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Biography

Noriko Yamaguchi, PT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Geriatric Clinical Specialist
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Physical well-being, health, vitality

I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in 2008 with honors and have been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist since 2007. My love for animals led me to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) in 2009 through the Canine Rehab Institute, and I earned my Board Certification in Geriatric Physical Therapy in 2013.

 

In the past 13 years as a licensed PT, I have had opportunities to work in a variety of patient care settings, from clinical trials to outpatient clinics to skilled nursing facilities. I have always intended to see patients (human and animal!) across the life span through my career, particularly because I am interested in using physical therapy to maintain and optimize health, not just use it to rehabilitate from injury or illness.

In addition to clinical practice, I am an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC). I teach in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and am involved in the Division's anti-racism and equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, primarily in the areas of health justice curriculum and equitable teaching practices. My commitment to health equity led me to earn a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion though eCornell in 2021.

CGandolfo Pictures, Inc.

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I am trained in the evaluation of movement-related impairment and dysfunction and in physical rehabilitation to improve function and quality of life. I have clinical experience in orthopedic, sports, neurologic, and oncology rehabilitation, and my strength as a clinician is my ability to integrate the evaluation and intervention techniques of all branches of physical therapy to create an individualized program for each patient.  I am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). In addition to extensive clinical and teaching experience in the area of therapeutic exercise, I have worked with recreational and competitive athletes to develop training programs as they transition from rehabilitation to return to sport.

 

My focus is on meeting you where you are at in your physical health, performance, and fitness and help your reach your health and fitness goals. If you have acute, sub-acute, and/or chronic injuries, you will receive expert physical therapy to promote tissue healing and to recover of normal movement and then be guided back to their prior levels of activity. If you are interested in starting up an exercise routine, improving your physical performance, or training for a specific future event, you will be coached with both maximal performance gains and injury prevention in mind. If you have reached your fitness or physical performance goals, you will receive counseling and mentorship on how to periodize and adapt in your fitness program over time in order to maintain the gains you’ve made or achieve new goals.

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