Physical Therapy
Founded by former performing artists, the FlySpace physical therapy studio brings a deep understanding of movement, mechanics and complexities of the human body and psyche to every client interaction. When it comes to physical therapy, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We adapt and adjust continually as our clients progress. We are driven to help you persevere through pain, overcome limitations and get back to life, work and play.
GETTING STARTED
At FlySpace Physical Therapy, we accept performing arts workers’ compensation. All sessions are one-on-one.
For non-workers’ compensation cases, FlySpace is a fee-for-service clinic.
Please note that all initial evaluations are 60 minutes, while follow-up appointments range from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the service.
OUR TEAM
Our team of Physical Therapists have different specialities, including pelvic floor physical therapy, and have worked with over 1000 clients over the last 3 years, both in-clinic and onsite at theaters and dance companies. We are confident that you will get the results you need to get healthy and strong again so you can get your life back.
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We have worked with these Dance and Theater Companies
Are you a performer who has been side-lined by an injury? At FlySpace Physical Therapy, we accept workers’ compensation cases. We understand the tension between rehabbing an injury and the pull to return to the stage, ice, field, or studio. We will work in concert with your orthopedist, and dance company or instructor to ensure your care is efficient, thorough, and long-lasting. Our goal is to get you back to work as quickly as possible.
SESSION DETAILS
All performing arts workers’ compensation initial evaluations are 60-minutes in length while follow-up sessions are 30-minutes. You will have one-on-one sessions with your therapist for all appointments. Please note you must have an open workers’ compensation claim and a script from a physician to begin physical therapy.
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PERFORMING ARTS WORKERS'
COMPENSATION
ORTHOPEDIC & PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY
From athletes to weekend warriors to busy parents, we know how it feels when your body is injured and not feeling right. We work with you to rectify the root of your pain so you can get back to living.
SESSION DETAILS
All initial evaluations are 60 minutes, while follow-up appointments range from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the service. You will have one-on-one sessions with your therapist for all appointments. FlySpace is a fee-for-service provider. We will provide a SuperBill for those who wish to submit for reimbursement independently.
Ami Kirollos
Physical Therapist
PT, DPT, CSCS
As a performing arts physical therapist and former dancer, Ami Kirollos, PT, DPT, CSCS (she/her) is passionate about keeping performers healthy and moving at their utmost finest. She has had experience working onsite with artists from Atlanta Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Steps on Broadway, GALLIM, St. Ann’s Warehouse and others. In the clinic, she has worked with countless professional and pre-professional dancers, actors, and singers from Broadway to concert dance to ballet. Ami firmly believes that “movement is medicine" and uses a combination of manual and movement-based approaches to treat her patients. Her objective is to empower her patients with a solid comprehension of ideal movement patterns and an arsenal of knowledge to enable lasting healing and a successful enduring career. Ami is always learning. In addition to specializing in performing arts medicine, Ami is a certified pelvic floor rehabilitation specialist from Herman and Wallace & APTA (levels 1 & 2), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and is Pilates Mat certified from Polestar. She has also taken advanced coursework in concussion management, pelvic floor for the athlete, manual therapy from the Institute of Physical Art, Essentials of Performing Arts Medicine Certification from the Performing Arts Medical Association and much more. Ami is a graduate of Indiana University, where she studied Dance and Sociology. She went on to receive her Doctorate from Emory University School of Medicine.
Adrian Miranda
Physical Therapist
PT, DPT,
Adrian Miranda, PT, DPT, (He/Him) brings his passion for movement, anatomy, and creativity to help performers return to the stage and screen stronger than ever. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College and orthopedic residency training at Sacred Heart University, Adrian specializes in treating actors, dancers, and musicians, using a unique mix of manual therapy and movement education to tackle injuries head-on. As a performer and creator, Adrian brings a unique twist to his physical therapy approach. Drawing from his own daily experiences on stage and screen, he crafts personalized rehab plans that truly resonate with performers. With a deep understanding of the demands of the arts, Adrian focuses on making rehab not only effective but also educational and tailored to each individual’s needs, helping them return to the spotlight stronger than ever. Outside of patient care, Adrian keeps his creative spark alive through acting, directing, writing, and producing short films for his channel Gross Anatomy, which highlights the vibrant community of Washington Heights. As a member of the NYC swing dance troupe, The Big Apple Lindy Hoppers, Adrian brings his love of movement to the stage, while staying active with weightlifting, martial arts, hip hop, songwriting, and playing guitar. Stop by and say hello—he’s always up for chatting about your latest role, workout routine, or that persistent ache!
