Ilene joined Back 2 Normal in May 2015, and is our fitness, Pilates and rehabilitation expert. She wrote and published a book series, “Fit & Powerful Professionals” then subsequently became a member of the National Speakers Association, where she educated executives and their teams on workplace wellness. Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for more than 30 years, she has specialized in post-rehab fitness and Pilates training with our intermediate to most advanced level athletes.
Ilene’s extensive list of national certifications includes but is not limited to: FMS (Functional Movement Screen – Levels 1 &2), Balance Body Pilates Comprehensive Certification (which includes over 12 certifications on individual pieces of equipment), TRX & BOSU Certifications, ACSM Sports Nutrition and B-3 Bands Certification. This substantial education has enabled her to apply her expertise in sports nutrition, functional fitness training and Pilates to support our clients as they achieve enhanced levels of health and athletic ability.
Ilene has been working alongside physical therapists rehabbing injured clients for over 18 years. Her work with our Back2Normal clients has not only assisted in their rehabilitation process but has also continued to keep them safe from reoccurring injury as they transition back into their chosen sport. During Ilene’s private and duet sessions, she customizes all individual client programs as they enjoy enhanced performance and achieve their personal strength goals.
Ilene’s Back2Normal clients engage in a diverse range of coaching modalities as she challenges them incorporating all our in-studio equipment coupled with a host of strength enhancing strategies. Training with Ilene will enable all her clients to become proficient using the TRX suspension system, single and double BOSU exercises, varying pieces of Pilates equipment, super-bands, dumbbells and so much more.
Over the years as Ilene invested in her own personal fitness, she became dedicated to helping those who have struggled to become fit. Ilene has competed in 5 marathons and ranked as a finalist and won fitness competitions. She served as a health and fitness contributor at NBC News in Tampa, Daytime Morning Shows and radio talk shows. Her personal experiences and professional training have motivated her clients to invest in their own health and well-being. Ilene brings her expanding knowledge and the gifts of empathy, to empower her clients to success. Ilene feels it is a privilege to share in each client’s health and wellness journey
Ilene helps her clients “take their mind to the gym” as she empowers them to embrace personal commitment and self-worth. Ilene loves fitness and Pilates because she believes that no matter how strong you become there’s always that next level to reach and get even stronger. The four types of fitness: cardiovascular, strength, flexibility and balance will always offer Ilene’s clients an opportunity to grow and become healthier. While having FUN with their fitness she emphasizes the importance of believing in their own ability to achieve all of their goals.
I have done fitness training w/ Ilene for over 11 years and Pilates training for over 7 years. She knows my body well and is always watching me closely to correct my technique when needed to keep me safe from injury. Not only is Ilene a wonderful person with great empathy…
I have done fitness training w/ Ilene for over 11 years and Pilates training for over 7 years. She knows my body well and is always watching me closely to correct my technique when needed to keep me safe from injury. Not only is Ilene a wonderful person with great empathy but she motivates me to work hard and be my best. Her many certifications equip her with an extensive amount of knowledge in her field and I appreciate how I benefit from that. At my annual wellness and fitness evaluation my results were exceptional and demonstrated great increases in my strength over the previous year. Ilene has not only been my trainer for all these years but we have become great friends.”
