About

          A Boston native, Dr. Catherine (Cat) Savoia discovered her love for the human body through dance, beginning training at age 2. Her passion for movement and love of art led her to teaching, completing a three-summer Dance Teacher Training program by age 17. She continued professional training at Hofstra University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education, and became certified to teach dance K-12 in New York Public Schools. She studied all styles of dance, with emphasis on Ballet and Modern, and taught at multiple studios while leading master classes in Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary dance.

          After experiencing multiple dance injuries, Cat recognized a lack of dance-specific rehabilitation options and specialists for injured performers. Driven by her desire to help others move safely and efficiently, she pursued her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Northern Arizona University, graduating in 2016. Since then, she has worked with a wide range of patients, from severe neurological injuries to athletes. Her specialties include:

Dance injuries, performing arts rehabilitation, concussion, TMJ disorders, cervicogenic dizziness, vertigo, vestibular dysfunction, balance disorders, as well as dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS), Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).

          Cat’s own health journey — including hEDS, hyperadrenergic POTS, MCAS, and mold and mercury toxicity— inspired her to incorporate whole-person care, nutrition, lifestyle, and mental health strategies into her practice. Her personal experience provides invaluable insight into treating EDS/HSD, POTS, and other complex chronic conditions, especially for patients who have experienced healthcare trauma or invalidation.

          Early in her career, Cat realized that traditional outpatient PT often treats patients like numbers in a “mill” clinic rather than individuals. Believing that physical therapy should be 1:1, collaborative, and patient-driven, she founded Thrive PT to create a safe, intimate space where patients can work together with their therapist toward meaningful, individualized outcomes. This approach empowers patients to take ownership of their care and achieve their personal movement and wellness goals.​

          Cat is certified in Integrative Dry Needling, Vestibular Rehabilitation & Concussion, and Nutrition for Chronic Pain. Her skills also include neural manipulation (Barral Institute), cupping, and IASTM, which she integrates to craft individualized programs that help patients recover, prevent injuries, and safely progress to high-level activities.

          Outside of work, Cat enjoys yoga and hiking with her husband, going to the dog park with her two fur babies (Zoey and Lola), reading, and painting — practices that reflect the same whole-person balance she brings to her patients.