Jessi Patz
Physical Therapist
PT, DPT CKTP
With a 20+ year career as a NYC-based choreographer, dancer, and teacher, Jessi Patz, PT, DPT, CKTP (she/her) has performed/worked for dance venues, film, theater, and comedy shows all over the world. Jessi utilizes her extensive background in dance to assist performers (and all patients) in building long careers with a deeper understanding of their body/anatomy, pain science, and the importance of maintaining a strong foundation. A passionate Doctor of Physical Therapy, Jessi has also dedicated herself to a lifelong study of Pilates and Rehab and comprehensive training in Functional Manual Therapy through the Institute of Physical Art. She has provided PT treatment backstage to the Broadway performers and crews of Hamilton, Book Of Mormon, Chicago, Head Over Heels, The Prom, Be More Chill, Aladdin, Mean Girls, as well as dance companies RudduR Dance, Parsons, Hubbard Street, Gibney, to name a few. Jessi also works as a PT for both the students and company members of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Jessi hosts workshops and is a frequent guest lecturer to dance students in grade schools through universities, and to Physical Therapy Doctoral Candidates.
Marissa T. Schaeffer
Owner, Physical Therapist
PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Marissa T. Schaeffer, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS (she/her), a graduate of SUNY Purchase College Conservatory of Dance, earned her doctorate in physical therapy with honors from Columbia University. She is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and a certified strength and conditioning specialist. With extensive experience in performing arts physical therapy, she has worked at prominent clinics in NYC and served as a senior therapist at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. There, she treated students and company members, designed and co-led cross-training and wellness initiatives, and toured with the main company. In 2021, Marissa founded FlySpace Physical Therapy to create a space where performers feel confident, comfortable, strong, safe, and respected as they transition from rehabilitation to normal activities. The company quickly grew and now serves a diverse range of performers both in the clinic and on-site. Marissa has worked with organizations including Steps on Broadway, St. Ann’s Warehouse, Roundabout Theatre, HopeBoykinDance, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, GALLIM, Gibney Dance, Emerge125, Pilobolus, Parsons Dance, and others. She has also coordinated physical therapy services for the national tour of Amal Walks and teaches annually at the Kennedy Center Dance Lab in Washington, DC, and Alvin Ailey’s Horton Teacher Conference. Marissa has presented at numerous conferences, is a published author in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science and Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice, and has contributed to articles in Dance Magazine, Dance Informa, Dance Teacher Magazine, and Dance Studio Life. Marissa is currently pursuing her Masters in Business from Quantic School of Business and Technology.
Katrina Van Ostrand
In-house education coordinator, Physical Therapist
PT, MPT, OCS, SCS
Katrina Van Ostrand, PT, MPT, SCS, OCS (she/her) holds double board certification in sports and orthopedic physical therapy and has over 13 years of experience helping patients recover from injury, improve their daily function, and optimize their performance. Katrina graduated with her masters of physical therapy degree from the University of Findlay in 2010. After graduation, Katrina began her career as a performing arts physical therapist traveling with the national tours of West Side Story, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wicked, Lion King, and Bring It On, as well as multiple on and off-Broadway shows in NYC, including: Stomp, Sleep No More, Queen of The Night, Rocky, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Lion King. Katrina has completed a full-time sports physical therapy residency at the University of Delaware, with a focus on emergency first response, vestibular, orthopedics, and D1 athletics rehabilitation. Once settled in NYC after touring and residency, Katrina worked at both West Side Dance Physical Therapy, and Cameron Gomez Physical Therapy & Acupuncture. Her patients have included the dancers of New York City Ballet, SAB, Broadway, and many other professional and pre-professional dancers and performers. She also has extensive experience working backstage at NYCB. Katrina became interested in women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy in 2021, and completed her continuing education course work through Herman and Wallace. Katrina is proud to be a provider of pelvic floor and women’s health physical therapy in addition to orthopedics and performing arts. Katrina is a mom of two very energetic young boys, is a former dancer, and enjoys traveling, yoga, and fitness in her spare time.
