Slide Meet the Doctors We are a team of Physical Therapists who know that the best programs are customized for each individual. The cookie-cutter model of traditional PT isn’t good enough. We use precision in our evaluation and treatment supported by science to deliver the best care available to our clients. We have created a supportive community promoting long-term health and longevity.

Our Team

Lauren Freitas

Lauren Freitas, Co-Founder of Athletic Lab is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She has been practicing in the outpatient orthopedic setting since graduating from the University of Southern California with her DPT degree in 2014. She is trained in Selective Functional Movement Assessment and Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, and has done over 200 hours of continuing education courses including assessment of running biomechanics, treatment of upper body injuries in the overhead athlete, foot and ankle assessments and treatments for novice and elite runners, and chronic pain management. She has worked with multiple beach volleyball leagues and fitness studios in the Santa Monica area, educating players and athletes on injury prevention and integrating the science of physical therapy into the fitness realm. When she’s not working, you can find her on the beach playing volleyball and running, or in the mountains hiking and snowboarding.

Lyssa Cleary

Lyssa Cleary, Co-founder of Athletic Lab is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS). She graduated with her doctor of physical therapy from the University of Southern California in 2014 and went on to complete USC’s orthopedic residency program in 2015 where she worked with sports medicine physicians and specialized in treating patients with orthopedic related injuries, including headaches. She has presented internationally, nationally and regionally on the topics of interdisciplinary migraine treatment, neck pain/headaches and analysis/treatment of movement dysfunction as it relates to specific athletic populations. She is trained in Blood Flow Restriction Therapy and has taken continuing education courses to hone in on assessment of running biomechanics, treatment of running-related injuries, foot/ankle assessment/ treatment strategies for the runner and beyond, as well as shoulder pain management. Currently, she teaches at USC in the graduate school department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy in addition to seeing clients at Athletic Lab. She loves living in Santa Monica, embraces the ease at which it allows for her to live an active lifestyle, and looks forward to helping her patients return to one as well.

Carrie Cantrell

Carrie Cantrell, Client Care Coordinator, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She began her career in Phoenix, AZ working in the education sector before transitioning her focus to the wellness and healthcare space. She has experience engaging with both business and consumer clients, using her knowledge in client management to focus on programs and activities focused on helping people improve their physical and emotional wellness. Her claim to fame is having competed in the softball Little League World Series! She makes her home in the mountains of WV and is an active mom to a teenage son and two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her son play soccer, hiking, traveling, and growing a variety of vegetables in her raised bed gardens.

Jen Shan

Jen Shan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, earning her degree from the University of Southern California. She found her love of physical therapy during her time in the sports medicine internship program at UCLA, where she worked on rehabilitation programs for UCLA basketball, beach volleyball, and track & field athletes. Not only did she love the science behind human movement, she also loved the joy she saw in her athletes when they could finally get back to participating in the sport they loved. Jen has extensive experience in post-operative and conservative rehabilitation of sports related injuries in active populations, but regardless of diagnosis, she prides herself in being her patients proudest (and loudest) cheerleader throughout rehab! She believes the ability to move your body is one of the greatest and most under-appreciated gifts in this world, which makes her feel blessed to help people get back to pain-free motion. On the weekends, you can catch Jen listening to live music, travelling, navigating the great outdoors, skiing, and golfing.

Our Core Values

Accountability

We know that life can get in the way of meeting your health and fitness goals. We strive to create a sense of accountability in our clients with regular goal setting, progress check-ins, program modifications, and access to your PT outside of sessions. We take your health seriously, and we give you all the tools to do the same.

Excellence

We’re changing the way that physical therapy works and taking healthcare into the hands of the individuals, not the insurance companies. We go above and beyond to make sure that our clients get the highest quality of care from the second they walk in our door. We strive for excellence as clinicians and our clients have come to expect the best.

Health as a lifelong commitment

Consistency over time is what pushes the needle in the right direction. There is not one exercise or nutrition fad that is going to change your pain overnight. A consistent and holistic approach to health and the commitment to moving well and moving often will change your life.

Ready to Get Started?

We offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you decide if Athletic Lab is right for you and answer any questions you might have.