Services - MovEvolution Physical Therapy - Sports + Performing Arts Rehabilitation

Stop wasting time and money going back-and-forth between multiple doctors and clinicians that don’t truly understand your complex drumming pain or particular needs. Don’t settle for cookie-cutter exercises that are not pertinent to your drumming instrument or style.

Our Goals

Decrease your pain, discomfort, injury or movement dysfunctions.
Improve your overall drumming fitness.
Avoid future injury.

Our Clients

Strikers, slappers, shakers and scrapers. From trap set to timbalies, bongo to berimbau, kettle drums to kalimbas. All are welcome!

EVOLVE YOUR DRUMMING

Learn why breath work is so important to your relaxation and endurance
Learn how to avoid common drumming injuries
Learn strength and conditioning programming for your particular drumming style
Learn proper warm-ups, warm-downs, stretching and mobilization techniques to keep you limber and mobile
Improve your ergonomics, alignment and posture
Feel the difference bodywork and massage can make to your mobility

See more HERE.

Schedule your Drumming Physical Therapy here.

Book & Evolve

Carla Platteborze

03:15 20 Mar 20

The massage I had was great. Richard did an amazing job of loosening up muscles that had been sore and also areas that... I hadn’t realized were in need of care. Outstanding!read more

Douglas Newton

02:30 23 Feb 20

In September 2018, I got West Nile Virus from a mosquito bite in Brooklyn. After three months in the hospital, mostly... in bed, I came home, unable to walk and and with a frozen left shoulder. I had physical training at home and learned to use the walker. I also had several bad falls, and broke the tip of my hip bone in one of the falls in July. I started with Richard at Movevolution in October 2019 and he put me on a varied program of leg and shoulder exercises to strengthen my muscles, help my balance and increase my flexibility. As of Feb. 2020, I have progressed indoors from using the walker to using a cane to now walking by myself. Outdoors I use a walker when alone or walking with a cane with another adult along for safety. My frozen shoulder is also much more flexible and strong. My goal this Spring and Summer is to walk alone outdoors with a cane and to take the subway. With Richard's help I think I can do it. Richard's exercise program has made all the difference in my life and my hopes for the future.read more

Kathleen Migliore-Newton

20:24 21 Feb 20

I have had Physical Therapy in several different places. Richard really listens to the problems you are having. He is... very creative and uses many different exercises that get results. After foot surgery and hip tightness and inflammation my condition has greatly improved. And I have exercises I can do at home to complement my sessions with the therapist. He also has experience with QiGong.read more

Bret B

23:23 11 Feb 20

I contacted Richard about a hamstring injury that happened while dancing. He got right back to me and spent 20 minutes... on the phone helping me on his day off! During the initial consult he was very thorough while diagnosing the issue(s) and helping me work through the exercises to get my healing and strengthening on the right path. He even spent extra time with me during the visit. Richard wants to see you get better ASAP and is very caring, passionate, and understanding. Highly recommended!read more

Jessica Shepard

19:47 29 Dec 19

I’ve always had really positive and super helpful experiences with Richard at his studio. I’ve been a holistic... health and body work practitioner for almost 25 years and have worked with A LOT of fabulous practitioners. He is one of them!🙏🏼read more

Ryan Shollenberger

23:27 15 Dec 19

I've been going to see Richard since 2013 when I sustained a minor ankle injury at work. He agreed to work with me... despite not having health insurance, and gave me fantastic care. I've gone back 3-4 more times since then when I've sustained training (I powerlift and teach fitness classes) injuries and Richard's care and methods are professional, thoughtful, and effective. Knowing that my insurance doesn't cover PT visits to him, he always does his best to diagnose my injuries in our initial session and provide me with rehab exercises and advice to help me heal on my own, never pressuring me to return for treatment unless I feel I absolutely need it. He even makes himself available to communication outside the office, and is extremely responsive to texts and emails about and beyond what is expected of a health care professional. You can immediately see the passion and dedication he has for his work when he works with you, and anytime one of my clients asks me for a PT referral I send them to Richard. Love this dude. 10/10.read more

Damian McCleod

00:56 25 Nov 19

Through the years I have been to several physical therapist for my knee . Richard is without question, the most... experienced, knowledgeable person I have encountered in this field. His ability to make assessments and postural corrections based on observation and movement patterns is exceptional. If you're looking for results and attention to your specific needs, he is your go-to professional. Thank you!read more

Olufisayo Akanni

22:04 17 Nov 19

I have had continuous pain in my back due to stress, poor posture at my job, and overall not taking the best care of my... health. I had knots and craters on my back that have built up over time and I knew Richard would be able to help treat my pain. I really appreciated that when he started our session he had an end goal in mind and made sure it was in line with mine. Because I have such pain I really appreciated that he worked on the problem areas gradually so that I could tolerate the pain of relieving my muscles. And throughout the session he gave suggestion on how to improve my back for the better. I highly recommend his treatment as a professional and will be attending MovEvolution for follow up again.read more

S Noel

00:33 29 Oct 19

The treatment you will recieve is thorough and informative. Richard is very knowledgeable about your body and how it... works. With my son's injury he offered a variety of treatment options. After the initial consult he followed up with us and answered our questions. He even provided a list of other physical therapist that are coverd by our insurance. A rarity in this competive world to which we live. This shows Richard puts the progress of his patients first. I highly recommend MovEvolution.read more

Rebecca Kiefer

21:04 19 Oct 19

Richard is the man. Best physical therapist I've had over various running-related injuries. He's dedicated and is... clearly invested in your healing process. Highly recommend!read more

