Many of the concepts practiced in physical therapy benefit the person in pain.  Specifically, postural alignment, good form with movement (motor control), mobility/flexibility, strength and endurance; are all important physical aspects of keeping the body healthy. 

Dr. Stephanie has taught these concepts to patients and students for over 35 years and is able to effectively and simply communicate even the most complicated concepts with ease.

For years, Dr. Stephanie knew that something was missing.  Though her patients got better from traditional physical therapy, those same patients still had pain.  What Dr. Stephanie knew was that “insurance-based” physical therapy did not provide enough time to fully recover from injury or restore the nervous system back to pain-free messaging.  Yoga provided the missing piece to complete the healing process and provide long-lasting relief.

Within Safe and Strong, we'll use yoga to build a sense of feeling within the body necessary to keep you safe.

Classes start June 3 and run through August 28 with a break the week of July 14th.

Muscle strength changes take at least 8 weeks (and longer as you age). Research for older women with bone impairment is at least 12 weeks and in some cases 9 months to see change.

Joint stiffness and muscle tightness can improve with slow consistent effort over 12 weeks

Neurological changes to restore nourishing control of movements may take up to 4 months.

Change takes time!

•       35+ years as a Physical Therapist specializing in the treatment of people with orthopaedic (muscle, joint and spine) conditions.
•       Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy since 2005
•       PhD in Education which makes her think deeply about how to best teach and how you best learn
•       College Professor for 20+ years where she taught physical therapy students how to assess and treat common orthoepaedic conditions
•       Physical Therapy published Researcher and still loves to dive into the current research about WHAT WORKS!
•       15+ years teaching yoga and many more years before that practicing yoga
• Woman in her late 50's living with arthritis and osteopenia...just like you!

The Internet and an internet enabled device: Computer, phone, ipad or other notebook. We meet on Zoom!

Join Dr. Stephanie every Tuesday  and Thursday at 9am EST on Zoom. If you cannot attend live, the link to access the recording is sent out the same day.

 Tuesday and Thursday after class at 10am, EST Dr. Stephanie answers questions and leads discussion.

Dr. Stephanie will expand on questions and concepts in a weekly email. She's all about education!

If you have a recent injury, like within the last 4 weeks, you may not want to join Safe and Strong. 

I suggest that you seek treatment from a physical therapist to get one-on-one care targeted for your condition.

However, if your injury or herniated disc is older than 12 weeks...YOU are ready to move and build a strong spine!  In this program you will learn about the healing process and how to manage movement after injury or pain flare-up.

Our joints and spines were meant to move.  Injury and the usual wear and tear may limit how much you are able to move, however, you should not be afraid to move.  Research supports strength training for osteoarthritis.

In the classes you will learn what is normal movement for joints.  Dr. Stephanie will guide you to explore your joint movement.  She will also encourage and show you how to safely challenge the limits of your movement and strength. 

If you have fused or limited joints because of previous surgery, Dr. Stephanie provides education on how to perform the activities to make all of the classes accessible.  That's the advantage of having a Physical Therapist available to teach movement-based classes.

Absolutely!  The research shows that pre-habilitation offers beneficial outcomes for surgery.   This means that you should be as strong and flexible before surgery for the best possible results.

Also, I have had clients put off surgery because they were feeling better.  And some even put off surgery again, and again.  Even if you do eventually need surgery, you will be stronger and have a better recovery afterward.  You will also have a program to return to when you are able.

It's never too late to begin a strength training program!

This program is designed to gently progress your ability to add resistance training to your regular routine. You can start with your own body weight, add resistance bands or dumbbells when you're ready, and progress as it feels safe and easier.

All movements can be modified to meet your needs. If you're feeling hesitant or unsure, schedule a 1:1 consult with Dr. Stephanie and she'll show you where to start.

People with chronic and persistent pain may have an increase of pain with a new activity. This is brain’s response to the unknown, i.e. fear.  The goal is to NOT panic and realize that this is a reaction from the brain (top-down) and not from the tissue (bottom-up).

If you are listening to your body as guided during training, you are less likely to injure yourself.

That's why this program focuses on SAFETY first. You never need to push yourself beyond what you think you are capable of doing.

Dr. Stephanie is always available to answer your questions and calm your fears.