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Joanne Cesiro, PT, DPT Certified Lymphedema Therapist Phone: 631-632-5102 |
Dr. Cesiro earned a BA degree in Psychology from Fairfield University in 1976. She entered the work force in sales, but her love of dance and yoga led to a change in career plans. She worked in a dance studio, started a private yoga studio, and served as an assistant professor in the Physical Education Department of Suffolk Community College teaching yoga to undergraduates. She studied Iyengar yoga in India and learned the value of therapeutic yoga for people with disabilities. She completed her certification in Iyengar yoga in 1997. After 15 years of movement work in the Eastern tradition, she returned to school to complete her physical therapy education in order to provide a scientific basis for this work.
Dr. Cesiro began her Physical Therapy career after graduating with a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University in 2003. Her clinical career focused on orthopedic, neurologic, and vestibular outpatient services, first at St. Charles Hospital Outpatient Physical Therapy and later at Stony Brook University Hospital Outpatient Services. She continued her involvement in therapeutic yoga, providing continuing education courses through Cross Country Education throughout the US. She participated in the Fit and Fabulous Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors at Stony Brook University Cancer Center, and became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
Dr. Cesiro teaches Foundations of Exercise and Movement, Biophysical Agents in Physical Therapy, Orthopedics I and Case Studies II at the Southampton campus, and assists in the lab component of Orthopedics II. She is also an instructor at both campuses in Integumentary and Vascular Physical Therapy. Prior to becoming a faculty member, she served as a teaching assistant in the Kinesiology, Orthopedics and Electrophysiology courses for 9 years.
Dr. Cesiro is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic and Oncology sections. She enjoys volunteering at Empower SCI, a 2 week residential program for individuals with spinal cord injury held each summer at Stony Brook University. Currently Dr. Cesiro lives with her husband in Cutchogue, NY and enjoys yoga, ballroom dancing, Zumba, and being with her adult daughters.
Publications
Cesiro, J. (In Press - 2023) Assessment and Intervention for Lymphatic Disorders in Physical Therapist Practice. In W. Deturk & L. Cahalin (Eds.), Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (4th Ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Cesiro J. (2018) Physical Therapy Associated with Lymphatic System Disorders. In W. Deturk & L. Cahalin (Eds). Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (3rd Ed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Gostic C., Blatt D., & Cesiro J. (2018) Overweight and obesity: Physical therapists' role in assessment and intervention. HPA PTJ-PAL. 18(1): 16-27.
Grants
Greco, J. & Cesiro, J. An ebook for a biophysical agents course for DPT students: An alternative to the powerpoint presentation and a window to more active learning. Grant awarded by Teaching and Learning Enhancements with New Technology (TALENT) Project at Stony Brook University. Award: $3000.
Peer-Reviewed Presentations
Greco J, Cesiro J, McKenna R & Miale S. (2019, Oct) An interactive eBook for a biophysical agents course in a DPT program: A pilot study. Poster presentation at APTA Educational Leadership Conference. Bellevue, WA.
Greco, J., Conroy, C., Cesiro, J., Selkowitz, D. (2017) Biophysical agents: Linking the clinic, classroom and current evidence. Education session at APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio TX.
Blatt, D., Cesiro, J., Gostic, C. (2016) The role of physical therapists in the management of overweight/obesity: Strategies, obstacles and impact. Poster presentation at CSM of the APTA, Anaheim, CA.
Cesiro, J., Blatt, D., Gostic, C. (2016) Comparison of Attitude and Clinical Practice Regarding Physical Therapist Assessment of Overweight and Obesity. Poster presentation at CSM of the APTA, Anaheim, CA.
Gostic, C., Blatt, D., Cesiro, J. (2015) The prevalence of patient education in PT practice to address overweight or obesity. Second Annual Patient and Family Education – National Health Education Week Conference at NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY.
Blatt, D.,Gostic, C., Cesiro, J. (2015) The role of physical therapists in the assessment of overweight and obesity. Poster presentation at the Converging Sciences Summit, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.
Cesiro, J. (2015) A complimentary approach to stress reduction and health promotion for families. Converging Sciences Summit, Stony Brook, NY. Panel presentation.
Callahan, C, Goodine, J, Remillard, L, Hochman, L, Milazzo, M, Santasier, A, Squillace, M, Block, P, Cesiro, J. (2015) Empower SCI: A second chance at rehabilitation. Poster presentation at the Converging Sciences Summit, Stony Brook, NY.
Cesiro, J. (2012) Therapeutic yoga: Yoga as a tool for creating wellness. NYPTA Long Island District Conference, Old Westbury, NY.
Santasier AM, Cesiro J, Cattaneo T, Ribaudo D. (2004) Pro bono physical therapy care as a means to promote the profession and foster student growth. Poster presentation at APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Nashville, TN.
