PERfect FORMation: Rebuilding Balance in the Body

With a doctorate in physical therapy from Boston University, Dr. Corinne Sicola decided it was time to “correctly” set up an outpatient clinic.

That’s when PERfect FORMation Physical Therapy was born. With the goal of “rebuilding balance throughout the body,” Sicola opened the clinic in the Route 206 shopping center behind Dunkin’ Donuts in February 2003.

Sicola, a Bridgewater resident, created an atmosphere that is subdued, calm, comfortable, relaxing and overall stress-free, she said. She and fellow physical therapist Katie Doyle work with clients one-on-one to create an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s specific needs.

“We work on the whole body instead of saying ‘we’re going to strengthen that knee’,” Sicola said. "We spend a lot of time with our patients."

Treatment can come in numerous forms, including performing arts therapy—targeted toward dancers, cheerleaders, gymnasts, skaters and other athletes—low-impact core-strengthening Pilates-based therapeutic exercises, both on the mat and on Pilates equipment; and Myofascial Release Therapy, involving deep-tissue pressure to relieve tension and restrictions that may be causing chronic pain.

The facility includes a wide range of equipment, including a ballet barre, trampoline Pilates machines, a HydroMassage table for deep-tissue massage in a heated massage bed and much more, all interspersed with an assortment of stuffed characters including Cookie Monsters and giraffes – which Sicola says are used to comfort patients of all ages.

PERfect FORMation recently expanded into an empty adjacent store, enabling Sicola to offer yoga, Pilates and stretch classes at all levels. The classes are open to the public as well as to therapy patients.

Sicola also plans to offer additional programs with a focus on women’s health, including endometriosis, pelvic floor pain and dysfunction, mastectomy pain, fibromyalgia, painful scars, menstrual problems, adhesions and infertility problems

“There is so much information that women don’t realize,” she said. “There are all sorts of new avenues of treatment.”

In addition to working with the full range of orthopedic injuries, Sicola draws many clients from the dance population—a reflection on her dance background as a dancer with the Ithaca Ballet Company and as a rhythmic gymnast.

The PERfect FORMation Arts Academy offers recreational and competitive rhythmic gymnastics to increase strength, flexibility and coordination while developing self confidence.

With the additional space afforded by the expansion, Sicola also expects to continually expand the offerings, she said.