The Pleasantville Athletes Warehouse Indoor Turf Field

SPEAR is expanding outside of New York City for the first time since we started in Midtown Manhattan 20 years ago! We have partnered with premier athletic training facility Athletes Warehouse to open our first clinic in Westchester County, in Pleasantville, New York!

This brand new location is easily accessible for both commuters and locals, and in close proximity of the Metro-North Commuter Rail, Westchester Bee-Line Bus Service, Taconic State Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, and Routes 141 and 117, helping us make an impact on more New Yorkers than ever before. Now, Pleasantville residents and commuters will have access to physical therapy from the nation’s top private practice—without having to travel to the city.

Meet Your Newest Pleasantville Physical Therapist

Our new location is led by Kyle Stupi, Westchester native, former Columbia University football player, and former clinical director of our Chelsea location. Kyle has demonstrated exemplary patient care and leadership skills during his tenure at SPEAR, and is excited about his move up to his home county of Westchester.

Kyle’s treatments use a holistic approach, combining elements of manual therapy, exercise, and modalities to create the best plan of care for each patient. He is also passionate about sports medicine, even having contributed to various published articles on the subject.

Live Near Pleasantville and Need Physical Therapy?

Now more than ever, we can continue our mission to bring more New Yorkers back to life, because we know Life Can’t Wait. You can book an appointment at our Westchester clinic by calling 914-358-2900 or requesting an appointment online!

Watch Alec’s Full Inspirational Story Below:

Alec Thomson is a seasoned and active New Yorker, often competing in various athletic competitions around the nation. Alec was training for his first Ironman Triathlon competition when he unexpectedly experienced a cycling accident, going head over handlebars in Central Park. Worried about how this would affect his ability to compete in the upcoming race, Alec was looking to jump right into physical therapy.

Alec began his search for a physical therapist. His first interaction with SPEAR ultimately influenced his decision to begin treatment with us. The care coordinator who took care of him asked a series of specific questions around his condition and goals. Alec was initially confused when offered an appointment at a SPEAR clinic further away from his home; when he expressed concern, the care coordinator indicated she felt this particular therapist was better-suited for handling Alec’s particular condition. “The fact that the scheduler understood what I was doing, understood what I wanted to do, and wanted me to get the most appropriate attention, brought me to SPEAR,” Alec says.

Alec worked with two therapists, mostly with Jimmy Olayos. Alec found that at SPEAR, he did not have just a therapist: he had what he fondly calls, “a family relationship—it was just a click.” Alec looked forward to his sessions: “the hustle of the day kind of fades away as I walk in. Somebody’s [always] smiling, there’s laughter and there’s camaraderie.”

Throughout his treatment, Alec prioritized getting his body to function properly, learning what he needed to return to his previous level of physical activity. Alec needed to focus on the basics before he could go full throttle: “those days leading up to the race, I was not running, I was not swimming, I was not biking; all I was doing was rehabbing my body,” he shares.

After many weeks of intensive physical therapy, Alec was able to compete in the Ironman competition—not only finishing, but doing pretty well! Alec is now able to live his full life and continue the sports he loves so much. “I still run, I still exercise, I still surf,” he proclaims. “SPEAR exceeded anything I could have ever thought of.”

Regarding our celebration of 20 years in service, Alec had this to say: “I want [SPEAR] to keep doing what you’re doing, and be all over the U.S. so I have access to what you do. Congratulations, 20 years is a big deal!”

We think so, too, Alec! Thank you for sharing your story with us!

“This month, we are featuring a very special recovery story about our patient, Gina!

Gina has been a yoga instructor for the last 30 years. Working in the fitness field, naturally she understands the anatomy of the body quite well. She couldn’t however, figure out why she was having such extreme pain in her jaw.

“I had complete immobility in my jaw,” Gina shares. “I could hear cracking. I could barely open my mouth, and couldn’t eat properly, either.” Gina visited her dentist in pain. That’s when she found she was dealing with Tempero-Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD); this is when you experience pain in the joint that connects your jaw to your skull (also known as your Tempero-Mandibular Joint, or TMJ).

Gina immediately sought physical therapy treatment in hopes of becoming pain-free once again, prioritizing finding someone who specifically specialized in her condition. That’s when she met her therapist, Shaun Whited, and began treatment at our E 56th Street location. Gina admits, her first session seemed bizarre: “Suddenly I had a stranger with his fingers in my mouth, and manipulating my neck!” Her hesitation quickly dissipated—she noticed she felt notably better after just the first visit. “Shaun was warm, funny and knowledgeable,” Gina recalls. She knew she was in good hands and had full trust in his ability to get her back to life.

The rest of the SPEAR team on the floor proved to be incredibly helpful as well. “Everyone from the front desk staff to the floor team were supportive, enthusiastic, and on top of everything. They were willing to answer any questions I had and were always pleasant—they even recognized me after just the first few visits.”

By the end of her treatment duration, Gina was 100% back to her normal self, making a full recovery. Gina is now fortunately cured of her TMJ issue. “If I had another episode,” she notes, “I would look forward to coming back. If you’re considering coming to SPEAR, you can’t go wrong.”

The duo celebrates their accomplishment atop a mountainside peak

Summertime is often a time that inspires people to get out into the world and make the most out of life. That’s exactly what our PT and Director of Hand Therapy Phaeleau Cunneen did when he set off on a 13-day adventure with his daughter to hike the Dolomites, a mountain range in Northern Italy. The expedition was no easy feat, especially in the middle of an August summer!

The two frequent hikers have embarked on several journeys, from hut-to-hut hiking in New Hampshire, to hiking in the Swiss Alps. On each hike, they’ve met great people from many different countries, all while getting to experience the wonderful natural beauty around them.

Nothing but smiles when you’re surrounded by natural beauty!

“In Italy, we were over 8,000 feet above sea level, so the sunsets were amazing!” Phaeleau says. “We were above the clouds. The next day you get up and hike to the next point. The scenery was ever changing, the views spectacular, and the people warm and friendly.”

For this most recent expedition in Italy, Phaeleau did not need to train, as he knew what to expect from past hikes; however, his experience as a PT proved beneficial: “As both an experienced hiker and a PT, I knew what to expect and how to best prepare. There was some altitude, for example, so we knew we had to be ready for that. We went for almost two weeks, and I had a 27lb backpack in total for the trip, because I knew that carrying weight would be an issue.”

Even though they’re experienced, the trip wasn’t without any obstacles. The most challenging part? Not getting proper directions from the locals! “Sometimes the trail markers were not accurate or non-existent! We had a map, guide/trail description book, and a compass, but it was still very challenging.”

In spite of the obstacles they faced, the trip was a rewarding and successful experience, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life: “It was incredible quality time with my daughter. There was no TV, cell phone, internet, or agenda. Just you, nature, and what you have on your back.”

We love seeing our teammates take on new challenges and accomplish amazing physical feats! These two are true #BacktoLife goals.