Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in performing arts rehabilitation
Johann K. Howard, PT, DPT, COMT | Physical Therapy for the performing artist:
"Physical Therapy specific to the needs of that performer's level of function whether it is to play Bach on the piano, locking in street dance, or a get back their grand jete in ballet.
Even though Johann specializes in performing artists, all are welcome.
Based in New York City - Serving the metro New York Area217 Centre Street 2nd Floor, New York ,NY 10013
Physical Therapy Service
PT for Dancers & Musicians
With over 20 years of experience working with all types of dancers and musicians specializing in manual therapy
Most injuries in the performing arts whether it is dance or music are overuse injuries. Each performer is evaluated (and learns to self-evaluate) and treated based on their functional restrictions and pain. As important as a formalized prescription of physical therapy is, follow up sessions (or “tune up” or maintenance sessions) are just as important to prevent injuries, update or revise exercises and importantly, ask questions!
Scoliosis
Johann is certified in the Schroth method to treat adolescents and adults.
Johann is certified in the Schroth method to treat adolescents and adults. The Schroth method, is a postural and exercise based approach and is the only method recognized to effectively treat and manage idiopathic scoliosis. He works closely with MDs who specialize in spinal deformities to help those with minor or moderate scoliotic curvature.
Jaw and Nasal Release treatments
Johann has completed advanced certifications in assessment and treatment of the TMJ, upper cervical, laryngeal and the cranial regions. He is also certified in nasal release technique to open the airways within the nose.
Johann has completed an advanced certification residency of the jaw, cranium, and upper cervical regions. In addition he has trained in manual therapy for the laryngeal region.
Johann is also certified in nasal release technique to open the airways known as turbinates in the nose. Turbinates are an important structure of the nasal cavity which cleanse, heat and humidify the air. They also help to produce a powerful anti-viral chemical in the body called Nitric Oxide.
Nasal release technique can help with headaches, dizziness, post-concussion syndrome and breathing issues such as sleep apnea and allergies. This union of jaw and nasal work can be a powerful combination in helping not only singers and wind players but also people with jaw, neck and airway issues
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is a speciality within the field of physical medicine that focuses on a hands on approach to both diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. Treatments address muscle, nerve and joint restrictions and imbalances.
Johann is certified in the Maitland technique, arguably one of the most well known and respected manual therapy systems in the world. It considers the patient the most valuable source of information therefor communication between the physical therapist and the individual is key. The Maitland technique aims to find the source of pain and balance mobility and stability therefor maximizing function for the individual.
Johann Howard — Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Certified Orthopedic manual therapist
- Certified Schroth method for scoliosis
- Certified nasal release technique and manual therapy for the jaw
Johann has been working with performers for 20 years. He began his career as a licensed massage therapist working for dance companies and 13 years as a PT. In that time he has worked with American Ballet Theater, Alvin Ailey, NYC Ballet, The Rockettes, Cirque Du Soleil, Paul Taylor Dance Company and several others. He has also worked extensively with musicians spanning from Opera singers, and violinists to bass players and classical guitarists. He also has worked with Dua Lipa and Metallica.
He has extensive experience working at various broadway shows such as Cats, Hamilton, Aladdin, and Wicked. Aside from having his own private practice, he is also a physical therapist at The Juilliard school.
What My Patients Say
Johann is simply the best. As a full time acrobat and performance artist I ask a lot of my body and have navigated some crippling injuries that Johann has single-handedly helped me overcome. When I injured my rotator cuff I was in terrible pain – unable at times to even lift my arm above my head to put on a shirt let alone hold my body dynamically flying through the air. We worked together both in person and over the phone during the peak of the pandemic to recover and prevent further damage. Because of him I feel the strongest I’ve ever been and pain-free in my shoulder after years of discomfort. I have recommended Johann to all of my students and colleagues and they have all had similar experiences and sing his praises. Forever in awe of Johann and his abilities to heal, his energy, and his kindness – could not recommend more!
Donna Carnow
While trying different places for PT here in the city for the last couple of years, I had the great opportunity to meet Johann. He has been incredibly supportive providing you not only relief at the moment but also giving you the tools you need to continue the work on your own. If you have been looking for the right PT in town, he is the one “
Oscar Rodriguez
Johann was able to recognize a severe muscle deficiency in my hand that my doctors couldn’t even identify. He treated me with the utmost care and generosity, giving me the support and skills I needed to recover. You can tell he’s passionate about the work he does, he is so knowledgeable and kind, and I know that I can wholeheartedly trust him with any injury.”
Tulia Marshall
Johann is a great and experienced physical therapist who understands the toll performing and daily practice takes on the body, with precise diagnosis, gentle but effective approach and genuine care and respect for professional performing artists. I would recommend him to any of my colleagues and friends!
