Megan Varela is a physical therapist at UOA who has over 13 years of experience in the profession. She has worked in various environments including the acute hospital and acute inpatient rehab settings, and home and outpatient settings. Megan developed a comprehensive approach to treating all her patients based on this diverse experience. She treats individuals throughout the continuum of care and has a strong passion to assist her patients in maximizing their physical functioning through an individualized treatment program to achieve those goals in order to improve their quality of life.  

Megan attended Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA for her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services and found her passion in physical therapy working as an aide in an outpatient clinic. She went on to obtain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in 2009 from Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. Megan completed her LSVT certification for treating individuals with Parkinsons’ Disease as well as several other continuing education courses in both neurological and orthopaedic conditions. 

Megan previously worked with UOA’s director in Princeton as an aide in college and later in her career when she moved back to NJ. Megan has treated patients with neurologic and orthopaedic conditions and understands that treatment interventions require a multifactorial approach. She encourages patients to take an active role in their own goal development and treatment program for maximal benefit. 

Megan has always been very active in sports and athletics throughout her life. She has been a tri-athlete, completed several century cycling rides, and has run 6 marathons, including qualifying for and running in the Boston Marathon. Megan loves working with athletes of all levels in order to facilitate a strong foundation in order to compete safely.  Megan also enjoys working with patients who are limited in their day-to-day routine due to pain or dysfunction and improving their overall quality of life. 

Outside of work Megan enjoys spending time with family and friends, being active, baking and cooking as well as traveling.