Dr. Amalia Porcel, DPT

Dr. Amalia grew up in a warm and loving Argentinean household in San Clemente, CA. Her experience as a bilingual American has allowed her to connect with people from many cultures while having a true appreciation for the wondrous melting pot we all live in. Being more inclined to her creative side, Amalia always gravitated to the arts, singing and dancing through middle/high school. She was a second soprano for years in the Madrigals group and danced on the San Clemente High School Dance Team, extensively training in classical and street styles of dance. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCLA in 2013, which led her to providing at-home behavioral treatment to children of the autism spectrum. Working as a behavioral interventionist allowed her to experience elements of physical therapy, including sensory integration therapy and fine/gross motor therapeutic exercise. Thinking of where she wanted to take her career next, she sought out a couple of physical therapy clinics for hours of observation, and Amalia knew she found her calling.

She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 2021, where she was able to work with a spectrum of patient populations including orthopedic outpatient, acute inpatient, cerebral palsy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Collaborating with an array of physical therapists, medical professionals, and patients in these experiences allowed her to have a well rounded understanding of all the factors that contribute to providing excellent patient care. Above all, she cares about making her patients feel comfortable and listening to them. She believes this is key to best tailor treatments to meet their unique needs and provide them with the most beneficial resources. Amalia utilizes a combination of soft tissue mobilization, manual facilitation, neuromuscular reeducation, therapeutic activities, therapeutic exercise, and modalities, emphasizing the treatment options that will make the greatest improvements for each individual patient. She likes to have fun with her patients and believes, “you can work hard without taking life so seriously.” Being well aware that life comes with its ups and downs, she strives to be an uplifting and empowering figure throughout her patients’ recovery journey.

When Amalia is not in the clinic, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, reading, watching foreign cinematic productions, frequenting the gym, practicing her dance freestyle, roller skating around her neighborhood, and taking her fur baby on walks.