Meet The Team
Ryan VanNieuwenhuyze
DPT, USAW-L1, Owner and Founder of Barbell PT and Performance
Dr. Ryan VanNieuwenhuyze received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2015.
Dr. VanNieuwenhuyze has been a life-long athlete and lifter, and knew from a young age that he wanted to become a physical therapist after suffering a shoulder injury that ultimately required surgery and a long rehab process. During this process, Dr. VanNieuwenhuyze found that many physical therapists and physical therapy clinics weren’t cut out to provide the best care to lifters, athletes, and active individuals. Because of this, Dr. VanNieuwenhuyze determined that he wanted to open his own clinic that focused specifically on helping these types of people, and this is how Barbell Physical Therapy and Performance was founded.
In his spare time, Dr. VanNieuwenhuyze spends his time training in Olympic weightlifting, and spending time with friends and family
Michael Velasquez
DPT, CF-L3, USAW-L1, CSCS
Mike received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of Connecticut in 2019.
Mike has been a CrossFit coach since 2012, and over the years has had a strong desire to continue learning, so he can best help his athletes. Since graduating from PT school, Mike has always enjoyed helping lifters, athletes, and active individuals get back to their desired activities, and reach their specific goals. Mike appreciates the importance of finding a provider that understands your sport/activity of choice, and is very excited to join the team at Barbell Physical Therapy and Performance.
In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, training at the gym, and supporting his beloved UConn Huskies in all sports.