Gwen Giffard, PT, DPT

Gwen received both her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Bachelors of Science from Ithaca College. As a young girl she began a 14-year competitive Irish Dancing career in which she sustained numerous injuries. After several years of attending physical therapy, she decided to pursue it as a career.

Gwen has clinical experience in various settings including acute care and outpatient orthopedics. She has experience treating several populations including post-surgical, geriatrics, pediatrics and high-level dancers, gymnasts and athletes.

Gwen’s dance background has influenced her in pursuing a career to specialize in treating dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters and other performing artists. She had the opportunity to work with dancers from Rochester City Ballet, Garth Fagan Dance, and The Draper Center. She also works as a Physical Therapist for both on and off Broadway productions, treating the cast and crew of shows including Funny Girl, Kinky Boots, Dear Even Hansen, Oklahoma and The Wrong Man.

Gwen believes that physical therapy is a team effort between the therapist and the patient. Both need to be dedicated to working together to rehabilitate the patient to their optimal level of performance and to prevent any future injuries.

After retiring from Irish dance, Gwen continues to stay active by playing recreational tennis, skiing, hiking and lifting weight