Spear and NewYork-Presbyterian have announced a strategic collaboration designed to significantly advance rehabilitation care by expanding outpatient physical and occupational therapy services throughout the New York metropolitan area. As part of this comprehensive initiative, nine new locations are scheduled to open across New York City and Westchester in 2026, a move intended to help patients access specialized physical therapy much closer to where they live and work.
This landmark collaboration is designed to enhance continuity of care for patients by creating a more connected, streamlined experience across every stage of the recovery process. The upcoming facilities will bring together Spear’s recognized expertise in outpatient rehabilitation and the clinical guidance of NewYork-Presbyterian’s leading medical experts. By bridging these two healthcare entities, the initiative offers a more coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to musculoskeletal care, ensuring that patients transition smoothly from acute medical interventions to restorative physical and occupational therapy.
The healthcare providers involved emphasize that aligning these services will directly benefit patients navigating complex recoveries. By combining clinical pathways and sharing expertise, the organizations aim to optimize the rehabilitation journey from start to finish.
“By combining Spear’s award-winning outpatient expertise with NewYork-Presbyterian’s leading experts and comprehensive care, we can better align clinical pathways, expand access to exceptional care, and help more New Yorkers get the right care at the right time,” said Dan Rootenberg, CEO and co-founder of Spear, reflecting on the broader implications of the partnership for the local healthcare landscape.
Rootenberg, who noted his personal connection to the region as a lifelong New Yorker raised in Brooklyn, added that the collaboration is especially meaningful because it allows the organizations to reach more communities earlier and more conveniently. According to leadership, this localized presence improves overall healthcare value, operational efficiency, and, most importantly, patient recovery outcomes.
Leadership from NewYork-Presbyterian echoed these sentiments, highlighting the shared values of the partnering institutions.
“NewYork-Presbyterian and Spear share a commitment to delivering exceptional care that is accessible and convenient for patients,” said Dr. Deepa Kumaraiah, executive vice president and chief operating officer at NewYork-Presbyterian. “By expanding access to physical and occupational therapy across New York City and Westchester, we can help more patients receive coordinated rehabilitation services closer to home and support them throughout their recovery.”
The broader vision of the initiative involves strengthening connections between everyday outpatient rehabilitation services and NewYork-Presbyterian’s extensive network of advanced specialty care. This integration is further bolstered by the health system’s close collaboration with its two renowned medical schools, the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Weill Cornell Medicine. Through these academic and clinical ties, the organizations aim to create an exceptionally seamless experience for patients navigating intricate healthcare journeys, ensuring that rehabilitation is viewed not as an isolated service, but as a critical, fully integrated component of overall health and wellness.
The upcoming network of facilities is strategically planned to encompass multiple key boroughs and surrounding suburban areas, ensuring a wide geographical reach. The new locations are slated to serve communities across Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Westchester, bringing high-quality rehabilitation infrastructure directly into neighborhoods that will benefit from expanded localized access.
Beyond the immediate expansion of physical infrastructure and patient-facing clinical services, the collaboration is designed to foster a rich environment for professional growth and learning. The initiative will create significant opportunities for clinical education and ongoing professional development initiatives. These educational programs are intended to support and elevate rehabilitation excellence across both organizations, ensuring that clinical staff remain at the forefront of evidence-based practices, emerging therapeutic techniques, and patient-centered care methodologies.
By investing in the continuous education of physical and occupational therapists, Spear and NewYork-Presbyterian are laying the groundwork for a sustainable model of clinical excellence that will influence the broader rehabilitation sector in the metropolitan region for years to come.
Patients, referring physicians, and community members seeking further details regarding the rollout of the new facilities, service offerings, and upcoming location launches can find more information by visiting spearcenter.com or exploring the patient resources provided through NewYork-Presbyterian.