– Nikki Bassil
My name is Ralph Jones, and I am resident of St Petersburg, FL. I am in my mid-50’s and have been clinically diagnosed with both Scoliosis and Lumbar Stenosis. After years of unsuccessful epidural injections and persistent (and sometime debilitating) back pain…
My name is Ralph Jones, and I am resident of St Petersburg, FL. I am in my mid-50’s and have been clinically diagnosed with both Scoliosis and Lumbar Stenosis. After years of unsuccessful epidural injections and persistent (and sometime debilitating) back pain, I was referred to Back to Normal by a Spinal Surgeon and was evaluated by Lisa Chase. Lisa recommended that I start Pilates therapy with her Master Pilates Instructor, Ilene Gershberg. I had never tried Pilates before but wanted to give it a shot since nothing else seemed to be working. I have been training with Coach Ilene for the past 10 months and the results have been dramatic. Coach Ilene has been able to strengthen my core and my “minor muscles” that I had never previously focused on. Since starting my sessions with Ilene, I have not required any epidural shots nor feel the need to seek major medical treatment. Ilene is awesome to work with—her personalized one-on-one sessions allow her to really focus on her client’s needs to obtain the best possible outcomes. Coach Ilene will meet you wherever you are at on the spectrum of fitness, but at the same time will push and challenge you to get the very most out of each and every session. Unlike many other therapists and coaches that I have trained with, I feel that Coach Ilene genuinely cares about my health and creates a personalized training experience to address my health needs. As an avid beach volleyball player, I was worried that my days on the court would be very limited with my scoliosis. With Ilene as my Pilates and Core/Conditioning coach, I am playing some of the very best volleyball of my life and I am doing it pain and worry free. I would give Back-to-Normal and Coach Ilene “Five Stars” for not only the genuine care and concern for their clients and patients, but also because of the real results that I have experienced through this program.
– Ralph Jones
“I went to Back2Normal physical therapy for a skiing injury. My rehabilitation included various strength training exercises. As a result, I learned that though I had been working out on my own for most of my life, I was not lifting properly and using the correct muscles…
“I went to Back2Normal physical therapy for a skiing injury. My rehabilitation included various strength training exercises. As a result, I learned that though I had been working out on my own for most of my life, I was not lifting properly and using the correct muscles. I decided in December of 2023 to try their “Fitness & Performance” coaching with instructor Ilene Gershberg. This was my first experience with a private fitness trainer. The results have been phenomenal I have put on a lot of muscle mass, lost weight and become more flexible. At my last annual physical, my biological age registered as 58 years (…5 years younger than my chronological age…) based on my physical attributes. Ilene is knowledgeable, friendly, flexible and very supportive. If you want to look good, feel great, and increase your lifespan, you need to go to Back2Normal and sign up to train with Ilene!!”
– Bill McQueen
I have done fitness training w/ Ilene for over 11 years and Pilates training for over 7 years. She knows my body well and is always watching me closely to correct my technique when needed to keep me safe from injury. Not only is Ilene a wonderful person with great empathy…
I have done fitness training w/ Ilene for over 11 years and Pilates training for over 7 years. She knows my body well and is always watching me closely to correct my technique when needed to keep me safe from injury. Not only is Ilene a wonderful person with great empathy but she motivates me to work hard and be my best. Her many certifications equip her with an extensive amount of knowledge in her field and I appreciate how I benefit from that. At my annual wellness and fitness evaluation my results were exceptional and demonstrated great increases in my strength over the previous year. Ilene has not only been my trainer for all these years but we have become great friends.”
– Nikki Bassil
My name is Ralph Jones, and I am resident of St Petersburg, FL. I am in my mid-50’s and have been clinically diagnosed with both Scoliosis and Lumbar Stenosis. After years of unsuccessful epidural injections and persistent (and sometime debilitating) back pain…
My name is Ralph Jones, and I am resident of St Petersburg, FL. I am in my mid-50’s and have been clinically diagnosed with both Scoliosis and Lumbar Stenosis. After years of unsuccessful epidural injections and persistent (and sometime debilitating) back pain, I was referred to Back to Normal by a Spinal Surgeon and was evaluated by Lisa Chase. Lisa recommended that I start Pilates therapy with her Master Pilates Instructor, Ilene Gershberg. I had never tried Pilates before but wanted to give it a shot since nothing else seemed to be working. I have been training with Coach Ilene for the past 10 months and the results have been dramatic. Coach Ilene has been able to strengthen my core and my “minor muscles” that I had never previously focused on. Since starting my sessions with Ilene, I have not required any epidural shots nor feel the need to seek major medical treatment. Ilene is awesome to work with—her personalized one-on-one sessions allow her to really focus on her client’s needs to obtain the best possible outcomes. Coach Ilene will meet you wherever you are at on the spectrum of fitness, but at the same time will push and challenge you to get the very most out of each and every session. Unlike many other therapists and coaches that I have trained with, I feel that Coach Ilene genuinely cares about my health and creates a personalized training experience to address my health needs. As an avid beach volleyball player, I was worried that my days on the court would be very limited with my scoliosis. With Ilene as my Pilates and Core/Conditioning coach, I am playing some of the very best volleyball of my life and I am doing it pain and worry free. I would give Back-to-Normal and Coach Ilene “Five Stars” for not only the genuine care and concern for their clients and patients, but also because of the real results that I have experienced through this program.
