About

 
 

Our cycling medicine program features a varied team of clinicians, therapists and cycling experts who work together to assess and treat cycling injuries. They can also craft a program to help you optimize your performance on the bike.

Treatment may include physical therapy, bodywork, interventional procedures, and bike fitting. If necessary, we can also facilitate an additional workup for a complex or unclear diagnosis.

Our primary goals are to:

  • Increase your knowledge of cycling biomechanics and injury prevention

  • Maximize your performance

  • Minimize discomfort and time loss due to injury

 

Our Team

Dana Kotler, MD

Dr. Kotler is a board-certified physiatrist and sports medicine specialist. With training from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, she completed her residency at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and a sports medicine fellowship at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Passionate about cycling medicine, Dr. Kotler founded the groundbreaking Spaulding Cycling Medicine Program, employing a collaborative approach to diagnose and manage medical issues in cyclists and triathletes. She is widely recognized for her expertise and has presented extensively and published multiple articles on cycling medicine topics. She continues to inspire others through her insightful research and unwavering commitment to the well-being and performance of athletes.

Karen Zunti, PT

Karen Zunti is a physical therapist and Gold-level certified bike fitter through BikePT, and level 2 bike fitter through Serotta International Cycling Institute. She has raced mountain bikes and triathlons, and is involved in Spaulding's adaptive mountain biking and cycling programs. Her cycling passion helps her understand the importance of proper functional movement patterns and bike fit to reduce injury, increase comfort on the bike, and improve performance.

Our Process

We will assess your muscle strength, flexibility, bicycle fit, and riding technique. The evaluation is designed to provide specific diagnosis for competing cyclists, triathletes and cycling enthusiasts. From the assessment we will create an individualized plan to help you achieve your recovery and performance goals.

Your assessment will include the following:

  • Thorough medical evaluation by a Board Certified Sports Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor specializing in cycling medicine

  • Biomechanical evaluation by a Physical Therapist specializing in cycling medicine

  • Individualized treatment plans for cyclists and triathletes targeting performance improvement

  • Evaluation and management of acute and chronic injuries related to cycling

  • Collaboration with local bicycle shops and custom bike builders to facilitate the optimal cycling experience

 

Spaulding Cycling Medicine in the media

NESN Celebrity Spotlight Series: Spaulding Cycling Medicine Program

In this segment, Dr. Dana Kotler and Greg Robidoux, PT of the Spaulding Cycling Medicine Program shows how the team approaches helping cyclists of all levels stay healthy and achieve their best performance through a unique blend of approaches.

Kotler DH, Babu AN, Robidoux G. Prevention, Evaluation, and Rehabilitation of Cycling-Related Injury. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2016 May-Jun;15(3):199-206.

Joyce AA, Kotler DH. Core Training in Low Back Disorders: Role of the Pilates Method. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2017 May/Jun;16(3):156-161.

Kotler DH, Lynch M, Cushman D, Hu J, Garner J. Dancers' Perceived and Actual Knowledge of Anatomy. J Dance Med Sci. 2017 Jun 15;21(2):76-81.

Meyers AC, Bhatnagar S, Robidoux G, Kotler D. Results of an online community survey on cyclist's riding and racing habits, crash history, traumatic and chronic injury, and medical treatment. Journal of Science and Cycling, 2018;6(2), 27-34. https://doi.org/10.28985/171231.jsc.11.

Rice S, Iaccarino MA, Bhatnagar S, Robidoux G, Zafonte R, Kotler DH. Reporting of Concussion-Like Symptoms After Cycling Crashes: A Survey of Competitive and Recreational Cyclists. J Athl Train. 2020 Jan;55(1):11-16. PMID: 31855078, PMCID: PMC6961649, https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-91-19

Kotler DH, Cushman DM, Rice S, Gilbert C, Bhatnagar S, Robidoux CG, Iaccarino MA. Fear, Anxiety, and Return to Sport After Cycling Crashes: A Survey of Cyclists. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2022 Feb;33(1):107-122. PMID: 34798993, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2021.08.008

Puleo RM, Barreveld A, Rice S, Althausen Plante AM, Kotler DH. Unique Concerns of the Woman Cyclist. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2022 Feb;33(1):61-79. PMID: 34799003, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2021.08.005

Cushman DM, Dowling N, Ehn M, Kotler DH. Triathlon Considerations. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2022 Feb;33(1):81-90. PMID: 34799004, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2021.08.006

Kotler DH, Iaccarino MA, Rice S, Herman S. Return to Cycling Following Brain Injury: A Proposed Multidisciplinary Approach. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2022 Feb;33(1):91-9105. PMID: 34799005, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2021.08.007

Cortez AN, Kotler DH. Cycling Medicine. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2022 Feb;33(1):xv-xxvi. PMID: 34799007, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2021.09.001

Hsu C, Schowalter S, Jarnagin J, Babu AN, Kotler DH. Buttock Pain in Athletes: A Narrative Review. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports. 2023. In press.

Kotler D, Rice S, Katz N, Gomes N, Holliday W, Zunti K, Moore J. Training and Injury Considerations in Female-Identifying Cyclists. Journal of Women's Sports Medicine. 2023 Jul 26;3(2):11-24. https://doi.org/10.53646/jwsm.v3i2.45

Searle O, Rice S, Fowler C, Kotler DH. Creation of a Multidisciplinary Cycling Medicine Clinic: Analysis of the First 9 Years. Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2026 Jun 1;25(6):179-87.