Meet Dr Timothy Esguerra | Sports Chiropractor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr Timothy Esguerra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr Timothy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It really started with something I kept noticing in the rehab and fitness world. Athletes would finish physical therapy, but there was no clear plan to help them return to peak performance. With a background in kinesiology and over a decade of experience as a strength coach, I knew there had to be a more effective way to guide people from injury recovery to long-term resilience.

During my undergraduate studies at Cal State LA, I had the opportunity to work in a mobility center for patients with spinal cord injuries. That experience opened my eyes to how powerful and transformative movement can be, even in the most challenging circumstances. It shaped my belief that movement is medicine, and I knew I wanted to bring that mindset into a more athletic, performance-driven space.

Meeting my mentor, a sports chiropractor and athletic trainer, was a pivotal moment. He showed me that chiropractic care could go far beyond the typical crack and go model. That experience helped shift my perspective from passive treatment to active care. Care that helps people not only feel better but move better and perform at a higher level.

Opening my own chiropractic clinics in Pasadena and Hollywood made perfect sense. These are environments where rehab, strength training, and athletic performance naturally intersect. I wanted to provide elite care not only to professional athletes but also to weekend warriors who are looking to improve their lives through fitness and performance-focused care. From day one, my mission has been to empower people to take control of their health, move with purpose, train with confidence, and build lasting strength. At the end of the day, it is not just about getting out of pain. It is about helping people stay strong, injury-resistant, and ready for whatever life throws their way.

What should our readers know about your business?
Business-wise, I always knew I wanted to be a practice owner. But getting here wasn’t easy. What kept me grounded through the board exams, long nights, and the growing pains of building a clinic from the ground up was the unwavering support of my wife and daughter. They believed in the vision even when the path ahead wasn’t clear. Their trust gave me the strength to keep pushing forward, even when it felt impossible.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency beats intensity. Success doesn’t come from showing up once in a while with big energy—it comes from building systems and habits that you can rely on daily. There’s a quote that resonates deeply with me: “We don’t rise to the occasion, we fall to the level of our systems.” That applies just as much to patient care as it does to running a business.

What sets us apart at our clinics in Pasadena and Hollywood is how intentional we are with every patient interaction. We don’t rely on buzzwords or flashy techniques. Instead, we focus on making people feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. We prioritize long-term solutions over quick fixes, and we empower our patients with the tools to take control of their own health. At the end of the day, patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

My journey hasn’t been linear. It’s been filled with challenges, mentorship, reflection, and growth. But every step has brought me closer to the community I’ve always wanted to build—one that brings out the best in each other. What I want the world to know is this: our brand is not just about pain relief. It’s about helping people move better, train smarter, and live stronger. We’re here to build resilience, not just recover from injuries. That’s the heart of everything we do.

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 friends were visiting for a week, we’d dive right into the SoCal lifestyle with a perfect mix of golf, good food, ocean views, and live music. Most of my crew loves to golf, so we’d start the trip with an early tee time. We might head out to Palm Desert for that iconic desert course experience or play at Oak Quarry or The Ranch at Laguna Beach for incredible scenery and ocean air.

A few days would definitely be beach days. We’d post up somewhere along the coast, grill, relax, and just recharge. Nothing beats that combo of sun, food, and no schedule. That is the sweet spot.

For nights out, I’d take them into LA for some live music. We’re into more soulful, chill vibes, so The Spare Room at the Roosevelt Hotel is always a favorite. They have DJs spinning afrobeats, R&B, and smooth hip hop. It is the kind of place where the music sets the tone without overwhelming the night.

When it comes to food, Pasadena always holds it down. One of our go-to spots is Fishwives in Old Town. My wife, daughter, and I love it for its consistently fresh seafood and welcoming vibe. It is a spot that feels both elevated and laid-back, which is exactly the kind of energy we would want to share.

Whether we are on the golf course, chilling by the beach, or catching a vibe in the city, it is all about quality time. Good people, good energy, and a reminder of why Southern California is such a special place to call home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. I wouldn’t be where I am without some incredible mentors, influences, and most importantly, the support of my family. First and foremost, I want to thank my family for helping me navigate through life with unwavering love and guidance. My wife and daughter have been my constant source of strength, supporting me through every challenge from undergrad all the way through my doctorate program. Their belief in me, even during the toughest times, has meant everything.

Professionally, I owe a huge shoutout to Drs. Adrian and Christine Pujayana at Family Chiropractic Center in South Pasadena. They set the tone for what patient-first care truly looks like and helped shape how I approach treatment, movement, and long-term healing.

On the performance side, working with Jamal Liggin from JLT in Hollywood was a major turning point. Watching how he trains and leads professional athletes showed me what it means to operate at the highest level and pushed me to raise my own standards in both coaching and business.

I also have deep gratitude for my kinesiology professors at CSULA. Dr. Stefan Keslacy and the late Dr. Ray de Leon gave me more than just lectures. They gave me access to opportunities. From collecting data for grad students to presenting research at ACSM Southwest as an undergrad, they taught me how to show up, stay curious, and create my own lane.

Website: https://www.esguerrachiropractic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esguerrachiropractic/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-esguerra-dc-043914275

Other: Google Business Page:

https://g.co/kgs/vHW9BYx

Image Credits
@shooters.unlimited.photography

@khanklips