– Ralph Jones
“I went to Back2Normal physical therapy for a skiing injury. My rehabilitation included various strength training exercises. As a result, I learned that though I had been working out on my own for most of my life, I was not lifting properly and using the correct muscles…
“I went to Back2Normal physical therapy for a skiing injury. My rehabilitation included various strength training exercises. As a result, I learned that though I had been working out on my own for most of my life, I was not lifting properly and using the correct muscles. I decided in December of 2023 to try their “Fitness & Performance” coaching with instructor Ilene Gershberg. This was my first experience with a private fitness trainer. The results have been phenomenal I have put on a lot of muscle mass, lost weight and become more flexible. At my last annual physical, my biological age registered as 58 years (…5 years younger than my chronological age…) based on my physical attributes. Ilene is knowledgeable, friendly, flexible and very supportive. If you want to look good, feel great, and increase your lifespan, you need to go to Back2Normal and sign up to train with Ilene!!”
– Bill McQueen
I have done fitness training w/ Ilene for over 11 years and Pilates training for over 7 years. She knows my body well and is always watching me closely to correct my technique when needed to keep me safe from injury. Not only is Ilene a wonderful person with great empathy…
I have done fitness training w/ Ilene for over 11 years and Pilates training for over 7 years. She knows my body well and is always watching me closely to correct my technique when needed to keep me safe from injury. Not only is Ilene a wonderful person with great empathy but she motivates me to work hard and be my best. Her many certifications equip her with an extensive amount of knowledge in her field and I appreciate how I benefit from that. At my annual wellness and fitness evaluation my results were exceptional and demonstrated great increases in my strength over the previous year. Ilene has not only been my trainer for all these years but we have become great friends.”
– Nikki Bassil
My name is Ralph Jones, and I am resident of St Petersburg, FL. I am in my mid-50’s and have been clinically diagnosed with both Scoliosis and Lumbar Stenosis. After years of unsuccessful epidural injections and persistent (and sometime debilitating) back pain…
My name is Ralph Jones, and I am resident of St Petersburg, FL. I am in my mid-50’s and have been clinically diagnosed with both Scoliosis and Lumbar Stenosis. After years of unsuccessful epidural injections and persistent (and sometime debilitating) back pain, I was referred to Back to Normal by a Spinal Surgeon and was evaluated by Lisa Chase. Lisa recommended that I start Pilates therapy with her Master Pilates Instructor, Ilene Gershberg. I had never tried Pilates before but wanted to give it a shot since nothing else seemed to be working. I have been training with Coach Ilene for the past 10 months and the results have been dramatic. Coach Ilene has been able to strengthen my core and my “minor muscles” that I had never previously focused on. Since starting my sessions with Ilene, I have not required any epidural shots nor feel the need to seek major medical treatment. Ilene is awesome to work with—her personalized one-on-one sessions allow her to really focus on her client’s needs to obtain the best possible outcomes. Coach Ilene will meet you wherever you are at on the spectrum of fitness, but at the same time will push and challenge you to get the very most out of each and every session. Unlike many other therapists and coaches that I have trained with, I feel that Coach Ilene genuinely cares about my health and creates a personalized training experience to address my health needs. As an avid beach volleyball player, I was worried that my days on the court would be very limited with my scoliosis. With Ilene as my Pilates and Core/Conditioning coach, I am playing some of the very best volleyball of my life and I am doing it pain and worry free. I would give Back-to-Normal and Coach Ilene “Five Stars” for not only the genuine care and concern for their clients and patients, but also because of the real results that I have experienced through this program.