Sophia Zhuo Pianist
Johann is the most incredible PT. He has helped me tremendously. I had a serious injury and he has been so kind and patient with me and given me super helpful excercises and hands on help to bring me back to my full dancing self. I am so grateful for all of his help and won’t see anyone else . He has incredible knowledge and the mix of hands on help and guidance for excercise progression is exactly what I need. If you need a good PT he is simply the best.
Maya Orchin
Johann is truly the best of the best. I swear by him. I’ve seen many PTs in my 10+ years as a professional dancer and Johann is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable, intuitive and just all-around amazing at what he does. He’s also a wonderfully generous and kind person.
He has helped me work through and heal from every issue or injury I have ever come to him with – even issues I wasn’t aware I was dealing with.
Whatever your PT needs are, Johann is the person to see!
Katie Currier
I have known Johann for 10 years. He is not only an amazing and knowledgeable physical therapist, but a great person as well. He has treated me for various injuries through the years and has an excellent bedside manner that will make everyone feel comfortable. I just could not recommend him enough. He is the best!
Constantia A. NYC Pilates instructor
I was experiencing random shooting pains in my jaw area among other neck and back pains that I thought I just had get used to and accept as part of my life. Johann gave me exercises that were tailored to my specific jaw issue. After implementing his recommendations for a few months those shooting pains are now a rare occasion. So thankful for Johann’s meticulous observance and catering to me as an individual.
Laura
I have worked with Johann for over 8 years and I truly cannot recommend him enough. He guided me through hip and ankle surgery recovery, and severe TMJD. He is incredibly skilled and continuously expanding his knowledge. His best side manner is led with respect with empathy, offering the best healing environment for his patients.
Karla Espana
I first came to Johann nearly six years ago as a newer performer in NYC, dealing with a dance-related hip injury. From the start, his care was incredibly thoughtful and thorough—he not only helped me recover, but also taught me how to protect and strengthen my hip moving forward. Since then, Johann has been my go-to physical therapist for a range of issues, most notably TMJ. He’s the only PT I’ve found who can treat my jaw pain both effectively and consistently. I trust him completely and always leave feeling better. I highly recommend Johann to anyone seeking skilled, compassionate care.
Ariel Shani
I tried quite a few PT’s while in New York, and I’m so grateful to have found Johann. I finally have lasting results from recurring injuries since working with him, and he made getting back into dance a smooth and easy process. I still use the advice and exercises today, and I’m so glad to have been able to stay away from injuries since! He is an amazing person who truly cares about his patients and I highly recommend Johann to any of my friends or colleagues
Sierra Abdelardo
Johann has been an essential part of my dance career and well-being since the very day I started performing in New York City in 2012. He’s not only brilliant and incredibly skilled at what he does, but he brings such gentleness and positive energy to every session that as a patient you immediately feel both cared for and seen.
As a freelance contemporary ballet dancer performing on everything from raked opera stages to concrete art gallery floors, my regular tune-ups with Johann are completely non-negotiable. They keep my body healthy, aligned, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next. I’m deeply grateful for his care and for the way he supports so many artists in doing what they love.
Tiffany Mangulabnan, Professional Dancer with The Met Opera, Pigeonwing Dance, konverjdans, et al..
Johann has made a real difference in my life. I used to walk into our sessions carrying so much tension from years of living with TMJ and chronic pain. But time and again, he’s helped me find my way back to ease. In just an hour, I’ll go from feeling overwhelmed and tight to calm, centered, and deeply relaxed.
Every session teaches me something new about my body and how to live more freely. Thanks to Johann, I sing with more joy, teach with more confidence, and move through life with lightness. I’m so grateful for his care, his insight, and the safe space he’s created for me to heal.
Heather Curran Sing for Parkinson’s Disease- Lead Teaching Artist Seattle Voice Lab- Transgender Voice Instructor Mark Morris Center- Children’s Music and Singing Brooklyn Conservatory of Music- Children’s Music
Johann provides wholeheartedly efficient care from the second you walk into his practice, until you get home and he follows up. I have been lucky enough to see him for manual therapy on an almost weekly basis, and as an opera singer, being able to find release everywhere in my body is crucial. Not to mention, whenever I’ve gotten specific injuries, he has been able to diagnose and treat me in a well-rounded way. His advice is extremely helpful, to the extent that I carry his personalized drawings explaining exercises and equipment like tennis balls or Thera bands to different continents just to take care of myself.
Gimena S. Opera Singer
Contact Info
Address
217 Centre Street 2nd Floor, New York ,NY 10013
Hours
By appointment only