Services
Dance Physical Therapy
Dance physical therapy requires a specialized understanding that goes beyond traditional orthopedic medicine. At On2 Physical Therapy, we recognize the unique physical demands of dance—from intricate isolations to rapid weight shifts and partner work. Our expertise addresses the distinct challenges faced by dancers at every level, whether you're enjoying social dancing or preparing for performance.
Dance Styles We Treat
My background spans Latin and contemporary dance styles, giving me unique insight into the specific challenges and injury patterns of each discipline
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Latin dance blends fluid movement and intricate connections with power and precision. From rapid directional changes to partner work, I understand the technical demands and movement patterns unique to Latin dance styles. My specialized knowledge helps identify and address the specific challenges that can affect your performance.
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From the grace and precision of ballet to the fluid expressions of contemporary and modern dance, I work with performers to maintain optimal body mechanics while preserving artistic freedom. These disciplines demand exceptional control, flexibility, and strength – all while making it look effortless.
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Dancing isn't just about isolated movements; it's about how your entire body works together to create art. As your physical therapist, I focus on identifying and treating the root cause of movement limitations while considering your entire body's role in performance.
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As a cash-pay clinic, we provide extended one-on-one sessions focused entirely on your needs, combining hands-on techniques with dance-specific movement analysis and targeted exercise programming. Our approach ensures that every aspect of your treatment directly translates to improved performance on the dance floor.
Conditions
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Persistent lower back pain from prolonged sitting or exercise
Upper back and neck tension from desk work
Disc-related issues affecting daily activities
Sciatica and radiating pain
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Runner's knee and IT band syndrome
Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff problems
Tennis/golfer's elbow
Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis
Post-workout muscle strains and injuries
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Forward head posture complications
Hip impingement and anterior hip pinching
Muscle imbalances affecting performance
Joint stiffness and restricted mobility
Balance and coordination issues
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Injury prevention for your chosen activities
Return-to-activity programming
Chronic pain management
Movement pattern retraining
What Clients are Saying
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I have never had someone so quickly and skillfully pinpoint the causes of pain/discomfort and address them in a single *virtual* session. Additionally, as an avid Latin dancer, the issues that crop up are usually multifaceted, and yet each time a new pain has arisen, Rebecca has fixed it in one session.
- Jacqui P.
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I am a salsa dancer and ended up with right shoulder impingement from dancing. I tried conventional in-person PT and only felt worse. I decided to sign up for virtual PT with Rebecca. After a quick 10-minute assessment she gave me one exercise to try, and after doing it I immediately was able to do a previously very painful movement without pain! Rebecca is amazing.
-Lucy R.
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Rebecca is the best PT I have ever worked with! I sought out physical therapy after experiencing some weakness & pain in my knee from dancing. After one session with her, I was already feeling better. She gave exercises which helped tremendously.
- Christine N.
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The first time I asked for Rebecca’s help, I wasn’t able to move my right arm from the shoulder. While checking on me, she managed to free up my arm in less than 10min. I literally asked her if it was magic! She explained that it’s science. Since then she is the person I call when something feels off or in pain.
- Kalli S.
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Rebecca is amazing ! I first met her at the New-York Salsa Congress, and she helped me getting better and stronger with my lower body. Since the congress, I saw incredible results in my dancing, more powerful, more energy and no more pain!
Nadege A.
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Working with Rebecca has been a game changing event in my experience with PT. I was one of the last dancers who danced for Merce Cunningham. I have so many body issues that Rebecca addressed. Her eye for detail and ability to show you how to do these exercises is really incredible. 10 out of 10 would recommend for anybody!
- Brandon C.
The Process
Comprehensive History Taking
During your first visit, we'll discuss your complete injury history, from recent issues to past traumas. Even injuries that seem unrelated to your current concern can provide valuable insights into movement patterns and compensations.
Movement Assessment
Through observation of full-body movements, we identify areas of pain, restricted range of motion, and muscular compensation patterns. This holistic evaluation reveals how different parts of your body work together - or where they may be working against each other.
Exercise Prescription
To reinforce the hands-on treatment, you'll receive specific exercises designed to maintain and build upon your progress. These exercises are carefully selected to support your body's return to optimal function and prevent future issues.
Targeted Treatment
Using foundational neuromuscular physiological and biomechanics principles, we assess and treat individual muscles to optimize their function. This precise approach helps restore proper movement patterns and reduce compensatory stress on your body.
Our Clients
Dr. Rebecca Pizarro
Returning Dancers to Their Passion.
Dr. Rebecca Pizarro understands dancers' bodies from both perspectives - as a lifelong dancer and as a physical therapist. When her own dance injuries couldn't be properly addressed by traditional PT, she became determined to bridge this gap. Her background in structural engineering provides unique insight into dance biomechanics across various styles. At On2 Physical Therapy, she helps dancers address specific movement challenges and prevent injuries while enhancing performance and promoting career longevity.