– Ralph Jones
“I went to Back2Normal physical therapy for a skiing injury. My rehabilitation included various strength training exercises. As a result, I learned that though I had been working out on my own for most of my life, I was not lifting properly and using the correct muscles…
“I went to Back2Normal physical therapy for a skiing injury. My rehabilitation included various strength training exercises. As a result, I learned that though I had been working out on my own for most of my life, I was not lifting properly and using the correct muscles. I decided in December of 2023 to try their “Fitness & Performance” coaching with instructor Ilene Gershberg. This was my first experience with a private fitness trainer. The results have been phenomenal I have put on a lot of muscle mass, lost weight and become more flexible. At my last annual physical, my biological age registered as 58 years (…5 years younger than my chronological age…) based on my physical attributes. Ilene is knowledgeable, friendly, flexible and very supportive. If you want to look good, feel great, and increase your lifespan, you need to go to Back2Normal and sign up to train with Ilene!!”
– Bill McQueen
Ready to take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle? Work with Lisa Chase, PT, and experience her innovative, whole-body approach to recovery and performance enhancement.
Whether you’re looking to overcome chronic pain, prevent injuries, or elevate your athletic performance, Lisa’s expertise and personalized care will help you achieve your goals.
Take control of your health and well-being—Lisa Chase is here to guide you every step of the way!
Injuries don’t just affect your body; they challenge your mental resilience and threaten your ability to achieve your goals. Many athletes face the pressure to compete while injured or receive intermittent, generalized treatments that fail to address the root causes of their pain. Over time, these incomplete recovery strategies can lead to recurring injuries, shortened careers, and missed opportunities to fulfill your optimal potential.
Too often, athletic injury evaluations are performed at tournament/event sites under time constraints, with limited resources and a lack of individualized care. Combined with extensive travel and interactions with various healthcare providers, this approach compromises the continuity of care needed for lasting recovery and optimal performance. While these quick treatments may provide temporary relief, they often fail to deliver rapid pain reduction or prevent future injuries effectively.
At Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy, we address these gaps with a holistic, highly individualized approach. We provide continuity of care that follows you throughout your season, ensuring that every aspect of your recovery and performance is supported. Our model doesn’t just focus on treating the injury but on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to it. This comprehensive approach empowers you to recover fully, perform at your best, and achieve a longer, healthier athletic career.
Evidence suggests injury risk is multifactorial. The traditional approach of treating your injured body part alone does not address the complex factors involved in creating the injury and limiting recovery. At Back 2 Normal, we provide:
Feel better quickly with our advanced hands-on treatments and technologies.
Feel better quickly with our advanced hands-on treatments and technologies.
Feel better quickly with our advanced hands-on treatments and technologies.
Feel better quickly with our advanced hands-on treatments and technologies.
Feel better quickly with our advanced hands-on treatments and technologies.
Feel better quickly with our advanced hands-on treatments and technologies.
Feel better quickly with our advanced hands-on treatments and technologies.
Feel better quickly with our advanced hands-on treatments and technologies.
Feel better quickly with our advanced hands-on treatments and technologies.
We examine your whole-body and musculoskeletal system to pinpoint the root causes of pain or injury and determine how it may be limiting your performance or recovery.
We examine your whole-body and musculoskeletal system to pinpoint the root causes of pain or injury and determine how it may be limiting your performance or recovery.
