Joanne Lariza, PT, SFS

The therapist families ask for by name

Joanne earned her BS in Physical Therapy at Our Lady of Fatima University in 2007. She is a licensed physical therapist, LSVT BIG certified, and a Senior Fitness Specialist.

Her clinical focus sits in three places: Parkinson's disease, orthopedic conditions, and bone health, including osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Read the reviews people have written about her and a pattern shows up fast. It is rarely about equipment. It is about being treated like a person with a specific problem.

Parkinson's and LSVT BIG

Parkinson's shrinks movement quietly. Steps get shorter, arms stop swinging, and turning becomes a careful shuffle.

LSVT BIG is a certified protocol built to reverse that shrinking by retraining amplitude, and Joanne is certified to deliver it.

What she does with the rest of the hour matters just as much. Maureen M., whose husband has had Parkinson's for years and had been through clinics in three states, wrote: "She makes his sessions challenging yet very diversified & fun, which makes him want to succeed at this. Each session she brings in new exercises to build on what he is doing but also expands his range of mobility and safety. He loves going."

Amy G., newly diagnosed, wrote about following up at home "because of detailed instructions and guidance from both physical therapists."

See how the full Parkinson's program works.

Stroke recovery, and staying current

Carole J. came to Youtherapy after an unexpected stroke and worked with Joanne through her recovery.

She wrote: "I have been working with Joanne and have been extremely pleased as she possesses a rare combination of being knowledgeable, professional and caring." She added: "Joanne is interested in continuing education and stays current by attending seminars and reading up on various conditions and treatment options."

That last part is not decoration. Joanne is a member of the APTA, the CTPTA, and NASM, and she keeps the reading current because stroke rehab and neurologic care keep moving.

You are not sharing her with two other people

Joanne B. had been to two other clinics before this one. Her words: "You are treated as an individual. The therapist is not juggling three patients simultaneously. It's an individual-based PT program."

That is the model here, on purpose. One therapist. One patient. Every visit.

Barbara G., who brings both her parents in, wrote: "My dad needs special treatment due to his medical condition and she has been truly wonderful. She is patient and encouraging with him and he really enjoys working with her."

Credentials and memberships

• PT, SFS
• BS in Physical Therapy, Our Lady of Fatima University, 2007
• LSVT BIG Certified
• Senior Fitness Specialist
• Member, American Physical Therapy Association
• Member, Connecticut Physical Therapy Association
• Member, National Academy of Sports Medicine

What she works on most

• Parkinson's disease
• Osteoporosis and osteopenia
• Stroke recovery
• Balance and gait disorders
• Orthopedic therapy
• LSVT BIG

Book with Joanne

If you are the one arranging this for a parent or a spouse, you already know the hardest part. Finding someone who will actually pay attention.

Start with one cause-first evaluation and a plan that has an endpoint.

Request an appointment with Joanne, or contact the Milford clinic and ask us anything first. You can also meet the rest of the team.