Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilana Tunca.
Hi Ilana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Absolutely. I started My Physio for Life because there just wasn’t anything like it around here. Friends, neighbors, even former patients kept telling me how frustrated they were—long waits, feeling like just another number, bounced around between different providers without anyone really listening. I knew there had to be a better way—a place that focused on people, not just volume.
At the same time, I was stretched thin myself, driving all over San Diego doing in-home visits. It was rewarding work, but honestly, I was burning out and missing out on time with my family. I kept feeling like the system wasn’t letting me practice the way I believed was best—for my patients and for myself.
So my husband and I decided to take a chance and open My Physio for Life. We poured everything into creating a clinic that breaks the usual mold: personalized, one-on-one care delivered exclusively by Doctors of Physical Therapy, in a place where therapists feel truly fulfilled by their work and patients are inspired to take charge of their own wellness. It’s all about real connection and lasting results.
Our goal has always been clear: help people stay active, avoid surgery if possible, and really own their health. We’ve grown slowly and thoughtfully—bringing in passionate therapists, adding new services, and staying deeply connected to the community. Every choice we make circles back to one thing—what’s best for the people we serve?
Running a small clinic hasn’t been easy, especially with all the insurance headaches and the challenges of independent healthcare. But sticking to our values has made all the difference. We’ve built something we’re proud of—a place where care is personal, results matter, and people come first.
Whether someone needs rehab from an injury, help managing chronic pain, or just wants to stay strong and mobile as they get older—we make aging fun, and we’re here to support them every step of the way. That’s what My Physio for Life is all about.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but it’s been a meaningful one.
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing high-quality care with the realities of the healthcare system. We’re committed to hour-long, one-on-one sessions, using advanced tools and a low-volume model that actually puts patients first. But insurance often rewards the opposite—quick visits, high volume, less time with each person.
That’s one of the reasons we’ve leaned into a cash-based hybrid model. It’s the only way to deliver the kind of care we believe in—thoughtful, individualized, and relationship-driven. At the same time, we still accept some insurance plans to help those who need flexible payment options but still want access to the best care possible. We are also a Community Care provider for our Veterans. Helping people understand the value of investing in their health—especially with the pressure of an ever-inflating economy—hasn’t always been easy. It takes education, trust, and a shift in mindset away from reactive care to proactive wellness.
Hiring has also been tough. We’re not just looking for licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy—we’re looking for people who genuinely care and are experts in this field. People who embrace our personalized, hands-on approach—taking the time to truly understand each patient’s unique needs and treat them as partners in their healing journey.
Being a small team adds its own challenges, too. We had two staff members go on parental leave (at different times), and while we were proud to support them, their absences meant we had to stretch and adapt quickly to maintain the continuity and quality of care we’re known for.
It’s been a learning curve, but these challenges have shaped us. They’ve made us stronger, more intentional, and more committed than ever to creating a space where people feel seen, cared for, and empowered in their health journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about My Physio for Life?
My Physio for Life is a boutique physical therapy and wellness clinic in Oceanside, CA, built around one simple belief: people deserve better care. We specialize in high-quality, one-on-one treatment sessions delivered exclusively by Doctors of Physical Therapy—no aides, and no rushed visits.
We’re known for combining expert clinical care with cutting-edge technology in a calming, personalized setting. Our services include Class IV laser therapy (near-infrared light therapy), Focused shockwave, AI-powered spinal mobilization, Mechanical Traction (spinal decompression), Blood-Flow Restriction Training, Negative-Pressure Decompression Therapy (Cupping), Neuromuscular Re-Education with Electrical Stimulation, Digital Muscle Testing, Reformed Pilates, Specialized Myofascial Release and Functional Weight Training—all aimed at reducing pain, improving performance, and restoring long-term function.
What really sets us apart is our people-first approach. We don’t just treat symptoms—we treat the whole person. Our therapists listen carefully, educate patients on their conditions, and build relationships that last. We see patients quickly, often within 48 hours, follow up personally, and guide each individual through a customized plan so they can get back to doing what they love.
We also meet people exactly where they are, whether they’re coming off surgery, managing chronic pain, training for a sport, or just wanting to move without discomfort. No two patients are the same, so their care plans aren’t either.
Education plays a big role in our work. We make sure patients understand not just what we’re doing, but why. That knowledge gives them confidence and helps them stay active participants in their own recovery. It’s this kind of empowerment that leads to lasting results.
We’re always evolving, too. We stay up to date with the latest research, try new tools, and aren’t afraid to challenge traditional methods if it means better outcomes for our patients.
Beyond the clinic, we’re deeply rooted in the community—sponsoring local pickleball tournaments, leading wellness workshops, and partnering with events that make movement and recovery accessible for everyone.
Brand-wise, we’re proud that many patients consider our clinic a “third space”—a welcoming place between home and work where they can focus on themselves, feel cared for, and leave better than when they arrived.
If there’s one thing we want readers to take away, it’s this: healing doesn’t have to be rushed, impersonal, or frustrating. We’ve reimagined physical therapy at My Physio for Life, and we’re just getting started.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to trust your instincts, stay true to your core values, and be ready to put your ego aside when things don’t go as expected.
Not every plan works out right away—and that’s okay. Every challenge has taught us something important, whether it’s about leadership, timing, or letting go of what no longer fits with our mission. It’s been humbling, but also really eye-opening.
What I’ve come to realize is that people notice when a business is built with genuine care and purpose. When that happens, word spreads naturally. Patients come back, our therapists feel supported and motivated, and the work feels meaningful—even during the tough moments. That sense of deeper purpose is what keeps us going and why we keep showing up every day.
Thank you for giving me the chance to share My Physio for Life’s story. If anyone reading this is struggling with pain, recovering from injury, or just wanting to move better and feel stronger, I encourage you to reach out. We’re here to listen, guide, and support you on your journey to better health—on your terms. Healing is possible, and sometimes the right care makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.MPLPT.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myphysioforlife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myphysioforlife/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-physio-for-life-physical-therapy-oceanside
