Meet Mike Caringal | Doctor of Physical Therapy & DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Caringal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I was talking to my therapist recently and told her how I always feel like I have to stay busy. If I ever get free time, I find something to fill it with. She pointed out that it comes from how I’ve always tied accomplishment to staying busy and productive. But lately, that’s shifted.

I’ve learned that balance isn’t about splitting time perfectly — it’s about being present in whatever role I’m in. Juggling life as a business owner, physical therapist, DJ, and partner has taught me to protect my time and energy. Some seasons lean more toward work, while others toward family or relationships. I’ve also learned to be okay with taking time to disconnect and spend time on things that don’t require me to think at all.

At the end of the day, if it’s important to me, I’ll make time for it.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started Primetime Physical Therapy & Performance so I could practice as a physical therapist on my own terms. Since I’m out-of-network, clients can work with me directly without being restricted by insurance limitations or needing MD referrals. That freedom allows me to focus fully on what matters most: helping people get back to doing what they love, faster.

I launched my practice in January 2025, so I’m still early in my business journey, but I’m proud of taking the leap and betting on myself. It hasn’t been easy, but connecting with other like-minded clinicians and entrepreneurs has made a huge difference. Being able to share ideas, whether it’s about complex client cases or navigating the business side, has helped me grow and stay grounded.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that everyone’s path as a business owner is different. There’s no single formula. You just have to keep learning, adapting, and creating your own lane.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that Primetime Physical Therapy & Performance was never built to be average. My journey from dancer to DJ to Doctor of Physical Therapy has taught me to stay creative, think differently, and move without limits. Through my practice, I’m redefining what 1-on-1 care looks like: empowering people to break boundaries, move better, and perform for life. It’s all about staying unrestricted and unapologetically authentic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to give them a true taste of LA the way I know it. We’d kick things off with a breakfast burrito tour around the city, stopping at a few local favorites to find the best one. Lunches and late night bites would be all about hole-in-the-wall taco trucks and KBBQ spots, and we’d also make it a mission to hunt down the city’s best smash burger before the trip ends.

During the days, we’d hop between coffee and matcha shops, catching a mix of vibes, from chill neighborhood cafés to trendy pop-ups. We’d spend an afternoon thrifting and visiting Historic Filipinotown, something that brings back childhood memories spent with my mom.

At night, we’d try to catch a Soulection Radio show somewhere in LA. Nothing beats that mix of energy, music, and community. And between all the food and music, we’d sneak in a workout class or hit a scenic driving range for a quick reset. It’d be a week built around good food, good music, and good movement… everything that keeps life balanced.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my life, I’ve had the pleasure of learning from so many people who’ve helped shape the different chapters of who I am today. I want to give a special shoutout to those who’ve guided, inspired, and supported me along the way:

LIFE: My mom (Jennifer), my grandfather (Lino Sr.), my siblings (Monica, Melissa, Mark, & Myron), and my partner (Aika).

DANCE: My first directors — Ricky Cole (Valencia HS All-Male Hip-Hop), Carl Diaz (Underground Dance Team), & Tracie Ninh (Underground Dance Team).

DJ: My Academy of DJs mentors — DHO, Kenjamin, & SoSoJeff.

PHYSICAL THERAPY & TRAINING: My mentors — Dr. Andy Fata-Chan (Moment Education, Go Getters Coaching) & Hunter Crine (Kettlebell Coach University).

Website: https://primetimeptp.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikecheckk

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mikecheckk

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/primetime-physical-therapy-and-performance-la-mirada-12

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@primetime-ptp

Other: https://instagram.com/primetime.ptp

Image Credits
Rob Banaga, Bryan Miraflor