Physical Therapy

at Posture Studio

Physical Therapy Services

A Holistic, Integrated Approach to Physical Therapy and Movement Retraining. We treat every person as a whole - not just a diagnosis - addressing pain at its source and the movement patterns that could be contributing to the pain.

Our physical therapists provide specialized care in orthopedics, women’s health, pediatrics, TMJ Dysfunction and dry needling.

Our self-pay model allows for comprehensive care without the limitations of insurance.

  • Tara Fontenot, orthopedic specialist at Posture Studio offering a postural and movement assessment during a physical therapy session.

    Orthopedic Physical Therapy

    Treating musculoskeletal conditions—whether from injury, surgery, or chronic pain. We focus on restoring mobility, building strength, and correcting movement patterns to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.

  • A postpartum woman practicing pelvic floor exercises during a pelvic floor physical therapy appointment.

    Pelvic Floor & Women's Health

    This highly specialized care helps with conditions such as pelvic pain, incontinence, postpartum recovery, and core instability. Our goal is to restore function and balance while offering strategies for improved quality of life.

  • Client receiving TMJ PT treatment

    TMJ Dysfunction PT

    A whole-body approach to jaw pain. While symptoms are felt in the jaw, causes may include neck or facial tension, postural imbalances, and breathing patterns. We address these to support lasting relief and comfort.

  • A healthcare professional wearing gloves inserts a needle into a person's skin for acupuncture.

    Transdermic Dry Needling

    A targeted technique using thin, sterile needles to relieve muscle tension and reduce pain. Dry needling improves musculoskeletal quality and supports lasting relief when integrated into your personalized plan of care.

Our Approach

We offer a holistic approach to physical therapy which means that we see the body as a whole and not a series of isolated parts. This allows us to treat the root of the issue, leading to decreased chance of re-injury. Our Physical Therapists use a variety of techniques including movement analysis, gait training, manual therapy, joint mobilizations, dry needling and cupping. Exercise therapy and development of sustainable prevention programs are integrated throughout the sessions.

We want to see you succeed!. Our goal is for you to not need physical therapy as soon as possible, and that once you are out of physical therapy, you have the tools to remain pain-free.

Every session is one-on-one meaning you will be the only patient the practitioner is seeing for the duration of your appointment. We recommend starting with a FREE phone consultation to see if physical therapy at Posture Studio is right for you.

Tara Fontenot, DPT -  physical therapist assists a patient with a leg stretch exercise on a therapy table in a clinical setting.

Initial Evaluation

Every client begins with a comprehensive initial evaluation that includes an in-depth movement analysis. This allows us to create an individualized, optimal plan for healing and long-term injury prevention.

Our approach is to treat each person as a whole human being — not simply a body part or a diagnosis. We assess your pain through the lens of the entire body, developing what we call a movement diagnosis — identifying how specific movement patterns may be contributing to your symptoms.

During your initial session, we will discuss your current lifestyle, including:

  • Work demands and daily habits

  • Life stressors that may influence pain or recovery

  • Nutrition and sleep patterns

  • Your personal goals and desired level of function

The physical assessment includes evaluation of:

  • Gait and functional movement patterns

  • Posture and alignment

  • Strength and muscular balance

  • Range of motion

  • Movement efficiency and neuromuscular control

From there, we develop a customized plan of care designed to restore function and reduce pain — without relying on medication or surgery whenever possible.

A strong emphasis is placed on education and self-management. You will leave with a clear understanding of your condition, practical self-care strategies, and a specific exercise prescription tailored to your unique presentation.

A man with closed eyes, lying down, receiving head therapy from a person wearing a white sleeve. The person's hand gently supports the man's head.

Follow-Up Treatments

Posture Studio Physical Therapy is dedicated to developing a treatment program that is uniquely designed for you based on findings in the initial assessment. Our practitioners will provide self-care strategies and guided therapeutic exercises to help you regain full range of motion, strength and improved quality of life. Our goal is to offer the most effective and efficient path to restore your health and physical performance.

