WHY RPE?
We do things differently from the traditional PT model.
In most insurance-based clinics, you typically spend only 10 minutes with your therapist before being handed off to techs or assistants. Space is limited, equipment is basic, and rehab plans often drag on for months.
At RPE, every session is a full 60 minutes, one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
This approach allows for individualized care, faster progress without unnecessary delays, and access to advanced treatments and equipment that insurance often won’t cover.
Our PTs bring extensive experience working with athletes at every level — from youth competitors to pros. We’ve built a true sports medicine environment in the heart of Pittsburgh:
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Full weight room with advanced training tools
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20+ yards of turf for agility and return-to-sport drills
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State-of-the-art equipment for assessment and recovery
We operate in a gym - built by athletes, for athletes - so you can return to the ice, turf, court or gym better than before.
NO INSURANCE LIMITS. NO COOKIE-CUTTER CARE.
JUST PERSONALIZED, ATHLETE FOCUSED TREATMENT DESIGNED FOR YOUR GOALS.
At RPE Physical Therapy, we treat you as a whole athlete, customizing every plan to match your unique needs, goals, and lifestyle. Because we’re cash-based, we’re not bound by insurance restrictions. This means you get the freedom to receive as much care as necessary, without limits or compromises. Whether you’re chasing competitive sports excellence or staying active on weekends, our personalized approach focuses on what matters most to you, helping you perform at your absolute best.
HOW DOES OUR MODEL WORK?
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Complete your in-person evaluation.
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Get your plan.
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Excel better than before.
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DR. CHRIS SERRAO, PT, DPT, OCS
Co-Founder & Co-Owner, RPE Physical Therapy
Dr. Chris Serrao is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist dedicated to helping active individuals of all ages recover, perform, and excel. A native of Pittsburgh’s South Hills, Chris earned both his undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Activity and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh.
After graduation, Chris practiced at a high-level sports orthopedic clinic, where he earned board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and served as Clinic Director. His background in strength and conditioning spans over five years in the private sector, complemented by hands-on experience with NCAA Division I and Division III athletic programs through internships with the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.
As a competitive powerlifter, Chris helped found the University of Pittsburgh’s club powerlifting team and competed for four years before transitioning into Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts—sports that continue to fuel his passion for athletic performance and rehabilitation.
Chris specializes in working with competitive athletes, combat sport athletes, and active individuals seeking to move and perform at their best. His clinical interests include orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, concussion management, and strength-based return-to-sport programming.
Chris is proud to bring his expertise and enthusiasm to RPE, where his mission is simple: help you recover, perform, and excel.
Co-Founder & Co-Owner, RPE Physical Therapy
DR. PAULA SERRAO, PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Paula Serrao graduated from the University of Pittsburgh’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2019. Since then, she has earned her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification and is certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling.
As a former collegiate volleyball athlete and three-sport high school competitor, Paula’s athletic background is expansive. She also competed in powerlifting for over five years after retiring from collegiate volleyball. While Paula no longer competes in powerlifting, she remains passionate about blending her athletic foundation with her advanced strength knowledge to deliver exceptional, athlete-focused care.
Paula is also deeply committed to education. She has served as a co-lecturer for the R2P Academy Blueprints course and has traveled nationally to teach clinicians, both new and experienced, about rehabilitation principles and the strength and conditioning continuum. She also co-founded the R2P Concussion Blueprints course and serves as a guest lecturer for the Built 2 Last mentorship cohort.
Paula’s dedication to advancing both patient outcomes and clinician expertise is one of the core values of RPE Physical Therapy.