Keith Steigbigel PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Milford, CT & Woodbridge, CT
Dr. Keith Steigbigel is a highly respected physical therapist who brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the team. A Board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, he is well-versed in sports medicine and orthopedic manual medicine. Dr. Steigbigel is known by his colleagues as “the doctor’s doctor,” specializing in difficult and unresolved cases by utilizing the most current evidence-based practices, and has additional training in the use of dry needling and diagnostic ultrasound.
His academic background is extensive, with a degree in the physiology of exercise and sport from the College of Wooster, a graduate degree in physical therapy from the University of Hartford, and a clinical doctorate from Northeastern University. Beyond the clinic, Dr. Steigbigel is a part-time clinical professor of medicine at Quinnipiac University’s Frank Netter School of Medicine, where he teaches gross anatomy and orthopedic lectures to medical students. For over a decade, he has been involved in research at Quinnipiac, with multiple publications focused on the rare bone disease, X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).
Within the clinic, he is dedicated to providing high-quality care to athletes of all levels. In his free time, Dr. Steigbigel loves to stay active and support the Buffalo Bills as a Rochester, NY native.
CJ Luth PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Milford, CT
Dr. CJ Luth is an orthopedic and sports medicine Physical Therapist here at Prolete and serves as the clinic director of our Milford location. He enjoys working with active individuals of all levels and prides himself on being an evidence-based clinician. CJ uses his past experiences as a NCAA athlete, strong academic achievements, and passion for exercise to help promote a healthy lifestyle and connect with his patients to ensure he provides the highest level of care. As a previous athlete, his passion for PT is the sports medicine community, with his athletic background he understands the need and desire to get that athlete back while promoting ways to improve their athletic performance and avoid future injuries. To help facilitate these goals he has received further training in the use of Dry Needling technique and Blood Flow restriction training.
Dr. Luth received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Franklin Pierce University where he earned the Outstanding Student of the Year Award in recognition for his academic performance and leadership throughout the program. At FPU, CJ also worked as a Graduate Assistant and enjoyed teaching and working with his peers. During his clinical education, he obtained working experience in acute, subacute, and outpatient orthopedic settings, involved and treating a wide range of clinical pathologies. After graduation, he was inducted into the American Council of Physical Therapy’s National Honor Society and also is proud to have published his capstone research project in the Physical Therapy Reviews journal.
Prior to his DPT education, CJ earned his Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology at the University of Southern Maine. At USM, CJ was a 2 year captain and 2x NCAA Northeast Region place winner on the wrestling team. CJ is a Milford, CT native and Foran High School Alum where he was a 2x State Champion in wrestling.
Outside of the clinic, CJ is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys working out, going to the beach, hiking, paddle boarding, longboarding, and spending time with his family. He stays involved in wrestling by volunteering to coach and train youth through college level athletes.
Brian Perrier PT, DPT, FR, FRAs, FRCms
Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Woodbridge, CT
Dr. Brian Perrier PT, DPT is an experienced outpatient orthopedic/sport physical therapist for over 10 years. He serves as clinic director of our Woodbridge location. Dr. Perrier completed his Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science at Skidmore College. While at Skidmore College he was named an All-Academic athlete for his respective basketball conference. During his senior year, he participated in a year-long study through a Department of Homeland Security grant to investigate “The Effects of Training Status in Modulating the Effects of Heat Stress on Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness Following Firefighter Activity.”
After graduation from Skidmore College, Dr. Perrier attended Columbia University and completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. While at Columbia, he performed rotations in several outpatient orthopedic clinics and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital’s inpatient cardiopulmonary department. In his final year he was part of a specialty tract for orthopedics.
Dr. Perrier has continued his post graduation education, having completed the entire Functional Anatomy seminar coursework, and taken courses in blood flow restriction (BFR) training and ELDOA soma training for the spine.
Prior to joining Prolete, Dr. Perrier opened and operated his own one on one physical therapy practice for 5 years. He was fortunate enough to work with athletes from the NFL, NBA, Team USA lacrosse, and collegiate athletes of all sports/levels. During that time he also developed an interest in pain science and treating patients with chronic pain and neurological conditions. His goal for all of his patients is to avoid the “cookie cutter” approach and create an individualized plan of care for them to maximize their rehabilitation outcome potential.
Outside of the clinic, Brian enjoys exercising, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
Marie Nierenberg PT, DPT, CMP
Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Milford, CT and Woodbridge, CT
Dr. Marie Nierenberg has been a physical therapist working in the Greater New Haven area for the last 20 years. Marie received her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Quinnipiac University. After working in both the acute care and orthopedic settings, Marie completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute for Health Professionals. Through continuing education Marie obtained her advanced certification in the Mulligan Method of physical therapy. She is also certified in Dry Needling, but her true passion is in Pelvic Health evaluation and treatment for both the male and female.
Dr. Nierenberg has a passion for helping people and working one on one with them in creating an individual treatment plan. Marie’s special interest here at Prolete is in pelvic health and women’s health has developed from advanced education from both the American Physical Therapy Association and Herman and Wallace education. She is passionate about getting people back to enjoying life and addressing their pelvic health needs. Marie is currently pursuing her advanced certification in both pelvic health and obstetric health through the American Physical Therapy Association. Marie is a member of the Global Pelvic Health Alliance and is an ambassador for Pelvic Guru.
When she is not working, Marie enjoys being at home with her husband and twin sons. She is a lover of nature and being outside in her garden. Her family enjoys camping and hiking. Marie spends her free time reading, running and practicing yoga.