Services that may be utilized in ongoing treatments

  • Management of chronic pain due to oversure, misuse or disuse

  • Continued analysis of movement patterns and gait training

  • Manual therapies including joint mobilizations

  • Dry needling

  • Development of prevention programs

All clients must have an initial evaluation before scheduling follow-up treatments

A man is on a massage table with one leg raised and bent, assisted by a physical therapist who is working on ankle mobility.

Common Conditions We Treat

  • Arthritis and joint pain

  • Lower back pain

  • Sciatica

  • Spinal disc injuries/herniations

  • TMJ Dysfunction

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains

  • Overuse injuries including tendonitis and bursitis

  • Chronic/persistent pain

  • Gait and balance disorders

  • Sports related injuries

  • Pelvic Floor

  • Incontinence & Constipation

  • Hip and groin pain

  • Post surgical rehab

  • Prenatal / Postpartum

  • Postural dysfunction

  • Foot & ankle pain 

  • Tennis elbow

  • Chronic whiplash

  • Neuropathies/nerve injuries

Meet the Team

  • Tara Fontenot, DPT

    Tara Fontenot, DPT, Clinical Director

    Clinical Director of Posture Studio Pilates & Physical Therapy, Tara is passionate about empowering clients throughout their rehabilitation journey. She emphasizes the importance of pre- and post-rehabilitative movement to support lasting recovery.

    Tara takes a holistic approach to physical therapy, focusing on identifying and addressing the root cause of pain rather than just treating symptoms. Her sessions blend education, manual therapy, functional movement retraining, and targeted modalities—including dry needling—to promote long-term health and resilience.

    Known for her supportive and encouraging style, Tara helps clients feel confident, capable, and informed in their recovery process.

  • Susannah Hill, DPT

    Susannah Hill, DPT, Pelvic Floor Therapist

    Pelvic Floor and Women’s Health Specialist at Posture Studio, Susannah has advanced training in both women’s and pediatric pelvic floor therapy and works with patients across the lifespan to restore balance, strength, and confidence in their daily lives.

    Susannah also specializes in sports rehabilitation and performance, emphasizing the importance of strength training for all ages—with a particular focus on supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. Her approach blends education, individualized exercise, and functional movement to empower clients to feel strong and capable at every stage of life.

    She is deeply committed to helping clients feel cared for, supported, and confident in their healing journey, fostering trust and long-term wellness.

  • Rebecca Brown, DPT, TMJD PT and Clinical Pilates Instructor at Posture Studio in Charlottesville, Virginia

    Rebecca Brown, DPT

    Rebecca Brown, DPT is an orthopedic physical therapist who also specializes in sports rehabilitation and TMJD PT.

    Rebecca integrates her background in dance, Pilates, and physical therapy to help clients build strength, restore balance, and move with confidence. Her approach combines functional movement assessment, hands-on treatment, and personalized exercise programs to address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction.

    In practice, Rebecca focuses on orthopedic rehabilitation, functional strength, and movement re-education. She enjoys helping clients return to the activities they love—whether that’s daily movement, sports, or creative expression—by improving alignment, control, and resilience.

  • Carla Shifflett, Founder & Director

    Carla Shifflett, Founder & Director

    Carla Shifflett founded Posture Studio Pilates & Physical Therapy in 2005 with the vision of supporting clients through every stage of their movement journey. In the studio, she wears many hats—teaching clients, mentoring staff, and managing behind-the-scenes details—always with the goal of creating a welcoming, healing environment.

    With over 20 years of experience, Carla is known for her thoughtful, integrative teaching style that builds sustainable strength and addresses the root causes of movement dysfunction. She is deeply empathetic and committed to supporting both clients and her team, fostering a space where wellness, growth, and lasting change can thrive.

  • Lisa Moon

    Lisa Moon, Scheduling & Accounts Manager

    Lisa Moon is often the first person you’ll meet at Posture Studio. She manages scheduling, billing, and client communication with efficiency and care, ensuring clients feel supported from their very first interaction.

    With years of experience in the wellness industry, Lisa brings a steady presence and a genuine commitment to client care. Known for her attentiveness and ability to listen, she makes each client feel valued and heard. Beyond her work with clients, Lisa creates the structure that allows the team to focus on delivering high-quality care.

    Her dedication, professionalism, and warmth make her an essential part of Posture Studio’s mission to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for every client.