Gentle chiropractor & physical therapist · Santa Barbara
Dr. Kate Rynders, DC, PT is trained as both a chiropractor and a physical therapist. Calm, unhurried, hands-on care, including gentle chiropractic adjustments, for a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal concerns from head to toe: neck, shoulder and back pain, headaches, sports injuries, and hip, knee, foot and ankle issues.
New patient? Please call first. Dr. Kate likes to talk with you briefly before your first visit.
DC + PT two trainings, one practitioner
5.0 on Google
Two specialties, one person
Most people see a chiropractor in one office and a physical therapist in another. Dr. Kate trained as a physical therapist first, then earned her Doctor of Chiropractic, so you get both perspectives in the same appointment, from someone who already knows your history.
Assessment, gentle hands-on treatment and movement guidance, all from the same person.
A holistic, hands-on approach: a physical therapist's assessment helps Dr. Kate see how your neck, shoulders and back work together, and how structure relates to function. Rather than focusing only on symptom relief, she looks for root causes and aims for longer-lasting relief.
Chiropractic and physical therapy in one appointment means fewer trips, fewer forms and less retelling your story.
Patient-centered care: the same practitioner does your assessment, treatment and follow-up, so your care builds from visit to visit around your needs and goals.
Adjustments are done gently and explained first, and light hands-on techniques are always an option if you'd rather not be adjusted.
Every person is different, and results vary. Some patients notice a difference after their first visit; for others, change is more gradual. Dr. Kate will talk with you about what's realistic for you.
Conditions we help with
Dr. Kate cares for a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal (muscle, joint and nerve) concerns, from headaches to foot and ankle issues, including sports injuries. Neck, shoulder and back pain and stiffness are the most common reasons people come in, and she sees people of all ages, from infants to seniors, including during pregnancy. Whether it's new or has been around for a while, gentle hands-on care combined with movement work may help you feel and move more comfortably.
Tension-type headaches, including ones that seem to start in the neck and shoulders.
Trouble turning your head, tight or achy neck muscles.
Shoulders that feel tight, sore or limited when you reach.
Tightness between the shoulder blades and through the upper back.
Aches or stiffness when you bend, sit, stand or get up.
Hips or knees that ache or feel stiff when you walk, climb stairs or squat.
Sore feet, stiff ankles or discomfort when you stand, walk or run.
Strains, sprains and overuse aches from running, training or weekend sports.
Stiffness from long hours at a desk, on a phone or behind the wheel.
Who Dr. Kate sees
From infants to seniors, care is adapted to each person: their age, their stage of life and what feels comfortable.
Experience caring for pregnant patients, with gentle care that may help with back and pelvic discomfort. Certified in the Webster Technique through the ICPA.
Very gentle, light-touch care adapted to each child's age and size. Please call first to talk it through.
Hands-on care and movement work at a pace that suits you, whatever your age or activity level.
Not sure if your concern is a good fit? Call (805) 705-2434 and ask. If something needs a different kind of care, Dr. Kate will tell you.
Your first visit
Your initial evaluation takes about 75 minutes ($300). There's no rush. Dr. Kate explains what she's doing as she goes, and you're welcome to ask questions anytime.
New patients start with a quick call to (805) 705-2434 so Dr. Kate can hear what's going on and find a time.
She listens to your history, what bothers you day to day, and what you'd like to get back to.
A physical therapist's look at how you move, sit and stand, and where you're holding tension.
Your first treatment may include gentle chiropractic adjustments and craniosacral releases, always explained before she begins.
Simple movements to try at home, and a suggested plan for follow-up visits that you decide on together.
Services & prices
Every visit can include chiropractic and physical therapy, depending on what you need that day. Cash-pay only; payment is due at your visit.
New patients
$300
About 75 minutes
History, assessment and your first treatment.
Follow-up
$125
30 minutes
Follow-up treatment for existing patients.
Follow-up
$250
60 minutes
A longer follow-up when there's more to work on.
Cash-pay only. Dr. Kate doesn't bill insurance or provide superbills, and payment is due at the time of your visit.
About Dr. Kate
Dr. Kate holds two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Chiropractic. Few practitioners are trained in both, so you get both kinds of care in one visit, from one person.
She began her career as a physical therapist, earning her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Vermont. She went on to earn her Doctor of Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences.
She brings over 30 years of hands-on experience, first as a physical therapist and, since 2004, as a chiropractor. Her style blends the two fields: gentle chiropractic adjustments and techniques, including craniosacral releases, alongside the hands-on assessment and movement work of physical therapy.
Her care is patient-centered and holistic. She's thoughtful about how the body's structure relates to how it functions, and rather than focusing only on symptom relief, she looks for root causes and aims for longer-lasting relief. Some patients notice a difference after their first visit; everyone is different, and she'll talk with you about what's realistic for you.
Dr. Kate sees patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and has experience caring for pregnant patients. She is certified in the Webster Technique through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). She values continued learning and keeps expanding her clinical knowledge and skills so she can give her patients the best care she can.
Reviews
5 out of 5 stars
“In January I had back pain so bad it kept me in bed for two months, and for three months I couldn't walk. Dr. Kate is the one who got me back on my feet. Because she's both a chiropractor and a physical therapist, she used both approaches together: gentle hands-on treatment to calm the pain, then exercises to rebuild my strength step by step. She was patient, explained everything, and never rushed me. I'm walking normally again and so grateful. If you're dealing with serious back pain, I can't recommend her enough.”
