Meet The Team at Breaking Through Intensive Therapy
Get to know the team behind the physical therapy, sports rehab, athletic performance, brain training and more services offered at Breaking Through Intensive Therapy.
JOSH PALCIC, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
ROLE
- Josh is one of Breaking Through’s One80 providers. He had the original vision for Breaking Through, but it has grown far beyond his expectations!
- Josh has been a physical therapist working with children and young adults with physical disabilities for over 25 years. He was frustrated with the traditional model of all areas of PT. He transitioned into a more intensive model for this population and when he learned the One80 System®, Breaking Through began helping athletes return to the activities they love.
FUN FACT
- Josh went to a small college in Buffalo, NY, D’Youville University, and was able to play multiple sports as it transitioned into D3, including basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and golf.
FAVORITE VERSE
- Joshua 1:7 - "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do."
FAVORITE PART OF MY JOB
- Josh loves watching all the families that have trusted us to help them navigate a world that they did not anticipate. We are blown away at their determination and love.
- Josh loves being able to connect people with their passions. Whether it be a return to what they love to do from an injury or to discover an ability for the first time. I love to be a part of the journey and be on their team.
LIZZIE BENDER
Administrative Assistant/Marketing Coordinator
ROLE
- The friendly face at the front desk. Provides administrative support to ensure efficient office operations. Lizzie is the point of contact for every client that walks through the door.
- Lizzie is also the mastermind behind our marketing. She captures the special moments with our clients, imagines our social media posts, creates our newsletters to give you a behind the scenes look into Breaking Through.
FUN FACT
- Lizzie played competitive basketball for 18 years!
- Lizzie enjoys being outside, watching Cleveland sports teams, and boating during the summertime!
FAVORITE VERSE
- Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
FAVORITE PART OF MY JOB
- Lizzie loves being a part of the Breaking Through Family! It is rewarding to see how much the clients are benefiting from our services!
- She also loves filming and creating content for Breaking Through!
JENNIFER PALCIC, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Brain Trainer
ROLE
- Jennifer is one of Breaking Through’s One80 providers. She has been a physical therapist assistant for over 25 years and loves to help people in all walks of life. Throughout her career, she took a break from the therapy world to stay home with her kids full time.
- Jennifer is also a Certified NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Provider. She educates many on how brain training can be a benefit to everyone.
FUN FACT
- Jennifer is in a pickleball league and plays pickleball weekly.
- Jennifer absolutely LOVES the beach!!
FAVORITE VERSE
- Galatians 6:9 "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don't give up".
FAVORITE PART OF MY JOB
- Jennifer loves to educate people on what they can do to take better care of themselves physically and mentally. She loves to see them take ownership of their health to be better versions of themselves.
- Jennifer is in awe of every client that walks through our doors. Each one being such a blessing to us and our business. God has BIG plans for Breaking Through!!
SET UP YOUR ASSESSMENT
To arrange an assessment for neurofeedback, sports injury rehab, sports performance or neurodevelopmental therapy, contact us.
WHAT THEY SAY...
What do our patients say about Breaking Through?
Posted on Google![]()
Melanie Reinke16 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had plantar fasciitis for months. I thought I could fix it on my own through YouTube videos and advice from others. I could barely hobble mornings because my pain was so bad. My daughter suggested Breaking Through Intensive Therapy in Middleburg Heights. They are absolutely amazing!!! They didn't just treat my foot's surface symptoms, they have a 180 approach which finds the root cause of the pain and corrects that. It's truly incredible what they do. I felt so welcome and no question was too silly or unimportant. I still learn something new every time I go there. It's awesome. I learned so much and feel so much better and I cannot recommend Breaking Through Intensive Therapy enough. They are so incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and skilled, and you will wonder why you waited so long to go.Posted on Google![]()
Jennifer Toth10 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I love that the team at Breaking Through takes such a different approach to PT. I’ve sent several members of my family there for various issues, and the sessions we’ve had have been simple and subtle, but so effective!Posted on Google![]()
Tony Smerk, Sr.8 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Over the past year I have experienced growing pain and discomfort in my lower back and down my legs . . . including some numbness in my feet. I had begun a program of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen to manage/control the pain. At a meeting with friends, someone suggested physical therapy as a means of finding relief. They suggested Breaking Through, where several people had already had success in managing new back pain. Because of the relationship with those people, I went to Breaking Through and had my first treatment. I felt immediate relief right after the first treatment . . . and for the week that followed. So much so, that I had no need for the pain medication I had been taking prior to the treatment. I have been given exercises that take about 15 minutes to do 3 times a day. Since doing those, I am now experiencing very little pain and hope to achieve complete pain free days in the near future. I will see the therapist for a few more treatments to be sure it is not temporary, but I am feeling confident that the exercises and the treatment have helped me find relief that will lead to a pain free life again. I was actually considering surgery, as was proposed to me after an evaluation by a neurosurgeon, until I started the treatments. I am now convinced that Breaking Through has helped me "break through" the pain . . . and I'm on my way to those pain free days again. I highly recommend you visit Breaking Through to find the experience that may help you find pain free days as well.Posted on Google![]()
cynthia mikula8 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Josh’s methods of physical therapy at Breaking Through are exceptional! He has helped me with both shoulder and knee issues. I was unable to work due to a shoulder injury and after three visits, I could safely return to work without pain. As far as my knee is concerned, I’m bone on bone but through his techniques of therapy, I can walk without pain. My knee doesn’t crackle as much either. With previous therapists, I either didn’t see any improvement or minimal improvement at best. I’m very disciplined about doing my prescribed exercises at home, but no matter how much I did, I was making little progress. At Breaking Through, I see results. My quality of life has improved. The at home exercises are easy which makes me more incredulous that this stuff works! I have referred other patients to Josh, and after a few sessions, they could do things that previously were difficult or painful. One person was told by his therapist that there was nothing more they could do. This was as good as his mobility was going to get. He improved after a couple of sessions. Josh really understands the bio- mechanics of the human body. He applies that knowledge to get you moving. If you have tried physical therapy in the past, just leaving you discouraged, try Breaking Through. You will be encouraged!Posted on Google![]()
Christian Lee8 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Josh is the best medical professional I’ve ever seen for physical ailments / chronic pain. After years of dealing with issues and seeing surgeons / PTs, I’ve improved more in a handful of appointments with Josh than ~5 years with other clinicians. His One80 method is uniquely effective, but it’s his personal dedication to his craft that elevates the quality of care to another level. I’ve gotten back to tennis and golf during my time under his care and look forward to building even more strength!
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