From patient to practitioner: Dr. Padilla's story

Dr. Francisco Padilla of Padilla Physical Therapy and Fitness is a doctor of physical therapy who runs his business with his wife, Diana. He established his practice last year, in 2023. He was inspired to enter his profession because he was a patient after an automobile accident that almost cost him his life.

"I was in an accident driving home one day on Sept. 3, 2012. I hit a power pole, and the car caught fire. I burned 80% of my body, had 30 surgeries total and was at the hospital for ten and a half months at the Fresno Burn Unit at Community Regional Medical Center. I was motivated by a physical therapist who helped me, and that got me into this career."

He started his education with an associate degree from Bakersfield College, then a bachelor's from Fresno State, and earned his doctorate in Nashville, Tenn., at South College in Knoxville.

Padilla opened his clinic in Wasco because he thought the community needed quality health care and wanted to provide that service.

"There were no physical therapy clinics in town. When I was growing up, I knew most of the community. It was very difficult for them to commute out of town to Shafter, Delano or Bakersfield, and a lot of time, they would not get therapy or a way to get better, so I decided to open the clinic here."

The Wasco native provides a wide range of services. "We provide physical therapy for people that just need general strength training due to age or injuries. We help people after they have surgeries, whether knee replacements, shoulder operations, carpal tunnel, anything that has to do with post-op."

"We help with any rehabilitation and work with athletes, helping cheer, soccer, football and baseball players, all from Wasco High. We work with a variety of patients, older ones that need balance, who have had a stroke or deal with sciatica pain, anything that has to do with the human body and function."

About his business, he said, "It's a lot of work, but if you're passionate about it, it's all worth it. If I could change one person's life and get them to feel better, I've achieved what I was trying to achieve."

Padilla Physical Therapy and Fitness. 1420 7th St., is open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Call 661-446-4050 to make an appointment. For more information, visit .padillapt.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @padillaphysicaltherapy.