“Combining chiropractic techniques with physical therapy, the blend is a treatment that is gentle, targeted, and very effective. … her knowledge of human anatomy is impressive, her intuition apparent, and her demeanor super-pleasant. I would give her 6 stars if I could!”
“I have been seeing Dr. Kate Rynders regularly for over 9 years. She keeps me going! … She was a physical therapist first and that is what makes her treatments so unique.”
“Dr. Kate saw me right away … I see her regularly for maintenance of other issues as well.”
Excerpts from public Google reviews. Individual results vary.
Booking & policies
Dr. Kate likes to talk with you briefly before your first visit.
Call (805) 705-2434Book your next visit online. A card is required to hold your appointment.
Book online| Monday – Thursday | 9 am – 5 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday – Sunday | Closed |
Extended hours are offered as needed. Just ask.
Cash-pay only, due at the time of your visit. Dr. Kate doesn't bill insurance or provide superbills.
“I reserve the right to charge a $100 cancellation or no show fee if less than 24 hour notice.”
— Dr. Kate. Please give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
New patients call first at (805) 705-2434. Your initial evaluation takes about 75 minutes: Dr. Kate listens to your history and goals, does a hands-on physical therapy assessment of how you move, gives your first gentle treatment, and talks through a plan, including simple movements to try at home. See the steps.
In California you can usually start physical therapy directly with a licensed physical therapist, without a doctor's referral. State law does set some limits; for example, continuing direct physical therapy beyond 45 days or 12 visits requires a physician's or podiatrist's approval of the plan of care. Call (805) 705-2434 and we'll talk through your situation.
Comfortable clothes you can move in easily, so Dr. Kate can see how you move and work hands-on. If you have questions, call (805) 705-2434.
The office is at 924 Anacapa St, Suite 3C, in downtown Santa Barbara, CA 93101. For directions or tips on getting here, call (805) 705-2434. See the map links.
In general, chiropractors focus on the joints of the spine and body and use hands-on techniques to help them move well. Physical therapists focus on how you move as a whole, assessing strength, flexibility and posture, and teaching exercises to help you keep making progress. Dr. Kate is trained as both, so a single visit can draw on both approaches.
With Dr. Kate, you don't have to choose. Visits aren't split into a “PT day” and a “chiropractic day.” Each appointment can combine a physical therapist's assessment and movement work with gentle chiropractic techniques, depending on what you need that day.
It depends on what you need that day. A session may include a look at how you move, sit and stand; gentle hands-on work for tight or restricted areas; guided exercises; and practical tips for posture and everyday movement. Dr. Kate explains what she's doing as she goes.
Often, yes. When it fits, Dr. Kate shows you a few simple movements designed to help you keep your progress between visits. They're kept short and doable, and she checks in on them with you at follow-up visits.
Dr. Kate's style is gentle. She uses gentle chiropractic adjustments along with craniosacral releases and other light, hands-on techniques, and she explains what she's doing before she does it. If you'd rather not be adjusted, just say so. If anything doesn't feel right, tell her and she'll change the approach.
Yes. Dr. Kate sees patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and has experience caring for pregnant patients. She is certified in the Webster Technique through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Care is always gentle and adapted to the person in front of her. If you're pregnant, or calling about a child, please call (805) 705-2434 first so she can hear what's going on.
Treatment is designed to be gentle and comfortable. An area that's already sore may feel tender while it's being worked on, and some people feel a little achy afterward, a bit like after exercise. You're always in charge: tell Dr. Kate if anything is uncomfortable and she'll adjust.
Craniosacral therapy is a very light, hands-on technique. The practitioner uses gentle, sustained touch around the head, neck, back and pelvis to help ease tension in the surrounding tissues. It's designed to be calm and comfortable, and many people find it relaxing.
Yes, Dr. Kate cares for sports injuries as part of a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal concerns, from headaches to foot and ankle issues. Gentle hands-on care combined with movement work may help as you recover. If you're recovering from surgery, please call (805) 705-2434 to ask whether your situation is a good fit. If another kind of care would serve you better, she'll tell you.
It depends on you: what's going on, how long it's been there, and your goals. Dr. Kate will discuss a suggested plan with you at your initial evaluation, and you decide what works for you.
Everyone is different, and results vary. Some patients notice a difference after their first visit; for others, change is more gradual. Rather than focusing only on symptom relief, Dr. Kate looks for the root causes of what's bothering you and aims for longer-lasting relief. She'll talk with you about what's realistic for you.
Back in Balance is a cash-pay practice. Dr. Kate doesn't bill insurance or provide superbills, and payment is due at the time of your visit. Prices are simple and listed upfront: $300 for the initial evaluation (about 75 minutes), $125 for 30 minutes and $250 for 60 minutes.
In Dr. Kate's words: “I reserve the right to charge a $100 cancellation or no show fee if less than 24 hour notice.” Please give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Get in touch
Send a quick note with the days and times that work for you, and Dr. Kate's office will get back to you to confirm. For the fastest reply, call (805) 705-2434.
Please don't include medical details here; we'll go over your history at your visit.
Prefer email? Write to [email protected].
Location
| Monday – Thursday | 9 am – 5 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday – Sunday | Closed |
(805) 705-2434
[email protected]
Please don't send health information by email. Share it with Dr. Kate at your visit.
