Physical Therapist Vania Purpero holds a doctorate degree in physical therapy and is experienced in a variety of current treatment techniques for restoring function, mitigating disability, and reducing pain. Her methodologies include patient-tailored strengthening exercises, spinal manipulation, dry needling, blood flow restriction, cupping, and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. She practices patient-centered treatment and rehabilitation for performing artists, athletes, and all individuals with musculoskeletal dysfunction. Her focus is getting her patients out of pain and dysfunction so that they can return to the hobbies and daily activities that they enjoy.

As dancer and active person herself, she knows the value of high quality, compassionate care and is a true advocate for her patients in achieving their goals.

Mrs. Purpero began her career path at the University of Texas in Austin, TX where she graduated Top 20 in her college with a degree in exercise science and a minor in biology. While studying for her Bachelor’s degree, she danced on the University of Texas Dance Team, worked as a physical therapy technician, and led a series of mission trips to Belize with more than 20 high school teenagers, who she mentored as they experienced the value of service. She went on to earn her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Texas in Fort Worth, where she had landed a Ruby B. Dean Physical Therapy Scholarship, and did clinical rotations in which she worked with adolescent athletes, professional dancers, geriatric patients, and active adults.

Prior to joining OPA in 2022, Ms. Purpero worked as a dance medicine and sports medicine physical therapist in Dayton, Ohio. But she is originally a Dallas, Texas native. She and her husband felt a calling to come north and now both enjoy downhill skiing, ice skating, hiking, biking, and kayaking as well as volunteering and mentoring high school students in Alaska.