ANNA SAUNDERS, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Anna R. Saunders, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, and a Fellow of American Accredited Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the top-ranked physical therapy department at University of Southern California in 2006. She has a Bachelor of Science in Classical Ballet Performance from Indiana University and was a professional ballet dancer and concert harpist before going into the profession of physical therapy. Her unique background as a dancer and musician has helped her to gain further insight into the biomechanics of movement and movement analysis, enabling her to apply these skills in her work as a physical therapist working with performing artists. She has worked with dancers and performers on Broadway shows in New York City, has provided on-site PT for the Center Theater Group and Pantages Theater as well as various Los Angeles dance companies. Anna was an on-site physical therapist for Cirque du Soleil’s “Iris” production at the Dolby Theater. She currently provides physical therapy to the Colburn School’s ballet and music department and to the Cal Arts Dance Department. Anna is a freelance physical therapist in Los Angeles with a passion for helping performing artists prevent, manage, and heal from injuries so that they can continue to do what they love best. Anna believes that understanding the particular demands of the performing artist is necessary for the medical community to provide them with the best possible care.

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In addition to her expertise in the performing arts, Anna has over 10 years of experience in treatment of issues involving the pelvis. She specializes in women’s/men’s health and pelvic rehabilitation and understands the physiological changes that occur to women and men throughout their lifespan, including how our digestive, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems affect the evaluation and treatment of pelvic disorders. As a mother of three, she loves to help support women through, and after, their pregnancy journey. 

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Anna is a member of both the Orthopedic and the Pelvic Heath sections of the American Physical Therapy Association, where she has served as a chairperson for the Performing Arts Special Interest Group since 2013. Anna is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. She is an active chairperson with Pasadena Dance Theatre, a non-profit professional dance company and conservatory, where she danced professionally. In addition to her expertise in the performing arts, and in women’s/men’s health and pelvic rehabilitation, Anna has had additional training in Orthopedic Manual Therapy techniques, osteopathic manipulation, nutrition, postpartum Ayruvedic medicine, and in Pilates and Yoga for rehabilitation. She loves to keep learning, and continued her post grad work. She is now a Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy  through The Manual Therapy Institute Fellowship program, and is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the APTA.