Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Aghachi.
Anna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University in 2011. Early in my career, I worked in outpatient orthopedic clinics where I focused on developing strong clinical skills in treating a wide range of orthopedic conditions, from injuries to post-surgical recovery. During this time, I also earned my certification in the Schroth Method, allowing me to specialize in the treatment of scoliosis and postural deformities. I have always been an active person and love movement in many forms, including Pilates, yoga, swimming, and running. I instantly fell in love with Pilates and knew that this exercise system could greatly benefit my patients
However, in many traditional outpatient orthopedic settings, the treatment model was not ideal for optimal healing and recovery. I often saw three patients an hour, which made it difficult to give any one patient the full attention they deserved, and this type of demand can lead many physical therapists to experience burnout. Three years ago, I found Pilates Advantage Physical Therapy, a unique facility that focuses on one-on-one care and individualized treatment. There, I completed my beginner and intermediate Pilates certifications and further developed my approach to rehabilitation using Pilates-based exercises tailored to each patient’s specific movement patterns. In addition to working with patients individually, I also run small weekly wellness Pilates classes to help clients maintain their progress and continue improving after completing physical therapy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Early in my career, I worked in traditional outpatient orthopedic clinics where I treated a wide variety of conditions, from sports injuries to post-surgical recovery. These experiences were invaluable for building my clinical knowledge and hands-on skills. However, one of the biggest struggles I encountered was the fast-paced treatment model used in many clinics. It was common to see three patients per hour, which meant dividing attention among multiple people at once. While I did my best to provide quality care, I often felt that patients deserved more individualized attention, time, and movement-focused guidance to truly optimize healing and recovery. Many physical therapists experience burnout under these conditions, and I began to realize that I wanted to practice in a way that allowed for deeper connection, more thoughtful treatment planning, and better long-term outcomes for patients.
We’ve been impressed with Pilates Advantage Physical Therapy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Pilates Advantage Physical Therapy is made up of three highly knowledgeable and dedicated physical therapists who work closely and cohesively to provide exceptional care for our patients. What makes our clinic unique is our commitment to one-on-one treatment, ensuring that every patient receives the full attention, time, and individualized care they deserve. We incorporate Pilates-based exercises that are carefully selected and tailored to each patient’s specific needs, impairments, and personal goals. Our approach focuses not only on healing injuries but also on improving movement patterns, strength, and overall function. We take great pride in the level of care, empathy, and movement expertise we bring to each session. Our clinic specializes in treating orthopedic injuries, osteoporosis, postural dysfunction, lower back pain and post-operative rehabilitation and more, helping patients recover safely while building a stronger and more balanced body.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
We define success by educating our patients and helping them truly understand their diagnosis, the healing process, and how to prevent future injuries. Patient education is a central part of our approach, because when individuals understand their bodies and movement patterns, they become active participants in their recovery. We also strive to introduce patients to Pilates-based exercises in a way that helps them build confidence in movement and begin to genuinely enjoy the process of strengthening and caring for their bodies. Our goal is not only to help patients recover from injury, but also to give them the tools and knowledge to maintain their health long term. Ultimately, our patients’ success is our success, and seeing them move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities they love is the most rewarding part of what we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pilatesadvantagephysicaltherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilates_advantagept
