of daily movement.