Helena Duhaime PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Milford, CT
Dr. Helena Duhaime is a Orthopaedic Physical Therapist with a sub specialty in the evaluation and rehabilitation in Pelvic Health.
Dr. Helena is a graduate of Sacred Heart University with a doctorate in Physical Therapy and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She is a dedicated physical therapist with a passion for helping patients achieve their goals and return to the activities they love. Her special interest in pelvic health was inspired by a clinical experience she completed at Prolete Physical Therapy, which led her to obtain additional post-graduate certifications in the field through the American Physical Therapy Association. She is certified in dry needling and utilizes it as an adjunct to her manual therapy skills.
Committed to providing personalized, evidence-based care, Dr. Helena believes in improving the quality of life for women by addressing their health needs throughout the pre- and post-partum periods. She is passionate about helping women stay active and benefit from strength training during this time and beyond.
During her studies, she completed research on Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training and has a unique understanding of oncology through her clinical research on “Exercise Considerations Post-Mastectomy.” She recently completed a project with students from Sacred Heart University on post-menopause strength training for improving bone density, titled “Post Power by Prolete.”
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys running outdoors, lifting weights, baking bread, and tending to her chickens on her farm.
Lindsay A. Labarba PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant located in Milford, CT and Woodbridge, CT
Lindsay graduated from Naugatuck Valley CC with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree. Her clinical experiences included both in/outpatient care, orthopedic rehabilitation, sports/athletic rehabilitation, Blood Flow Restriction training (BFR), concentration on ergonomic body mechanics within rehab, experience in sub-acute rehabilitation with geriatric care and rehabilitation planning.
At Prolete Lindsay uses her training and experience, along with her ability to listen and understanding her patient’s individual needs and goals, to work within the patient’s personalized designed program. She has found great success in doing so and helping patients return to a better quality of life.
When Lindsay is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her 2 children and husband, cooking, exercising and being outdoors.
Erick Zecha PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Milford, CT and Woodbridge, CT
Dr. Erick Zecha is an orthopedic and sports medicine Physical Therapist here at Prolete. He has a passion for working with athletes and individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Erick draws from his years and experience as an athlete to help his patients achieve optimal function and achieve their goals. He is certified in the use of dry needling as an adjunct to his manual skills.
Erick received a doctorate in Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University. His exposure and desire to work in orthopedic sports medicine was reinforced through his clinical education experience with the San Francisco Giants professional baseball team. Being a collegiate baseball player first exposed Erick to the needs of an athlete, both on and off the field and helped to foster his mission to not only help clients recover, but optimize their performance.
Prior to attending Sacred Heart University, Erick graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a concentration in Biomechanics, where he played baseball and was a two-year captain.
Outside of Prolete, Erick enjoys skiing, wakeboarding, and spending time outdoors.
Nick Cipriani PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Milford, CT
Dr. Nick Cipriani is an orthopedic and sports medicine Physical Therapist at Prolete, passionate about helping individuals of all activity levels return to doing what they love. With a strong background in athletics and exercise science, he uses a functional, evidence-based approach to rehabilitation and performance training.
Originally from Stratford, CT, Dr. Cipriani developed a strong foundation in athletics as a lacrosse player and team captain at Stratford High School. He continued his academic and athletic journey at Sacred Heart University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Doctorate in Physical Therapy, while competing on the Division 1 club lacrosse team. During his clinical education, he took the opportunity to expand his knowledge and experience by completing rotations in Louisiana and Baltimore, gaining valuable insight into treating diverse patient populations beyond his home state.
Dr. Cipriani has a special interest in sports and orthopedic rehabilitation, strength training, and performance programming. He believes in the importance of daily movement and stays active through weightlifting and recreational golf. He also enjoys designing strength and conditioning programs to educate others on the lifelong benefits of exercise and physical activity.
Outside of the clinic, he enjoys golfing, working out, traveling, and attending sporting events.
Ainsley Rossi, PT, DPT, OCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy located in Milford, CT
Dr. Ainsley Rossi is an Australian trained Physiotherapist who has practiced in Australia and the United Kingdom before arriving in the USA in November 2000. Dr. Rossi has been an Orthopedic Certified Specialist since 2008, with interest in musculoskeletal injuries, sports injuries and cancer rehabilitation in the adolescent and adult population. She is certified in dry needling and has taken advanced courses in a variety of orthopedic techniques including Maitland, McKenzie and Mulligan. She is also certified in vestibular therapy and is well experienced in helping patients recover from vertigo. From 2009 until 2017 Dr. Rossi was an Assistant Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and practiced in outpatient orthopedics through the Emory Healthcare system.
In September of 2017, Ainsley and her family relocated to Trumbull, CT, and also became part of the Prolete family. She is currently teaching at New York Medical College in the physical therapy department. When not busy at work, Ainsley enjoys cooking, hiking and spending time outdoors with her husband and 3 children.
Marnie LaDore-Mezick
Practice Manager
Marnie is an integral part of the Prolete Physical Therapy team, having been with the company since its inception almost 10 years ago. She is dedicated to ensuring a seamless patient experience, expertly navigating the complexities of healthcare and insurance to provide clear and compassionate assistance.
Beyond her work in the clinic, Marnie maintains a healthy and active lifestyle. She enjoys hiking, exercising, and cherishes her time with her family. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to the Prolete team make her an invaluable asset.