Kelsey MacDonald
Front Desk
Kelsey (she/her) is so thrilled to be a part of the FlySpace team for the last 3 years. She's the connecting link between our physical therapists, patients, and medical professionals. Kelsey is a graduate of Boston Conservatory at Berklee with a BFA in Musical Theatre and an emphasis in Songwriting. When she isn't answering your emails or communicating with your doctors you can find her writing music, picnicing in the park, or dancing her heart out in class. Having worked with both Marissa and Jessi on a chronic back injury, Kelsey can confidently say that there is no better place to seek physical therapy, especially specific to the performance world, than here at FlySpace! Kelsey hopes to be a welcoming, smiling face when you enter the clinic, don't be a stranger and say hello!
Words cannot fully describe how grateful I am for FlySpace. I have been to several physical therapists over the years and have never experienced a team that is so caring, so intuitive, and SO knowledgeable. Every time I walk through their doors I feel instantly taken care of and know that I am in the best possible hands. Their direction is clear, concise, and efficient. The results I have seen and felt over the last few months are astounding. I will only go to FlySpace for all of my PT needs in the future and will recommend them to everyone I know. Thanks, FlySpace!
FlySpace has some of the most knowledgeable, kind and intuitive Physical Therapists in the business! I just finished a round of sessions with Ami for a middle back strain and the way she was able to communicate and figure out the source of my issue was amazing. She has a wealth of knowledge of the body and is an encyclopedia of corrective exercises and movement patterns. Also, her hands were so intuitive! She would find tension in places that I thought were fine! If you’re looking for a great physical therapist I’d highly recommend Ami! Or any of the PT’s at FlySpace!
Marissa & Flyspace PT have been the PERFECT fit for me as a former professional dancer, turned professional bodybuilder.
Marissa is extremely knowledgeable in both dance & weight training & is able to assess/treat my body exactly how I need. Having numerous injuries & complicated body mechanics, Marissa is creative & diligent with my treatment. Not to mention she is a gem of a human and funny! I am so thankful I found Marissa & Flyspace PT!
Where do I start…All the staff at FlySpace are OUTSTANDING. As a professional ballet dancer returning from surgery she has helped me with both the manual and exercise aspects. We tailored an exercise program for the performances I had coming up, plus, she kept me on top of it and organized! The manual adjustments are so specific and intentional which keeps our sessions effective and efficient.
There are lots of ups and downs when recovering from an injury, but Marissa encouraged me throughout it all.I'd definitely recommend Flyspace to anyone needing a good PT on New York!"
Jessi is a great PT, she listens to her patients and helps shape their recovery with attention, professionalism and clarity. She is very approachable and willing to answer any question. She was also flexible in answering some questions off session when I had some issues with my knee and the recovery was not linear, which I really appreciated. I would highly recommend Jessi to future patients.
Meeting Marissa has been nothing short of a dream come true. Her background as a dancer, her forward thinking philosophy and her versatility has not only been refreshing, it has given me a new sense of confidence and the tools to achieve a return to dance at the highest professional level. I couldn’t be more grateful and optimistic towards the future .
FlySpace is truly a gem in the performing arts and physical therapy worlds. They are such thorough, wonderful, intuitive, phenomenal physical therapists who helped me to recover from a foot injury... while simultaneously guiding me to become stronger and more confident/aware of body placement/habits. The studio is such an inspiring space to heal and become stronger with an unmistakably positive, caring energy. Thank you for taking the time to listen, to help me heal, to push me to keep becoming a stronger version of myself. I am so grateful to FlySpace and will absolutely recommending FlySpace Physical Therapy to anyone seeking top-notch physical therapy in NYC. Thank you!!
I cannot recommend Marissa and FlySpace enough! I have been seeing Marissa for years, and she has been a consistent force in keeping my body healthy as a professional dancer. She has taken the time to understand my body, and that's why she is my go-to!
Since the expansion of FlySpace, I was able to also work with Jessi, who brought a wonderful new perspective and incredible experience. Marissa even took the time to fill Jessi in before my appointment, making it a seamless transition. Thank you THANK YOU!
Ami is the first physical therapist I’ve worked with that has a vast understanding of hypermobile Ehrlers-Danlos Syndrome. People with EDS need frequent body work like PT and she knows how to keep me in shape without overdoing it.
She also works with my orthopedist and researches things for me. She’s wonderfully nerdy about her work. I can trust her to lead me in the right direction for a lifelong condition.
Very happy with Ami.
