Martha Spalding
Meet Martha Spalding
Martha Spalding, PT, IMT, NTP, FLT, is an experienced Physical Therapist with over 30 years of expertise in Integrative Physical Therapy. After graduating from the Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Dance, Martha pursued a career in professional dance. However, after a career-ending injury, she shifted her focus to physical rehabilitation, earning her Physical Therapy degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Martha has built a distinguished career working with a variety of clients, from professional athletes like the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls to numerous dance companies and the general population. For 20 years, she ran her own private practice, where she integrated manual therapy techniques such as craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, integrative manual therapy, and Barral visceral mobilization into her treatments, alongside Pilates for rehabilitation.
Her initial Pilates training began in 1992 with Joseph Pilates' protégé Romana Kryzanowska, and she later completed the Balanced Body Training Program. Martha also incorporates the Oov as a rehabilitation tool, blending her background in dance and physical therapy with Pilates to offer a well-rounded approach. She uses Pilates to help clients improve range of motion, core strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall movement flow, making it a powerful rehabilitation tool.
Martha’s Integrative Physical Therapy approach is supported by her expertise in manual therapy, which integrates into her sessions to enhance recovery, relieve muscle tension, and support improved mobility. Additionally, she may use medical devices such as Avazzia and PEMF with the Kloud Mat to further enhance her therapeutic treatments.
Martha is passionate about helping her clients achieve optimal function and wellness. She has a special focus on women’s health, with extensive experience in rehabilitating patients with pre/postpartum issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, and other women’s health-related diagnoses. Martha’s belief in the effectiveness of Pilates for rehabilitation has made it a cornerstone of her practice, as she finds it safe and beneficial for all populations.
Currently, Martha is completing her certification in Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), which helps clients release “stuck” mind-body stress patterns, further enhancing the holistic approach she brings to her therapy sessions. With a nutritional degree and certification as a Yoga Instructor, Martha provides a well-rounded, integrative approach to her treatments.
In her personal life, Martha continues to stay connected to her love of dance through ballet and the occasional ballroom class. She also enjoys swimming and yoga and is a proud mother of four grown children.
Get to Know the The Body Center St. Pete Team
Shila Tirabassi LaGrua
Shila’s journey into the healing arts began with a deep passion for movement as an internationally touring professional modern dancer. A graduate of the Juilliard School in NYC, Shila had the privilege of performing and directing with renowned companies and choreographers, including Merce Cunningham, Lar Lubovitch, Martha Graham, Robert Battle, and Stephen Petronio.
Delfina Bonilla-Lopez
Delfina Bonilla-Lopez, LMT, CNS, RYT-200, YTU, CPT, is a passionate bodywork specialist and dedicated advocate for the body’s innate capacity for restoration. With a lifelong love of athleticism and movement, Delfina is committed to helping her clients rediscover their body’s natural potential through Neurosomatic Therapy, corrective exercise, and a range of holistic techniques.
Alyson Ballow
Alyson is a LMT, CNS, RYT-300 and has received her AFAA certification in Group Fitness Training. She has continued education and certifications for Community Yoga Outreach, The Art of One-on-One, and AcroYoga, both Lunar Therapeutics and Solar Acrobatics. She graduated in June 2014 from Warrior One Yoga (Orlando, FL) and in August 2022 from the Center for Neurosomatic Studies (Largo, FL).
Tania Drago
Tania Drago is a dedicated practitioner specializing in Pilates, with certifications from Club Pilates and The Kane School of Core Integration. Originally from Boston, MA, Tania’s passion for helping others achieve a balanced, healthier lifestyle led her to pursue a career in wellness after studying Criminal Justice at Northern Essex.
Heidi Brewer
Heidi Brewer, a native of the Pacific Northwest and University of Washington alum, has been a dedicated dance artist and movement specialist in Seattle, NYC, and LA since 2001. She is a Certified Pilates Instructor through the Kane School and Kinected in NYC, where she also serves as the Communications Director. At Body Center St. Pete, Heidi is a Pilates Instructor, guiding clients in achieving optimal alignment and movement and Kane School Teacher Trainer, teaching the Pilates Method to future instructors.
Brunella Lucchi
Brunella Lucchi, originally from Italy, has built an impressive career in manual therapy, driven by her passion for helping clients overcome pain and restore balance. After studying foreign languages and literature at the University of Bologna, Brunella’s pursuit of knowledge led her to the United States in 1991, where she discovered her passion for manual therapy and soft tissue treatments.
Martha Spalding
Martha Spalding, PT, IMT, NTP, FLT, is an experienced Physical Therapist with over 30 years of expertise in Integrative Physical Therapy. After graduating from the Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Dance, Martha pursued a career in professional dance. However, after a career-ending injury, she shifted her focus to physical rehabilitation, earning her Physical Therapy degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago.