Nicole Palanza is a board certified & licensed doctor of physical therapy originally from Monroe, NY, who has recently relocated to Ocean County. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology with dual minors in chemistry & mathematics from Misericordia University where she also obtained her doctorate of physical therapy in 2020. Her passion for rehabilitation began at an early age and was influenced by injuries she witnessed & endured during her soccer career which spanned from age five to the collegiate level. However, her understanding of physical therapy's significance deepened when she witnessed her grandmother's recovery after a serious illness. This experience highlighted the vital role physical therapy plays in improving all lives even beyond sports.
At Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine, Dr. Palanza brings a wealth of experience in treating patients of all ages with a focus on sports rehabilitation, orthopedic injuries (both surgical & nonsurgical), neuromuscular conditions, amputation rehabilitation, & vestibular rehabilitation. During her doctoral studies, she volunteered at a pro bono clinic & led an injury prevention program for the men’s & women’s soccer teams. Since graduating, Dr. Palanza has pursued numerous continuing education courses concentrating over the past year on the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) & vestibular rehabilitation to further enhance her skills & provide exceptional care. She believes that each treatment plan should be tailored to the individual while ensuring the best approach for addressing their unique impairments & facilitating optimal recovery. Dr. Palanza is thrilled to join team Thompson & contribute to our multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
In her spare time, she enjoys staying active outdoors through soccer, running, hiking, climbing, & learning to surf. She cherishes quality moments with her friends, family, & dogs and is eager to contribute to her new community's health & wellbeing.
