Dr. Deanna Marinucci, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

My passion for understanding breath has taken me across the globe—from training as a master freediver in Thailand and the Philippines to learning meditation techniques with monks in Chiang Mai and studying conscious connected breathwork in Indonesia. These experiences have profoundly shaped my approach, allowing me to integrate physical therapy, breathing mechanics, and whole-body health into a comprehensive, patient-centered practice.

My journey as a physical therapist began in Manhattan, NY, where I worked in a fast-paced sports and orthopedic clinic. There, I developed a deep interest in how posture and movement influence overall well-being and injury, particularly in individuals experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety. Many of my clients in this environment faced challenges such as poor sleep, high cortisol levels, and chronic pain, which inspired me to explore the broader connections between the body and mind.

In 2018, I moved to San Francisco and joined a clinic specializing in Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) methodologies. This experience deepened my passion for understanding the art and science of breathing, helping me connect the dots between breathing mechanics, posture, injury, and pelvic health. My continued education included courses with Herman & Wallace for pelvic health therapy, which eventually led me to co-found the pelvic health program at Meta in Menlo Park, CA.

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with athletes, tech professionals, and the perinatal population, integrating my expertise in breathing into their care. My growing interest in airway health motivated me to pursue certification in orofacial myofunctional therapy through the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT), allowing me to better support clients dealing with challenges related to breathing, sleep, and even speech.

Currently, I’m part of the team at Apiros in Santa Cruz, where I focus on athletic recovery and improving sports performance. I work with a wide range of clients, from Olympic athletes to children, addressing conditions such as sleep-disordered breathing and exercise-induced asthma, with a strong emphasis on optimizing airway function.

Deanna’s Educational Journey:

• New York Medical College, Doctor of Physical Therapy

• University of Delaware, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, Minors in Strength & Conditioning, Disabilities Studies

• ABPT certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)

• NSCA certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Certifications from:

• The Postural Restoration Institute (PRI)

• Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation (H&W levels I, IIa, IIb)

• The Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT)

• Human Matrix Biomechanics with Zac Cupples