About Us | Hand + Physical Therapy NYC

Our Approach

Our approach at Hand + Physical Therapy NYC is to provide specialized, high-quality, and professional rehabilitation services for the whole body. Our history and expertise began as certified hand therapists and occupational therapists concentrating on upper extremity rehabilitation and specialized hand therapy for patients with conditions involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. However, our patients wanted more and we proudly answered the needs of our community. We expanded our expertise to include compassionate physical therapy for the whole body. We are proudly your trusted Hand + Physical Therapy partner to feel better.

We offer a personalized touch that is currently missing from larger institutions. The one-on-one attention our team provides during each hand therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports rehabilitation, splinting, and custom orthotics, ASTYM® appointment is an important differentiator from other providers. This type of individualized care is shown to significantly benefit patients recovering from an injury, surgery, or in need of tools to learn how to manage pain.

We’re different, and we’re proud of this distinction.

Meet Our Team

Michele Pasqualetto

BS, MOT, OTR/L, CHT, ASTYM OWNER

Michele has spent her career practicing in the specialty of upper extremity rehabilitation. Michele earned her specialization as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 2007 after working at some of New York’s best hospitals and trauma centers where she trained with some of the most highly regarded hand therapists, and orthopedic and plastic surgeons in the country. Michele has been published in the Hand Journal and has co-authored a chapter in the Hand Clinics book on Intrinsics of the Hand. She is a seasoned speaker who has been invited to speak both nationally and internationally and teaches as an adjunct professor at Touro and Hunter College. Michele, along with her colleagues, sponsor the Annual Lorna Ramos Conference on the Treatment and Management of Brachial Plexus injuries to educate other therapists, physicians, and health care providers in the treatment and management of hand and nerve injuries.

Katie Licata

MS, OTR/L, CHT, ASTYM

Katie graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in Biology. After graduation, she worked as a Research Assistant at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry Department. While there, she fell in love with Occupational Therapy and began exploring the different settings it has to offer. She was offered a position at Hand + Physical Therapy NYC as the Patient Care Coordinator and there she developed an interest in the upper extremity. She then received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University, completing clinical rotations at New York-Presbyterian and Project Renewal. Katie is passionate about providing comprehensive and individualized care to her clients. She is excited to rejoin the Hand + Physical Therapy NYC team as an Occupational Therapist.

Lauren Chan

OTD, OTR/L

Lauren earned her Doctorate and Master’s in Occupational Therapy degree from Columbia University after receiving her Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education and Psychology from New York University. She has worked as a Hand Therapist and Upper Extremity specialist treating orthopedic and sports injuries. She is working toward her CHT certification at Hand + Physical Therapy NYC.
Lauren is also passionate about treating pelvic health conditions including chronic pelvic pain, pre and post-natal discomfort, bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction. She is committed to
empowering individuals through education. She strongly believes that by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the role and significance of the pelvic floor, individuals can
proactively take charge of their own health and well-being. Born and raised in Singapore, Lauren enjoys spending time with her dog, family, and friends. In her free time, she can be found baking, reading, and riding her bike.

Natalia Ruiz

DPT, OCS, CHT, COEE, ASTYM

Natalia has been a physical therapist for 17 years and her areas of expertise are orthopedics, hand therapy, and office ergonomics. She is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) and a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). She enjoys educating the patients on ways to minimize strain on their hands and upper extremities through multiple techniques and modifications of workspaces. She believes that compassion and a strong therapeutic relationship between the patient and the therapist make a difference in the treatment outcomes as well as individualized. are. She is certified in ASTYM, Kinsiotape, and blood flow restriction. Also trained in myofascial decompression technique. She is also proficient in Spanish.

Justine Sanchez

PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR

Justine started her career in healthcare because of her strong drive to help others. She was born and raised in the Bronx, NY and enjoys meeting and connecting with people! She has become an asset to our patients! Justine is currently pursuing a career in healthcare as a phlebotomist. We are happy to have Justine as part of the team here at Hand + Physical Therapy NYC.

Fathima Mohamed

MS, OTR/L, CHT

Fathima graduated from New York University as an occupational therapist in 2016. She went on to work in various hospital settings like King’s County Hospital and New York-Presbyterian specializing in neuro-rehabilitation. After a rock climbing accident in 2017 left her injured and in need of surgery, she began her journey into sports rehabilitation and hand therapy. In 2018 Fathima became a Certified Hand Therapist, specializing in chronic overuse syndromes and tendon rehabilitation. Fathima is also a practitioner of Structural Integration, a specialized fascia-work technique that aligns posture and teaches more efficient patterns of movement. Fathima’s methodology combines the physiological with the psychosocial. She seeks to guide her clients to a refined understanding of the mind-body connection. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, and writing.

Marisa (D’Adamo) Rose

MS, PT, SCS, ATC

Before graduating Duke University with a Masters degree, Marisa received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology. She later went on to receive her athletic training degree and Board Certification in Sports Physical Therapy as only one of a few dozen in the state of New York. In orthopedic practice for the last 20 years, she had previously directed a sports practice in New York and a rehabilitation center in her home state of Florida. Marisa also worked as the Physical Therapy Coordinator of the ING NYC Marathon where she treated elite and novice marathoners as part of the Elite Racing Series and New York Road Runners Club. In addition to her work in the clinic, she has spent considerable time in the operating room and anatomy lab to understand all aspects of orthopedic care, and continues to lecture and present on sports nutrition, rehabilitation and care of injury, as her passion also lies in education to help clients lead a pain-free life.

Vincent Liu

PT, DPT

Vincent graduated with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from The College of Staten Island. He specializes in treating orthopedic and sports injuries among a varied patient population. He has experience working with weekend warriors, marathon runners, strength training athletes, high school and college athletes, and older adults. He enjoys working with post-surgical cases such as ACL reconstruction, meniscectomy, joint replacements, etc. Vincent utilizes movement screening, biomechanical analyses, and ergonomic assessments to optimize movement and prevent injury. Vincent believes one-on-one treatment sessions are optimal to strategically curate a plan for each individual in their rehab or performance optimization journey. Vincent uses an evidence-based approach where he incorporates the latest research evidence along with the patient values and lifestyle to optimize care. Vincent is currently working towards obtaining the orthopedic certified specialist (OCS) board certification and is taking varied continuing education courses to be on top of the most current research driven techniques. Vincent is most passionate about learning root-cause medicine, health optimization, and wellness and loves to share his latest findings with patients and colleagues.

Teresa Fitz Simons

OTR/L, OTD, CHT

Teresa FitzSimons is a skilled occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). She holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University and completed a prestigious Hand Therapy Fellowship at NYU. Teresa is combining her expertise and dedication to make a significant impact in the lives of her patients. As a valued member of our team, she plays a vital role in helping patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Our Facility + Practice

The Hand + Physical Therapy practice combines proven state-of-the-art technology with research-based hands-on therapy to craft a highly individualized program for a better, healthier you.

Our patients say it best.

Learn more about our patients and their personal experiences working with Hand + Physical Therapy NYC.

Nov 6, 2023

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