Dr. Dara
Sports medicine physical therapist with a cycling specialty. DPT and MS Exercise Science from UCLA, CSCS, USA Cycling coaching, with clinical experience at U.S. Olympic Training Centers.
An integrative practice: physical therapy, strength, nutrition, longevity. Built for cyclists and active adults who want to still be riding hard in twenty years. More at darasportspt.com.
In the shop, with your bike
Dara works out of our Santa Monica shop. Consult, evaluation, hands-on treatment, and home program - same space as your bike fit, mechanic, and rides. Walk in a rider, walk out with a plan.
Services
Dara's practice focuses on cyclists and active adults. Whether you're rehabbing an injury, chasing a race, or trying to ride well into your 70s, these are the starting points.
PT evaluation
Full physical assessment: flexibility, range of motion, strength imbalances, movement patterns. Identifies what is driving pain or limiting performance.
Injury rehabilitation
Cycling-specific injury recovery programs: IT band, knee pain, lower back, hand and wrist, neck. Progressive return-to-ride protocols.
Movement analysis
Symmetry, firing patterns, compensations. Useful for high-mileage riders, racers, and anyone returning from an injury.
Sports medicine
Integrative sports medicine: PT, strength, nutrition, and longevity. In-person in Santa Monica or telehealth for established clients.
FAQ
Do I need a referral?
No. California allows direct access to physical therapy for an initial evaluation and treatment without a physician referral.
Do you take insurance?
Dara is out-of-network. She provides a detailed invoice and the CPT codes you need to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Many PPO plans cover a portion of out-of-network PT.
Is telehealth available?
Yes for follow-up and coaching. Initial evaluations for most cases are done in person so Dara can do hands-on assessment. Exceptions possible by request.
I came in for a bike fit but my pain continues. What now?
A bike fit addresses position. When pain persists after a good fit, the issue is often biomechanical or muscular, and PT is the right next step. Dara and our fitter coordinate on cases where both are involved.
Who is this for?
Cyclists with pain or injury. Riders returning from an injury. Athletes 40+ who want to stay strong and healthy. New riders who want to avoid setbacks. Racers optimizing for performance.
Request a PT consult with Dr. Dara
Sundays and Dara both get a copy. Dara reaches out directly within one business day. Established clients can self-schedule at the link on the success screen.