What patients are saying
“I was 41 and had just gone through an 11 month stretch where I ran and trained for 2 marathons and a 1/2 marathon. During this period I tried intermittently to keep up with my life long addiction to playing basketball. Needless to say, I overtaxed my legs and for the first time in my life I had a biting knee problem. To no avail, I tried every "runners knee" workout program plus physical therapy for 6 months after an initial MRI showed no structural damage. My athleticism on the basketball court had suddenly vanished - I was an embarrassment. I went back again for a 2nd MRI which resulted in one of the leading sports surgeons in the US informing me that I had a severe case of chondromolacia and I was done running and playing basketball FOR LIFE at age 42. It was at this time that I was introduced to O'Real Cotton. I told him of my plight and that I would not accept the basketball death sentence. For the last 15 months O'Real took on my physical challenge (not to mention the challenge of my mental despair) and methodically reversed my knee pain by first dealing with the undiagnosed issues I had in my feet and then focusing on my hips and glutes. I am now back to playing basketball twice a week. I am running, jumping and cutting at levels that match what I was able to do in my early 30's. I am now able to train -- I don't rehabilitate -- and I'm in the best shape of my life as I approach 44. I am forever grateful to O'Real for not just physically turning back the clock on my athletic life but for his inspiration and friendship through the process.” – Marc C. of Agoura
“My experience at Propel Physical Therapy was extremely positive. O'Real and his team brought me in for an evaluation right away and set me up with a program immediately. I was very pleased and impressed with the depth of analysis of my condition (Cervical Spinal Stenosis). Treatment and goals were clear and well-articulated. I found the entire team to
be professional, organized and knowledgeable. It is a comfortable environment, and I definitely felt supported and heard.” – Stacy F. of Chatsworth
“After undergoing several spinal epidurals and eventually a nerve block, I was finally able to pursue physical therapy. I was put in contact with O'Real and his team at Propel Physical Therapy in Woodland Hills. I was very nervous at first, afraid that I may do more harm than good, but O'Real and his team put me a ease and walked me thru steps to improve my mobility and strength. They were kind, gentle and absolutely professional. I was provided with tools to continue my physical therapy at home which has aided in my continued healing.” – Margaux H. of Tarzana
“I am happy to report that approximately 6 months after completing the therapy program that you worked out for me I am still feeling better. I do the exercises daily you gave me when I completed the therapy and they have helped considerably. I would recommend you and your staff to anyone who is suffering and wants to improve their functionality through your therapy. My health improved considerably with your therapy and exercise program. Thank you so much for improving my life and helping me to walk and move more freely and function better.” – Peggy W. of Woodland Hills
“I recommend O’Real to all my friends who are looking for a physical therapist. He provides professional, one-on-one treatment in a cheerful and accessible environment. He has treated me for both chronic arthritic pain and for recovery from major shoulder surgery. In both cases he has been incredibly easy to work with by providing clear instructions, enthusiastic support for my progress and listening carefully to my concerns. I found that O’Real was willing and able to make adjustments to my therapy as needed and communicated easily with my physicians.” – Laurie M. of West Hills
“I have been working with O’Real for several years now. Typically, I schedule 1 hour sessions with O’Real, 3 times a week. My problem is partial permanent nerve damage and muscle weakness from the waist down. When we first started our sessions, my goal was simply to maintain my strength, balance, and movement; I did not want to regress. The results of these sessions have exceeded my goals and expectations. Through his philosophies and exercises, O’Real has helped me gain strength, and better balance and movement, in my daily life. I have found that O’Real continually follows me through all my exercises. He gives these exercises just as much attention today as he gave them on the first day I saw him. His dedication to helping me improve in my daily life is very encouraging and very much appreciated.” – Ed H. of Northridge
”The past two years I have been under the care of Dr. Bhagia for two knee injuries due to ski accidents, each time physical therapy was recommended. For that I went to Propel Physical Therapy of Woodland Hills and was treated by O'Real Cotton. I first met O'Real 6 years ago for an unrelated neck problem, while he was working at another place. But shortly thereafter he opened his own clinic at Propel. O'Real and his staff are extremely knowledgeable, and create a very patient-friendly atmosphere. The facility, which is very well equipped, is small enough that you receive very personalized treatment and attention. And the main thing, after the recommended number of treatments at the facility for both injuries and recommendations by O'Real for exercises I could do at home, I was vastly improved if not completely healed! I highly recommend Propel Physical Therapy, O'Real Cotton and his staff.” – Marti S. of Woodland Hills
“I can't say enough good things about the folks at Propel! I was referred to Propel after I suffered a dislocated elbow injury. My elbow was positioned at a 45-degree angle and the possibility that it would be "frozen" and require surgery seemed likely. Mr. Cotton didn't flinch, he was certain that we could get it back to normal. The therapist there got my elbow back to health in record time, all the while, making me laugh through any discomfort. Mr. Cotton was so knowledgeable, professional and caring. I would recommend this facility and staff to anyone.” – Bethany S. of Agoura
“I would like to write a few words about my Physical Therapist, O'Real Cotton and his Clinic, Propel Physical Therapy of Woodland Hills. Before I begin, I would like to let everyone know that if I do an observation and voice my opinion regarding a service that I received, it is honest, truthful and strict. I had a rotator cuff surgery in September, 2014 and I chose Propel Physical Therapy of Woodland Hills to begin my therapy. I met Dr. O'Real Cotton and his staff and I told myself: you chose the best place. O'Real is a very professional, knowledgeable, pleasant and caring individual. Every time when I went for therapy and I opened the door to his clinic, I was greeted with a smiling and caring face and the most important question: how are you feeling TODAY? My pain level got lowered instantly. He also has a remarkable staff. I spent several months in therapy until I got better. My case was a difficult one, but thanks to O'Real's hard work and his experience, I am back to work and almost pain free. Every session was 'custom made' for me, how I felt and what could be done for me to feel better. This place is impeccable, clean, well equipped and you can even choose the music you like! I am very happy I chose Dr.Cotton and his clinic. I can recommend him with all my heart.” – Marika W. of Woodland Hills
"I began physical therapy at Propel Physical Therapy in Woodland Hills with O'Real Cotton, who received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University. Although the course has been challenging as expected with my age and extensive osteoarthritis in my knees, O'Real has been an exceptional resource in my recovery. He carefully evaluated my physical limitations, listened to my goals, and created a realistic plan to improve the motion and stability in my knees. I previously visited physical therapy groups in the area; I can say with certainty that he is the best physical therapist I have met. He is patient and pleasant with excellent diagnostic skills. Although I was discouraged by the length of time required to recover, he adapted my routines to provide steady progress. I have greatly benefited from my treatment with O'Real and highly recommend him." – Dr. Don B. of Topanga