Rene Volker

19:24 23 Sep 19

The best physical therapy I've ever had. Richard has helped me deal with a painful long term hip issue, and I'm... generally on a path to having greater flexibility, stability and mobility since I started my sessions. Can't recommend MovEvolution enough.read more

Laurie Ortiz

18:09 23 Sep 19

I’ve had the privilege of working with Richard. He is very well rounded, personal and professional. I’m confident... enough to refer him to anyone I know who needs Physical Therapy assistance and I do! Always helping people overcome and evolve from the setbacks of injuries. He’s great!read more

Jessica Slawson

17:50 19 Jul 19

I've recently started working with Richard to deal with some chronic knee and hip issues, and for the first time in a... long time am feeling that there's hope for my limbs! Richard provides simple routines that can be done at home with minimal equipment, and his dedication to his job really shines through. Very glad I found MovEvolution and would definitely recommend them to anyone!read more

Ajaya Williams

17:05 11 Jul 19

I appreciate Richards attention to details and depletion of gimmicks. He provides great simple insight that is not... over bearing and incorporates seamlessly into your daily living.read more

Mariela Romero

13:37 29 Jun 19

My experience at MovEvolution has been excellent. Making an appointment, verifying insurance, and payment was super... easy. Richard is knowledgeable and clearly explains his findings, rationale and his expectations. The entire session is one on one and the quality of care is excellent. As a therapist myself I understand the value of a one on one session and how important it is in order to provide high quality care. The amazing treatment doesn't end when you walk out the door, Richard also makes sure to follow up afterwards and is available to answer questions via phone conference at no extra charge. If you're looking for a PT who is smart, listens to you and is willing to problem solve with you to help you stay pain free and reach your goals, then I highly recommend Richard at MovEvolution.read more

Kelly Maurelus

03:48 17 Jun 19

I have had several sessions with Richard my physical therapist and he has so far done wonders for me. I have had... problems with knee tendinitis due to running and squatting and through our one to one sessions he has increased my strength and helped me live pain free which I have not felt for the past 2 years. He does such a wonderful job demonstrating and offering evidence based therapies and I feel fulfilled each and every session. I would highly recommend him as he is very professional, personal and answers all my questions regarding my injuries and beyond! Thank you Richard for helping me getting back into my routine training and running regimen.read more

Thomas K

08:05 10 Apr 19

I suffered a broken knee-cap, fractured elbow, and multiple torn tendons, all in the same freak accident. After weeks... of immobility to heal the bones, I suffered severe muscle atrophy as well. Being a musician and performer, this injury was not only physically painful, but effected all parts of my life. Soon after my splint was removed, still unable to walk and battling all that goes with this type of loss, I went to MovEvolution. I knew that physical therapy would be another level of pain, and also that I needed a therapist that was smart, intuitive, compassionate, and that would absolutely push me. I have just described Richard Symister. From my first visit, Richard would always quickly assess what was giving me the most trouble, help to reduce the pain, and increase my flexibility. He is generous with his knowledge, and provides detailed work-outs targeting one's weak points. It is worth noting that Richard's office was the most responsive, helpful, and knowledgeable of any place that I contacted. The quick and thoughtful response to my first inquiry was probably the reason I chose to initially go there. (I had no recommendations and found them online.) I have found Richard and his staff to display passion, skill, and personal attention to detail, and recommend them without reservation.read more

Megan McIntyre

18:17 08 Mar 19

After having a handful of bad (and expensive) PT experiences, I was very skeptical about what can actually be solved... with physical therapy. Then I met Richard and my cynicism went out the window. I had my very first surgery in my mid-30s for a torn ankle tendon and went to MovEvolution because it had great reviews and was close to my apartment. From my very first appointment, I knew this was going to be different. Richard evaluated my ankle, asked me what I wanted to be able to do again athletically, and what kind of time I could devote to my recovery. He then manually worked on my ankle and tendon to help with the stiffness, all the while teaching me how to massage like this at home. My first actual appointment was full of exercises to help me regain my balance and strength. He explained each move to me and did them himself to show me proper posture and engagement. He was patient and encouraging and practical - he told me that rather than going out and buying a bunch of gear, to make some of the equipment at home that he used to work on me at my appointments. He also took the time to ask me about other problem areas (I have some swelling around my sciatic nerve that causes pain) and teach me how to treat them as well as manually work on them. His massage technique is intense but so helpful - every time I left my joint and muscles felt loose and relieved. Another thing I love is that MovEvolution is geared towards athletes and those who live an active lifestyle. Rather than an aging clientele working on passive recovery, Richard knows what people who are healthy and active need to get their bodies to do in order to get back to their sports/activity of choice. I'm halfway through my treatment with Richard and have seen a marked improvement in my recovery. So happy I took a chance rather than going to the cold and impersonal PT places my hospital recommended. Richard's personal approach, warm personality, cozy space, and overall skill and knowledge has made me go from dreading PT to looking forward to my appointments and the relief and healing I know I am getting there.read more

tierney oberhammer

13:18 31 Aug 18

I looking forward to PT at Movevolution. I know that I’m getting treatment from someone who truly cares about his... clients’ wellbeing and is genuinely passionate about body work and healing. The office is tidy and clean, with your choice of music upon arrival! I’ve been going to Movevolution for a year on and off and I’ve seen great success (I had a tail bone issue that brought me to tears which is all clear now) and now we’re working through some knee pain so that I can get back to running.read more

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