Jillian Battista

I bring a unique blend of high-level clinical expertise and real-world coaching experience to my work with athletes. I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy after completing a Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Science, and I further specialized through an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based care and performance-driven rehabilitation.

I have coached and trained athletes across a wide range of levels, from youth and adolescent athletes to high school, collegiate, junior, and professional players. I have hands-on coaching experience in ice hockey from youth through junior levels and have worked within the Provincial Women’s Hockey League, giving me a deep understanding of long-term athlete development and the demands of competitive hockey.

In my practice, I work with athletes of all ages—kids, adolescents, teens, high school, collegiate, and professional—across multiple sports. While my specialty is ice hockey, with a particular focus on the female athlete, I have extensive experience training and rehabilitating athletes from a wide variety of athletic backgrounds.

I hold certifications in dry needling and blood flow restriction training, which allow me to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and high-performance training. My approach integrates injury prevention, return-to-play progression, strength and conditioning, and sport-specific demands to help athletes not only return to sport but perform with confidence and resilience.

I competed at the highest levels of ice hockey, beginning with youth hockey for the Buffalo Bisons, followed by three years of junior hockey in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League, playing for the Burlington Barracudas and Brampton Canadettes. I went on to play NCAA Division I Women’s Ice Hockey at Merrimack College as a member of the program’s inaugural women’s team.

Throughout my career, I experienced both the thrill of high-level competition and the frustration of significant injury. Navigating setbacks, recovery, and return to play gave me firsthand insight into what it feels like to be disconnected from your body and passed between providers. That experience shapes how I work with athletes today—addressing not only the physical demands of sport, but also the mental challenges that come with injury and recovery.

Clients can expect a highly individualized, athlete-centered experience that addresses both the physical and mental demands of sport. Every athlete begins with a deep, 60–90-minute initial session where I listen carefully to their history, goals, movement patterns, and concerns. This allows me to design a truly personalized plan—there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Equally important is the mental aspect of performance. I understand firsthand the frustration, self-doubt, and stress that come with injury or high-level competition. I work with athletes to rebuild confidence, mental resilience, and body awareness, helping them reconnect with their performance in a way that feels safe, intentional, and empowering. Communication, feedback, and education are crucial. Athletes always understand why we are doing each exercise and how it supports both their physical and mental readiness.

The result is a structured, purposeful session that not only builds strength and skill, but also strengthens mindset, confidence, and the ability to perform at a high level under pressure.