Santiago Casanova
Owner // physical therapist
Bio
Born and raised in Valencia, Spain, Santi earned his Physical Therapy degree in 2004 before building a career shaped by competition, precision, and a genuine love of movement. Early on, he worked with professional athletes — an experience that sharpened his instincts for high-stakes decision-making and performance under pressure. That foundation informs everything he does today, from post-op rehabilitation to prehab programming to helping patients chase a personal best.
Santi’s passion for sports, and involvement in tennis, athletics, motorsports and sailing gives him a real understanding of what it means to demand a lot from your body — and the frustration that comes when injury gets in the way.
Bilingual in Spanish and English, and also speaking French, Portuguese, and German, Santi connects effortlessly with patients across backgrounds. His approach is hands-on and relational, working closely with both patients and referring physicians to ensure every goal is met.
At Casanova Physical Therapy, the goal has always been simple: get you back to your best, and keep you there.
Professional Sports Experience
DAKAR RALLY
Few events in the world test the human body like the Dakar Rally. Santi has served as a physical therapist across three Dakar campaigns (2013, 2015, and 2018), supporting athletes through one of motorsport’s most grueling challenges — 14 days, 5,000 miles, and terrain that pushes competitors to their absolute limit. Managing fatigue, preventing breakdown, and making critical recovery decisions in real time across a race of that magnitude is an experience that simply can’t be replicated in a clinic.
VOLVO OCEAN RACE
The Volvo Ocean Race is one of offshore sailing’s greatest tests of endurance, teamwork, and physical resilience. Santi has served as Team Physical Therapist and Trainer across three campaigns, including with French team Groupama — the 2011-2012 race winners. Operating within multi-million dollar programs where injury timelines and game-readiness decisions carry enormous consequences, Santi developed a rare ability to perform under pressure, balance risk, and keep athletes healthy through some of the most demanding conditions in professional sport.
America's Cup
The America’s Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy in the world — and one of the most demanding arenas in professional sailing. Santi joined French team AREVA as Team Physical Therapist for the 32nd America’s Cup, working at the intersection of elite athletic performance and high-stakes competition where every body and every decision matters.