Joren Michael Francisco, PT, DPT, is a dedicated and compassionate physical therapist with expertise in pediatrics, neurologic conditions, and orthopedic injuries for dancers and runners. He has extensive clinical experience treating a wide range of conditions, including spinal cord injuries, limb loss, running injuries, and various neurological diagnoses. Joren has a special interest in pediatrics and works as a Certified Personal Trainer. His clinical work has fueled his passion for serving the neurological pediatric population, and he is committed to providing high-quality, equitable care for underserved pediatric patients.
Joren earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Columbia University. During his time at Columbia, he participated in the prestigious Columbia Runlab and chose the Advanced Neurological Rehabilitation Track, gaining valuable experience in specialty clinics for acute stroke, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and rehab medicine. He also served as class social chair and took elective courses in performing arts, foot and ankle, pelvic floor, vestibular rehab, and medical Spanish. Additionally, Joren was a member of the Columbia Sports Research Team, presenting research on "Transverse Plane Kinematics in Lightweight Rowers: The Hips Don’t Lie."
Joren's journey to physical therapy is both inspiring and unique. Originally a musical theatre major at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, he faced a significant personal challenge when he developed Bell’s Palsy. This experience, combined with an injury he sustained while working as a performer at the Disneyland Resort in California, led him to seek physical therapy treatment. This exposure to performing arts physical therapy ignited his passion for the field and set him on a new career path.
In his free time, Joren enjoys exploring the city with his cat, Ivy, reading books, discovering new food spots with his best friends, and listening to music by Charli XCX and Taylor Swift.