Hi, I’m Pamela Mikkelsen PT, DPT, OCS. I’m a doctor of physical therapy based in Los Angeles with a deep commitment to treating complex conditions through a compassionate, evidence-informed lens. My clinical specialties include TMJ dysfunction, chronic headaches, hypermobility spectrum disorders, long COVID, POTS, and persistent pain. I also have a strong focus on the care of performing artists—especially musicians and dancers—helping them stay connected to their bodies, their work, and their creativity.

Before becoming a physical therapist, I worked professionally as a dancer. I hold a BA in Dance and a BS in Biology, and my career in performance and movement continues to shape the way I approach rehabilitation. I understand firsthand the physical, emotional, and identity-level challenges that come with injury, pain, and recovery—especially when your body is central to your work or your self-expression.

My approach to physical therapy is rooted in the belief that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. I’m not here to “fix” you—I’m here to guide you and help you uncover the tools, strategies, and self-understanding that allow you to move forward with more ease, resilience, and confidence. My goal is always to empower you to better understand your body and to trust in your capacity to heal.

I consider myself a lifelong learner and educator. I am an assistant professor with a joint appointment in teaching and patient care. I lecture and speak at conferences on topics such as biomechanics of dance, inclusive care for transgender patients, neurodivergent-affirming practices, and clinical approaches to managing chronic and invisible illnesses.

Like many of the people I work with, I live with some of the conditions I treat. That lived experience of not “fitting into the box” shapes everything I do. I know how powerful it is to feel seen and understood in a healthcare space—and how disempowering it can be when you’re not. I strive to create an environment where you can show up exactly as you are, be met with curiosity and care, and walk away feeling more connected to yourself.

Whether you’re navigating the impact of chronic illness, trying to recover from pain or injury, or seeking support for the physical demands of performance, I’m here to help you reconnect with your body, redefine what’s possible, and move through life on your own terms.