Marissa Eisengart, PT, DPT, MA, CLT
[she/her/hers]
As an individual, mother, writer and physical therapist, I believe that our bodies and emotional experiences of the world are intimately connected.
I transitioned from a career in writing to physical therapy out of a love of learning people’s stories and wanting to help empower them to create their desired narrative going forward.
As a UCSF-educated Doctor of Physical Therapy—with specialization in birth, pregnancy + postpartum, pelvic health, lymphedema, rehabilitative Pilates, and whole-person care— I offer patients individualized, evidence-based and mindful care. I am a certified Pilates for rehabilitation instructor, through the comprehensive Polestar Pilates’ program; and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through Klose Training.
I am committed to providing best-practice, accessible care to individuals from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds; sexual orientations; and gender/gender non-conforming identities. I work with local organizations to provide equitable access to pelvic health physical therapy.
I love to be in the mountains and on the ocean as much as possible, whether running, surfing, or being with my family. Likewise, I am passionate about reading, writing, practicing yoga and Pilates, and opportunities for mindfulness in daily life. My husband, two young children, beloved pup, and I live in Santa Barbara; and I support individuals both locally and virtually.
liminal: occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold; in a state of transition; betwixt + between
"Life is a good teacher and a good friend...The off-center, in-between state is an ideal situation, a situation in which we don't get caught and we can open our hearts and minds beyond limit."
-Pema Chödrön
Education
UCSF, Doctor of Physical Therapy (Alumni Leader Award)
UC Davis, Master of Arts in English/Creative Writing
UCLA, Bachelors of Arts in English and World Arts + Cultures (Alumni Scholar)
Professional Development
Polestar Comprehensive Pilates Education
Klose Comprehensive Lymphedema Training
American Physical Therapy Association Pelvic Health Level 1
Herman & Wallace Pelvic Health Level 2A
Herman & Wallace Pelvic Health Level 2B
Obstetrics Fundamentals of Pregnancy + Postpartum Physical Therapy
Intrapartum Topics of Obstetric PT
Manual Therapy for Pelvic Health
Institute of Physical Art: Pelvic Girdle Puzzle
Trauma-Informed Care
Integrative Techniques + Nutrition for Pelvic Rehab Practitioners
Female Athlete: Core + Pelvic Floor
Vestibular Rehabilitation (Whetten)
Memberships
American Physical Therapy Association
California Physical Therapy Association
APTA Pelvic Health Section
APTA Orthopaedics Section