We examine your whole-body and musculoskeletal system to pinpoint the root causes of pain or injury and determine how it may be limiting your performance or recovery.
We examine your whole-body and musculoskeletal system to pinpoint the root causes of pain or injury and determine how it may be limiting your performance or recovery.
We examine your whole-body and musculoskeletal system to pinpoint the root causes of pain or injury and determine how it may be limiting your performance or recovery.
We examine your whole-body and musculoskeletal system to pinpoint the root causes of pain or injury and determine how it may be limiting your performance or recovery.
Our team has extensive experience and specializes in addressing the unique demands of athletic injuries, recognizing that each injury presents distinct challenges based on the sport, position, and level of play. Whether it’s the strain of repetitive motions, the toll of contact sports, or the pressures of returning to peak performance, our team is here to guide you through every step of recovery.
Athletes often experience sprains, strains, sciatica, and disc herniations from activities that demand dynamic movement, high impact, or awkward positions. These injuries can severely limit mobility, power, and overall performance, requiring expert care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Athletes often experience sprains, strains, sciatica, and disc herniations from activities that demand dynamic movement, high impact, or awkward positions. These injuries can severely limit mobility, power, and overall performance, requiring expert care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Athletes often experience sprains, strains, sciatica, and disc herniations from activities that demand dynamic movement, high impact, or awkward positions. These injuries can severely limit mobility, power, and overall performance, requiring expert care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Athletes often experience sprains, strains, sciatica, and disc herniations from activities that demand dynamic movement, high impact, or awkward positions. These injuries can severely limit mobility, power, and overall performance, requiring expert care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Athletes often experience sprains, strains, sciatica, and disc herniations from activities that demand dynamic movement, high impact, or awkward positions. These injuries can severely limit mobility, power, and overall performance, requiring expert care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Athletes often experience sprains, strains, sciatica, and disc herniations from activities that demand dynamic movement, high impact, or awkward positions. These injuries can severely limit mobility, power, and overall performance, requiring expert care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Athletes often experience sprains, strains, sciatica, and disc herniations from activities that demand dynamic movement, high impact, or awkward positions. These injuries can severely limit mobility, power, and overall performance, requiring expert care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Athletes often experience sprains, strains, sciatica, and disc herniations from activities that demand dynamic movement, high impact, or awkward positions. These injuries can severely limit mobility, power, and overall performance, requiring expert care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Athletes often experience sprains, strains, sciatica, and disc herniations from activities that demand dynamic movement, high impact, or awkward positions. These injuries can severely limit mobility, power, and overall performance, requiring expert care to restore function and prevent recurrence.
At Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy, we go beyond traditional care to provide a comprehensive, athlete-focused approach that supports your recovery, performance, and long-term wellness.
With experience working alongside professional and elite athletes across various sports, we deliver consistent, high-level care throughout your season to keep you at the top of your game.
With experience working alongside professional and elite athletes across various sports, we deliver consistent, high-level care throughout your season to keep you at the top of your game.
With experience working alongside professional and elite athletes across various sports, we deliver consistent, high-level care throughout your season to keep you at the top of your game.
In addition to our expert care, we offer exclusive opportunities to enhance your recovery and performance:
Take advantage of our collaborations with local providers to access additional services and products that support your athletic goals.
Stay informed and ahead of the competition with Back 2 Normal On Demand, featuring expert tips and insights to help you prevent injuries and maximize your potential.
We understand that athletes need fast, effective solutions to get back to training and competition as quickly as possible. That’s why our tailored membership plans give athletes priority booking for same-day or next-day appointments, ensuring quick access to our team of specialists when you need it most.
We understand that athletes need fast, effective solutions to get back to training and competition as quickly as possible. That’s why our tailored membership plans give athletes priority booking for same-day or next-day appointments, ensuring quick access to our team of specialists when you need it most.
We understand that athletes need fast, effective solutions to get back to training and competition as quickly as possible. That’s why our tailored membership plans give athletes priority booking for same-day or next-day appointments, ensuring quick access to our team of specialists when you need it most.
