Alyson R. Filipa, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, CSCS

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I specialize in dance medicine, treating adolescent and pre-professional dancers. We have specialized services for our dancers. These include our Dance Clinic, a multidisciplinary clinic with sports medicine and physical therapy, community outreach services and pre-pointe evaluations.

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/s/sports-medicine/programs-services/physical-therapy/specialty-clinics/dance

I was inspired to become a physical therapist (PT) after job shadowing my neighbor, who was a PT. After coming to Cincinnati Children’s, I combined my dance background with my orthopedic and sports PT background to treat injured dancers. I am very fortunate to be able to combine two different areas that I love to treat this niche population.

I describe myself as another teacher or coach in my patients’ lives. My job is to help identify areas of improvement, whether that be related to their dance technique, optimizing their dance schedule, or improving their strength and/or flexibility. Dancers are an extremely hard-working group of people. I am fortunate to be part of their journey back to full dance participation.

I’m also a researcher studying dance topics, including determining the reliability and validity of the Dance Functional Outcome Survey. I look at what factors can predict functional turnout angle in pre-pubescent female dancers and what screening assessments may predict the potential for injury in dancers.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four children. I enjoy traveling with my family, walking our dogs, camping, hiking, reading and baking. I also enjoy taking adult ballet class, being connected to our church community, and spending quality time with friends and family.