Caitlin Casella
PT, DPT (she/her)
Hi, I'm Caitlin
I help embodied movers get stronger and play longer.
I operate from an antifragile stance. One that views the human body as adaptable and resilient.
My goal is to provide you with education and tools for self-treatment. You learn how to support yourself long-term for comfort and longevity in the activities that light up life.
WHAT BROUGHT ME HERE
After a 14 year career teaching yoga and mentoring yoga teachers, I transitioned into other systems of holistic movement, somatics, strength and conditioning. Through this evolution, I experienced firsthand how beneficial strength training and cardio conditioning can be—not only on a physical level—but mentally, for emotional stability, pain management, and a confidence boost that extends beyond physical endeavors.
When I made the decision to go to school for Physical Therapy, I knew one day I'd start my own practice. I also knew I didn't want to spend all my time on PT treatment alone. At Practice Human, I teach group classes and lead small group training sessions that bridge the gap between PT rehab and ushering people fully and safely back to more robust physical activity. I'm excited to bring together a diverse group of therapists, teachers, trainers, and coaches to work alongside me and SUPPORT YOU through a continuum of care.
WHO I WORK WITH
I have a passion for working with people who have a background in movement and athleticism, are dedicated to the pursuit of sustainable fitness and aging well, and who suffer from persistent pain. I focus treatment heavily on education, addressing the multidimensional nature of pain, plus movement and exercise that you can do independently to manage symptoms long term.
My background in embodied practices like yoga and Feldenkrais somatics has given me tools for calming down sensitivity and building up confidence with movement.
Once symptoms have decreased and you’ve restored prior pain-free mobility options, we’ll implement a more robust strength and conditioning program to build a reserve beyond what's necessary to meet daily activity demands. So you'll mitigate the risk of flare-ups with whatever life throws your way.
HOW TO WORK WITH ME
If you’re an embodied mover with a goal to be stronger and more durable with robust activity, my treatment approach is for you.
If you have a painful condition in any body region that’s been bothering you for a while, or if you’ve tried and been dissatisfied with other courses of physical therapy, I’m available for a free 15 minute discovery call to discuss your goals and answer your questions.
"Thank you for the fantastic series! I had so much fun doing these elemental moves—it reminded me of how easily and naturally I used to move as a kid, and how much fun it is to explore the body in space. Thank you also for the reminder to observe how something feels rather than judge it." — RENATE G.
"Caitlin's teaching is informed and enriched by her in-depth studies of human movement. So she's able to meet the needs of a wide variety of practitioners and keep things fresh and interesting."— JENNIE C.
"Have been working with Caitlin since September 2021. She has been instrumental in helping me get back to prime physical condition for the first time in years. She provides expert hands on adjustments and exercises to alleviate pain and strengthen muscles. Just hurt my lower back again playing volleyball and immediately am scheduling an appointment with her to help get back on track." — SHAUN C.
CREDENTIALS & ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS
◦ Doctor of Physical Therapy, Hunter College NYC
◦ Certified Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500)
◦ Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
◦ Running Mechanics Professional, Levels 1 and 2 with Derek Hansen
◦ Institute of Physical Arts: Functional Mobilization 1, FM Lower Extremity, Taming Pain
◦ Ongoing education in pain science, especially as it relates to chronic low back pain
◦ Extensive experience with Feldenkrais somatics, meditation, restorative yoga, self-massage, and conscious relaxation
◦ Hardstyle kettlebell training with StrongFirst coaches
"I'm loving your strength and somatics classes and am so grateful that you're teaching them. Whenever I've visited a good physical therapist, I've always thought how great it would be if they taught weekly classes about how to move safely, efficiently and with intelligence. Not only are you doing that, you also make it fun! I particularly like it when you giggle at your own jokes." — COLLEEN M.
"Caitlin challenges you to work clearly and with stability, helping you to strengthen your joints. Her classes have helped me feel more capable as I go through my day. I love that she offers a variety of household objects as props. It makes movement accessible to everyone. It also changes my relationship to movement. Using familiar objects makes me realize how I can incorporate more movement into my everyday life."— REBECCA S.
"I can't speak highly enough of Dr. Casella. After my first session with her, I felt immediate relief from the pain in my ankle and was suddenly able to walk without a limp. Since then, all of my sessions with Dr. Casella have been similarly relieving, effective, and informative. She has a really excellent bedside manner- both friendly and extremely professional. I count myself very lucky to have her as my PT." — MICHELE L.
CONDITIONS I TREAT
I treat most musculoskeletal conditions. The list below is not exhaustive. If you have questions about your condition I’m happy to discuss. Please CLICK HERE to schedule a free 15 minute discovery call.
SPINE
- Low Back Pain
- Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
- Athletes with Acute and Persistent Low Back Pain
- Lumbar Radiculopathy and Lumbar Radicular Pain
- Disk Herniations
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Discectomy
- Laminectomy
- Spinal Fusion
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Facet Joint Arthropathy
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Sciatica
- Neck Pain
- Cervical Radiculopathy and Cervical Radicular Pain
- Whiplash Injury
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
- Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA)
UPPER EXTREMITY
- Shoulder Pain
- Subacromial Pain Syndrome (Shoulder Impingement)
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Shoulder Instability or Dislocation
- Shoulder Labral Tear (SLAP Tear)
- Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation
- Frozen Shoulder
- Biceps Tendonitis
- Elbow Tendonitis (Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow)
- Wrist Pain
- Wrist Sprain
- Wrist Fracture Rehabilitation
LOWER EXTREMITY
- Hip Pain
- Hip Osteoarthritis
- Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
- Hip Labral Tears
- Hip Surgery Rehabilitation
- Gluteal Tendinopathy
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Knee Pain
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
- Patellar Tendinopathy
- ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Sprain or Surgery
- Meniscus Injury
- Meniscus Surgery
- Knee Surgery Rehabilitation
- Joint Replacement Rehabilitation
- Running Injuries
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) / Shin Splints
- Ankle Pain
- Ankle Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Ankle Sprain
- Ankle Fracture Rehabilitation
- Foot Pain
- Foot Sprain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Gait and Balance
