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In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS sits down with Dr. Marissa Schaeffer, a physical therapist, educator, and founder of FlySpace Physical Therapy in New York City. Marissa blends clinical expertise, business acumen, and deep understanding of the performing arts to create sustainable systems that support both performers and performing arts clinicians.
A graduate of SUNY Purchase College Conservatory of Dance, Marissa combines her dance background with her expertise as a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and MBA graduate from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. Her career has included work with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Parsons Dance, Gibney Dance, and other leading organizations, both in-clinic and on-site.
Marissa founded FlySpace Physical Therapy in 2021 to create an environment where performers feel confident, strong, and respected throughout their rehabilitation and performance journeys. In this conversation, she shares how intentional systems, collaboration, and business foundations support the health and success of both performers and the clinicians who serve them. Drawing from her dual background in physical therapy and business, Marissa highlights the power of structure — echoing Tamsin Embleton’s insight that “individuals cannot maintain resilience if the structure and systems they work within remain dysfunctional.
💡 Key Highlights
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The Role of Performing Arts Physical Therapists: What it takes to support performers in high-demand environments like theater and dance companies.
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Building Sustainable Systems: How intentional processes benefit both therapists and performers.
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On-Site and Backstage Care: The logistics and value of providing immediate, performance-specific treatment.
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Collaboration in the Arts: Fostering teamwork among therapists, stage managers, choreographers, and company staff.
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Education and Injury Risk Reduction: How proactive approaches can improve performance longevity and wellness.
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Bridging Business and Healthcare: Lessons from Marissa’s MBA experience that every performing arts PT can learn from.
🎧 Tune in to hear how Dr. Marissa Schaeffer is redefining what it means to care for performers — not just through treatment, but through thoughtful systems, communication, and leadership.
📱 Follow Marissa and FlySpace Physical Therapy:
Instagram: @marissatschaeffer_DPT | @flyspacept
LinkedIn: Marissa T. Schaeffer, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, MBA
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