DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
I am a graduate of Chapman University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, currently licensed, and practicing in the state of California. I work in outpatient orthopedics with a particular emphasis and interest in performing & movement artists, and more specifically, with the growing artist-athlete. As a physical therapist, I aim to foster and instill a new awareness of self care, with the goal of helping my patients and clients establish independence and autonomy to take control of their personal health.
My personal attitudes, perspectives, and self-confidence have been shaped and informed by movement via dance. My intention to switch careers and pursue a graduate degree in Physical Therapy is founded on the desire to restore movement in others through skilled rehabilitation, education, and injury prevention.
[ RESUME | CURRICULUM VITAE ]
Updated: February 2020
DANCEPREHAB PHYSICAL THERAPY & PERFORMANCE
In 2017, I established DANCE|PREHAB, an initiative dedicated to educating the new generation of movement artists by cultivating principles of health & wellness, performance enhancement, and ultimately to elevate the capabilities of the artist-athlete through consistency, sustainability, and accountability.
DANCE|PREHAB is currently based in Tustin and Lake Forest, California, and provides educational opportunities through workshops, lectures, individualized wellness programs, performance enhancement, community events/classes, in addition to physical therapy services.
www.danceprehab.com
[ RESEARCH ]
[In Progress] “Rotation-related impairments in breakers with and without low back pain and contributing factors”
Research Advisor: Dr. Jo Armour Smith, PT, PhD, OCS.
Examining rotation-related impairments in breakers with and without low back pain and possible correlation to
physical asymmetries in lumbar, lumbopelvic, and hip ranges of motion.
[ PRESENTATIONS ]
Tsai, R. “Teaching Hip-Hop Technique.” 4th Annual Health Approaches in the Training of Performing Artists Conference. Orange, CA. Sept. 2014
Emphasis on proper warm-ups and teaching technique in regards to breakdancing/breakin' movement vocabulary to promote safe practice and reduce related injuries.
Van Ramshorst, C, Tsai, R. “Injury Prevention and studio practices for upper extremity weight-bearing from breakdancing to modern/contemporary techniques.” International Association for Dance Medicine and Science 27th Annual Conference. Houston, TX. Oct. 2017
Movement workshop will be focusing on upper extremity use found in forms of dance such as contemporary dance or breakin’, with the purpose of educating teachers and health professionals on unique stresses found in various dance forms and methods of prevention, and safe practices.
Tsiouti, N, Needham-Beck, S, Tsai, R. “New conditioning methodology: ‘Breakalign Method’”. International Association for Dance Medicine and Science 27 th Annual Conference. Houston, TX. Oct 2017.
Presentation of a systematic and dynamic conditioning program for designed for breakers with the aim of reducing injury, and promoting health and wellness in the hip-hop artform community.