Who we are
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Founder - Physical Therapy, Restorative Pilates, Dance Medicine
Dr. Joseph Conger PT, DPT received his doctorate of physical therapy from Stony Brook University and his BFA in dance performance from Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts. He is a dance medicine specialist who works with performing artists in the NYC area, is the PT for numerous Broadway shows and for the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
A certified pilates instructor, Dr Joe expertly fuses physical therapy with classical and rehabilitative pilates to restore function and improve performance.
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Physical Therapy
Dr. Esther is a proud graduate of Stony Brook University's Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. She holds a BS in biology with a minor in psychology from Seton Hall University. She is also a licensed massage therapist, specializing in Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage.
In her youth Dr. Esther grew up in the world of competitive rhythmic gymnastics. Studying classical ballet alongside her training to perfect her technique, she traveled through the country to compete, attended summer intensive programs and hosted exchange gymnasts from Russia. She finished her competitive career as regional champion and national finalist. After retiring from gymnastics at the young age 14 she transitioned to teaching as a USAGymnastics coach and continued dancing recreationally.
Through teaching and coaching, Dr. Esther realized she wished for a career in which she could directly help performers with their physical recovery from sport and injury. After sitting down to discuss her dreams with her father, internationally celebrated manual therapist Alexei Belfer, she was inspired to pursue her license in massage and bodywork therapy. After years of honing her manual skills in luxury spas, Dr. Esther desired a more challenging field where she could be on the frontline of treatment to her patients and began pursuing a career in physical therapy.
Dr. Esther went back to school to learn the intricacies of the human body from the cellular level and integrating this information into her holistic model of the person. She then entered the PT program at Stony Brook, taking every opportunity to expand her knowledge. It was then that she met Dr. Joe, interning under his tutelage at Silver Spring Wellness and gaining exposure to the wonderful world of performing arts medicine. Dr. Esther is committed to lifelong learning and continues to pursue new techniques and strategies for healing the body.
Dr. Esther works with Broadway's Water for Elephants and with the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Growing up across America, Dana trained in classical ballet. This culminated in the opportunity to perform with The Cleveland Ballet. Transitioning into modern dance, she earned a BFA in Dance with a Minor in Economics from The Ohio State University. She then followed her dream to move to New York, where she performed and toured with SOULOWORKS/Andrea E. Woods & Dancers, for many years. It was during this time that a love for the performing arts intensified as well as a fascination for anatomy and the healing arts.
Pivoting her life direction, she became a certified Pilates mat instructor. This deepened her understanding of body mechanics and the body’s ability to move optimally through space. This path also heralded exposure to Eastern medicine. The holistic approach of Chinese medicine and wellness opened new horizons into the intimate connections in the web of life, inclusive of the physical body to the spiritual state.
Dana graduated with a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science – New York. She is New York Board licensed, a NCCAOM Certified Acupuncturist and an authorized provider for the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. She dives into the vast breath of knowledge encapsulated in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modalities of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, Cupping, Tui Na, Electro-stimulation, Nutritional Counseling and Herbal Medicine to foster restoring the unique balance of well-being in each person.
As a general practitioner, Dana focuses on musculoskeletal conditions and rehabilitation, psycho-emotional health, digestive disorders, women’s health and facial rejuvenation. More than anything, Dana’s mission is to support each person to fulfill their true destiny through implementing the philosophy and tools of TCM. With great enthusiasm and passion, Dana looks forward to assisting dancers and movers in the performing arts in their recovery and healing journeys.
