Steering Committee Member

Assistant Professor
USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

Marisa Perdomo, PT, DPT, Board Certified Oncology Physical Therapy Specialist is an Assistant Professor in Clinical Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. She has over 35 years of clinical practice focusing on orthopedic, oncologic, lymphatic dysfunctions and integrated health. She received her Master’s and Clinical Doctorate degrees at the University of Southern California where she developed a physical therapy practice for cancer survivors at the USC Faculty Practice. She received her lymphedema training and certification from the Foldi Clinic in Hinterzarten Germany in 1997. Other specialized certifications obtained include certification as a cancer exercise specialist in 2003, certification as a Reiki master practitioner in 2009 and certification as a kundalini yoga instructor in 2013.

Dr. Perdomo integrates integrative practices such as mediation, guided imagery and yoga with her physical therapy manual therapy skills, manual lymphatic mobilization techniques, and therapeutic exercises to achieve healing of the mind, body and spirit. Her own experience with recovery from Hodgkin’s lymphoma and breast cancer, allows for a special understanding of the physical and emotional complexities across the healing journey for individuals diagnosed with cancer. 

At USC Dr. Perdomo developed the clinical and curricular content regarding the comprehensive management of oncological related impairments. Her teaching responsibilities include Differential Diagnosis, Cardiopulmonary and Medical Conditions, and Pharmacology. She serves on the steering committee for the USC Institute of Integrated Health and Wellness. She had developed curriculum for integrating yoga based physical therapy interventions for individuals with low back pain.  

Her scholarly interests include oncology rehabilitation, management of peripheral edema and yoga as a therapeutic intervention. Publications include clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing and treating Upper Quadrant Secondary Lymphedema Related to Cancer and systematic reviews of outcome measures for survivors of breast cancer.