Meet Jiaer “Clara” Gao, DPT

Clara

Clara/Jiaer (she/her) earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California and her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, with a minor in Exercise Nutrition, from the University of Connecticut. She has always been passionate about understanding the human body, movement efficiency, and how to help people return to the activities that make them feel most like themselves. During her training, Clara developed a deep interest in pelvic health, orthopedic rehabilitation, and sports medicine. She has completed continuing education through the American Physical Therapy Association’s Section on Pelvic Health, with advanced training in pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, and urinary and bowel dysfunction. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), allowing her to blend pelvic health with strength training, performance, and sport-specific rehab for patients of all activity levels. Clara treats a wide range of pelvic floor and orthopedic conditions, including:

Pelvic Health & Pregnancy/Postpartum Care

  • Painful sex (dyspareunia)
  • Vaginismus and vaginal muscle hypertonicity
  • Vulvodynia
  • Endometriosis-related pain (pre- and post-op)
  • Urinary incontinence (stress, urge, mixed)
  • Urinary urgency/frequency
  • Overactive bladder/bowel dysfunction
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic girdle pain, SIJ pain, and low back pain during pregnancy
  • Pre- and Postpartum Pain
  • Diastasis recti (DRA)
  • Birth preparation and labor/posture strategies
  • Postpartum rehab and core recovery

Orthopedic & Sports Rehabilitation

  • Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tendinopathy/repair
  • Knee conditions: meniscal irritation, ACL rehab, patellar tracking issues
  • Ankle sprains and foot/ankle injuries
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Low back pain and postural dysfunction
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • General orthopedic post-operative rehab
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain and movement-related pain
  • General deconditioning and return-to-exercise guidance

Clara combines her pelvic expertise with her strength and conditioning background to create individualized, whole-body treatment plans. Her approach focuses on proper breathing, core coordination, and movement mechanics while building strength, resilience, and confidence. She believes that healing involves both physical and emotional support, and she meets every patient where they are—with patience, compassion, and clear communication. Whether someone is preparing for birth, navigating postpartum changes, managing pelvic pain, addressing bladder and bowel concerns, or recovering from orthopedic pain, Clara is passionate about helping patients feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their rehabilitation journey. Outside of the clinic, Clara enjoys strength training, exploring new movement practices, and staying connected to the wellness and fitness community.

Our goal is for you to get the support that works best for you. Therapy works best when there’s a good fit, and we are here to help you put together your ideal team.

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