Karen Vozzella PT, DPT, CLT

Karen Vozzella started her transition from outpatient orthopedics to oncology rehabilitation after seeing a breast cancer survivor in an outpatient physical therapy clinic for frozen shoulder. This patient saw the compassion, empathy and patience that she displayed with those in her care, and their conversations motivated her to specialize in treating this population. Oncology rehabilitation was not something taught in PT schools at the time and only outpatient hospital settings were providing these services.

Karen went on to become a Senior Physical Therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering. There she realized the multitude of side effects that these patients face when undergoing treatment and even after cancer treatments were completed. One of the main side effects that she noticed was swelling, and not being able to help these patients, she chose to pursue her certification in lymphedema therapy.

Through Karen’s years of experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering, she has seen the challenges that these patients face and is passionate about helping them through the recovery and healing process. She has treated conditions such as lymphedema, radiation fibrosis, cording, limited ROM, decreased strength, impaired posture, joint pain secondary to aromatase inhibitors, chemo related fatigue and chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, just to name a few.

Karen uses techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, breathing exercises, myofascial release, trigger point release, muscle energy techniques, joint mobilizations and manual lymphatic drainage to restore tissue and flexibility.

In her free time, she enjoys exercising, running, hiking and spending time with her husband and 3 year old daughter.

Degrees & Certifications