Have you been told to just live with your pain?
Have you lost hope of finding a solution to relieve your pain?
If you answered “Yes” to either of these questions, it’s time to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Physical Therapists. We’ll provide a thorough whole-body evaluation, diagnose the issue, develop a personalized treatment plan, and work with you one-on-one to help you get Back 2 Normal!
Back 2 Normal is in a league of their own when it comes to physical therapy! Lisa and her entire staff, especially Heather, are incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and dedicated to what they do! I am an almost 50 year old runner and after several months of working with them, my knees feel better than they have in years and I am getting stronger and overall in better shape than I have been in years! I cannot recommend these women highly enough!Jennifer Kurzawa2024-07-15 I have had numerous surgeries requiring physical therapy. My experience with Dani at Back 2 Normal has been the best by far. Her holistic approach, coupled with her experience and knowledge, led to a more positive outcome than I expected following total knee replacement surgery. I highly recommend Dani and the team at Back 2 Normal.Chris Lenz2024-07-06 My experience with Back 2 Normal and Lisa Chase has been life changing for me! Highly knowledgeable and precise with diagnosis and treatment. I would strongly recommend!Damien Palladino2024-06-30 Excellent people here. Lisa really knows what she’s doing and how to best help you achieve your goals. Working with Heather has been an absolute pleasure, and Danielle Kelley PhD has been instrumental in getting my post surgery (femur) back to its best performance in over a decade. Great team to work with.cody leclair2024-06-24 Lisa and Heather are incredible. I see the entire team at B2N and I have never been happier with a PT team. They are so caring and thoughtful in their therapy plan and treat entire body not just injury site. I have seen many physical therapists over the years but none using the cutting edge techniques and tools that they do and the results are evident. Highly recommend Back 2 Normal!Samantha Sullivan2024-06-21 Recently completed my third session at Back 2 Normal with treatment provided by Dr. Kirsten Snellenburg , I was referred to Dr. K. for a Visceral Evaluation with treatment to follow.I found Dr. K. to be excellent in communicating what she determined needed to be addressed and then applying various techniques of adjustment .The end result was improved organ function with at home manipulations I could perform.I highly recommend Dr. K. and the location and condition of the Back 2 Normal facility is easily accessible and first rate.Tony Testa2024-05-27 Best PT I’ve ever received. I’ve tried all sorts of PT, chiropractor, etc to fix my persistent back pain which kept me out of the gym and away from the golf course. Dani gave me a personalized approach to my unique problems and has me feeling better than ever. 10/10 would recommendColin Jackson2024-05-20 When my Back Surgeon recommended Lisa Chase and Back 2 Normal (in lieu of back surgery), I decided to give it a try. From my very first consultation, I knew that Lisa and her team genuinely cared about my health and creating for me a path forward for longevity and wellness. As a competitive beach volleyball player with both Scoliosis and Lumbar Stenosis, I knew that I needed to be completely dedicated to my wellness and Back 2 Normal was the perfect solution. After just a few PT sessions, I graduated past my back therapy and am now actively engaged in Pilates with an elite Pilates Coach (Ilene) at Back 2 Normal. I can say without hesitation that since working with Coach Ilene, I have greatly reduced my back pain, enhanced my quickness and agility on the volleyball court, and have started (for the first time in my life) building a very strong core (the foundation for everything). I cannot thank Lisa, Coach Ilene, and the amazing physical therapists at Back 2 Normal. If you want to reclaim your life and be the active person you once were, or if you are currently healthy and want to prevent injury or aging from limiting you from the sport or activity that you love, I would highly recommend Back 2 Normal as your complete wellness destination.Ralph Jones2024-05-15 Lisa & Staff are always professional and work diligently to treat my foot pain. I love to go there just to see Buster Brown!Cynthia Ross2024-05-07Reviews
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