Dr. Sherri Betz is a physical therapist and Pilates teacher specializing in geriatric orthopedics, osteoporosis and mind-body exercise applications for rehabilitation. As director of TheraPilates® Physical Therapy Clinics, Dr. Betz operates locations in Santa Cruz, CA and Monroe, LA and is a 1991 graduate of Louisiana State University (LSU) Medical Center’s Physical Therapy Program. Awarded a clinical doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Evidence in Motion Health Sciences Institute (EIM) in 2017, she blends a manual therapy approach with her expertise in yoga and Pilates exercise for older adults with balance disorders, osteoporosis and orthopedic pathologies. She is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher with diplomas from both Polestar Pilates and The Ron Fletcher Program of Study.
Dr. Betz has published numerous articles, book chapters, and videos on the topic of Pilates for targeted populations. She is a frequent international conference presenter and hosts streaming lectures, bone-safe movement classes and webinars on, Pilates Anytime, Stronger Bone Solution and TheraPilates.com on the topic of exercise for osteoporosis, geriatrics and orthopedic pathologies.
Dr. Betz served on the AGPT working group to develop clinical practice guidelines on physical therapy examination and intervention for adults with osteoporosis. Frequent invitations to review manuscripts submitted for publication to peer-reviewed journals keeps her informed about the latest research related to osteoporosis movement interventions and mind-body exercise. As the founder and developer of the PMA Research Forum, Dr. Betz shifted the 10th annual PMA Pilates Research Forum to an online format to continue bringing evidence-based practices to the forefront of the Pilates industry. She devotes her clinical practice to improving awareness about geriatric exercise, bone health and safe yoga and Pilates-based exercise through professional and consumer education as well as through promotion of low-cost community exercise programs for fit and frail older adults.
Community involvement and awards
- Media Spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association
- Chair of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy’s Bone Health Special Interest Group from 2009-2020
- National Osteoporosis Foundation’s Exercise and Rehabilitation Activities Council
- American Bone Health’s Professional Education Committee
- Chair of the Pilates Method Alliance’s (PMA) Research Committee
- Past-Chair of the PMA Certification Commission
- Past PMA Board Vice-President
- 2017 PMA Deborah Lessen Award in recognition of her years of dedication and service to the Pilates Method Alliance
- 2018 Lynn Phillippi Advocacy for Older Adults Award by the AGPT