Ivan Arriaga

Ivan Arriaga is a physical therapist who specializes in caring for patients with athletic injuries and spinal conditions, as well as patients recovering from surgery. His approach, which emphasizes whole-body health, combines traditional rehabilitation with new techniques, such as blood flow restriction (BFR) training (which builds strength using lower weights) and telehealth (using electronic communications to provide care), to enhance access and outcomes. He has advanced training in movement analysis, neurodynamics (communication between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems), myofascial decompression (also called cupping), and a movement-based diagnostic and treatment method known as mechanical diagnosis and therapy. He has worked in integrative health settings – experience that informs his holistic treatment philosophy.

Arriaga's research focuses on telehealth-based care and other methods of improving access to modern rehabilitation strategies, particularly BFR training. He oversees a UCSF program that loans out BFR equipment, allowing patients to safely practice this technique at home, and has published and presented on its applications for the orthopedics and neurology departments.

Arriaga earned a bachelor's degree in physiology and neuroscience as well as a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his doctor of physical therapy degree through UCSF's joint program with San Francisco State University. He is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist.