Dr. Nicolas Escobar

I was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, where my love for sports and exercise first began. I competed in football and track during high school, and like many athletes, I experienced injuries ranging from low back pain to ankle and knee issues. Those experiences sparked my interest in the world of physical therapy and inspired me to help others overcome similar challenges. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy from San Diego State University, followed by my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Loma Linda University. Through this journey, I developed a passion for combining evidence-based care with a personalized, patient-centered approach.

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I bring diverse clinical experience across multiple settings, with a strong foundation in outpatient orthopedics. During my training, I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients, from those recovering from total knee and hip replacements, low back pain, balance challenges, and neurological conditions, to athletes rehabilitating from complex injuries such as ACL tears and meniscal repairs. These experiences helped me develop a well-rounded skill set and a passion for guiding patients of all backgrounds back to the activities they love.

Core Values: At the core of my life and career is a dedication to serving others. I believe in approaching every challenge with hard work, determination, and the mindset that giving your best effort matters in everything you do. I view setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities to learn, grow, and ultimately move closer to success. Honesty and kindness are values I strive to uphold in every interaction, and I believe they are essential in building trust and meaningful relationships with patients. These values guide me not only as a physical therapist, but also as a man.

Quote

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
– Michael Jordan

As a physical therapist at Citrus Valley, I provide care for a wide range of orthopedic conditions. My training has prepared me to work with patients recovering from surgeries, as well as those managing common issues like low back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain. While I enjoy treating all types of orthopedic concerns, my focus is always on tailoring care to each individual so they can return to their daily activities stronger and with greater confidence.

One of the greatest challenges patients face is living with pain or injury that limits their ability to do the things they love. I know firsthand how discouraging and overwhelming that can feel. My mission is to help patients overcome those challenges using evidence-based exercise and movement strategies that restore function and reduce pain. At the same time, I aim to share my passion for exercise in a way that motivates patients to see movement not just as part of rehab, but as a lifelong tool for health and enjoyment. By combining compassion with proven approaches, I want to empower patients to regain confidence and return to the activities that give their lives meaning.

I enjoy working with orthopedic patients, whether that means helping someone return to the gym, get back on the field, or simply move through their day without pain. I also value working with patients recovering from neurological conditions, where we focus on building strength, balance, and confidence. Most of all, I enjoy treating motivated patients of any background—whether it’s low back pain, ankle pain, or post-surgical recovery—and helping them make meaningful progress toward their goals.

I love working at Citrus Valley because of the strong sense of community among both the staff and patients. The friendly, collaborative atmosphere makes it a place where everyone supports each other, and I appreciate how the team is dedicated to helping one another grow into better therapists. It’s an environment that not only benefits us as clinicians, but also creates the best possible experience for our patients.

Favorites:

• The Batman (2022)
• Breaking Bad
• Avengers: Endgame

Outside of work, I enjoy training in the gym, particularly through a blend of powerlifting and bodybuilding—powerbuilding! Fitness is an important outlet for me, allowing me to stay healthy while continually pushing myself to be the best version of myself. I also love spending time with my lovely wife, Erynn, and our puppy, Laney, whether that means going on adventures to the beach, exploring the mountains, or simply enjoying our community here in Redlands!