Physical therapy that actually works
Move past the pain. Come back stronger.
Word of mouth brought you here for a reason. Physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and doctors send us the cases they couldn't crack. In-studio, hybrid, or fully remote by Zoom, with Medicare and cash pay both accepted.
Pilates by movement specialists
Pilates, done the right way.
Our instructors are movement specialists first, trained to see what's really going on in how you move. Some clients come with a fitness goal, some with an old injury. A private assessment is always available; it's just never the only way to start.
New here?What Pilates does
First class free for new clients
What we do
- Physical TherapyA physical therapist assesses how you move before anything is programmed.
- PilatesStrength and control, prescribed for your body, not for the class.
- RehabClinical Pilates focused on recovery, not just fitness. See the conditions we work with.
- EducationTeacher certification and continuing education, taught by a physical therapist.
- PilatesGroup and private Reformer, springboard, and mat classes, for every fitness level.
- RehabPilates built around an old injury or chronic pain. See the conditions we work with.
- Sport & WellnessBetter movement, strength, and body control, whether or not you're in pain.
- EducationTeacher certification and continuing education, taught by a movement specialist.
How it works
The process behind every session.
The plan changes person to person. The process behind it never does: a physical therapist finds out what's actually going on before deciding what to do about it.
The process behind every session.
The plan changes person to person. What doesn't change: instructors who understand movement deeply enough to know what's actually going on, in a private assessment or right in your first class.
Assessed, not assumed
Every client starts with a physical therapist's evaluation of mobility, history, and what actually hurts. The exercises come after that.
One team, both studios
The same clinical standard in Ticino and in Marin County, in English and Italian. Different clientele, same training behind every session.
Progress, tracked
Session notes and mobility markers carry forward, visit to visit, so your program adjusts to what changed rather than what was planned months ago.
Assessment available, not required
Most clients start right in a group Pilates class. A movement assessment with Zeina is available whenever you want one. It's just never a mandatory first step.
One team, both studios
The same clinical standard in Ticino and in Marin County, in English and Italian. Different clientele, same training behind every session.
Progress tracked in rehab
In one-on-one rehabilitation with Zeina, session notes and mobility markers carry forward visit to visit, so the program follows what actually changed. Group and private Pilates classes are led, not charted. Your instructor adapts in the room.
What we offer
We look first, then choose.
The equipment isn't the point. What you're working with decides which of it you use, and that changes as you progress.
A movement specialist watches how you move. A physical therapist assesses mobility, history, and what actually hurts before any exercise is chosen. Every client starts here.
A movement specialist watches how you move. Mobility, history, and what actually hurts all get looked at before any exercise is chosen. It's there whenever you want it, and most people start straight in a class.
ReformerSpring-resisted work, in a small group or one-on-one, matched to ability.
SpringboardWall-mounted spring work, often paired with reformer for a fuller session.
MatBodyweight work building core control and body awareness.
RehabTargeted clinical exercise for a specific injury or post-surgical recovery.
Conditions we work with
Find your condition.
Written up by our clinical team: what helps, what to avoid, and when to see a professional first.
Two studios
One standard of care, two studios.
One-on-one care, built to get you moving again.
One standard of care, two studios.
Pilates that looks past the reps to how you actually move.
Closest to youAscona, Switzerland
- Via Buonamano 12, 6612 Ascona
- 091 235 1488
- Mon–Fri, 9:00–20:00
Traditional Pilates from movement specialists, on the lake in Ticino. Group classes first, with private and semi-private sessions also available.
Did you want Ascona, Switzerland instead?
Group and private classes, with a free first group class
Closest to youSan Rafael, California
- 704 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA
- 415 924 2228
- Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Results that spread by word of mouth. Private, one-on-one physical therapy at our original studio in Marin County.
Meet the team
Led by a physical therapist, not a class instructor.
Led by movement specialists, not just class instructors.
Our mission is to transform our clients' lives through movement: strengthening muscles, preventing injuries, and improving performance with exceptional care. In Zeina Asfour-Grifoni's words: “Movement is Life.”
We're a family of close friends spanning two continents, with deep roots in movement and wellness and a mission we share. Everyone here brings dedication and heart to the work, and it makes for a supportive place to be.
Zeina Asfour-Grifoni, MPT, NCPT
Founder & Director of Programs · Movement Specialist, Educator
Physical therapist and movement specialist with two decades of clinical and teaching experience; directs Synergy+'s Teacher Training and Continuing Education Programs.
Tiziano Grifoni
Co-Founder · Business & Operations
Co-owner and the business half of Synergy+: the studios, systems, and partnerships that let the clinical team stay clinical.
Ascona, Switzerland
Giada Gorla
Pilates Instructor
Certified yoga teacher turned Pilates specialist, drawn to Joseph Pilates' method as a practice for body, mind, and spirit.
Sabina Cattori
Pilates Instructor
Sports scientist and 25-year movement educator, now devoted full-time to Pilates.
Raz Bar
Pilates Instructor
Former circus aerialist and dancer who came to Pilates after a back injury, and teaches it as a lifelong way of getting to know your own body.
Maria Luisa Desiano
Pilates Instructor
A long-time Pilates enthusiast who trained as an instructor at Synergy+, and teaches with a focus on control, breath, and moving with awareness.
Lily-Lucy Zoell
Pilates Instructor
Classically trained dancer and Accademia Dimitri student, who has taught Pilates, floor barre, and dance to all ages for three years.
San Rafael, California
Laura Winner
Physical Therapist, DPT
Orthopedic physical therapist (DPT, USC) specializing in pelvic floor rehab and post-surgical care.
Gina Hagen
Front Desk Manager & Pilates Instructor
Started as a client a decade ago; now the team's front desk manager and a certified Pilates instructor.
“The Synergy+ studio in Ascona has excellent instructors. The studio has an attractive and clean decor. Synergy Ascona has been a huge factor in my recovery.”Barbara Mueller
“After 7 surgeries in 5 years replacing both hips, my physical therapist recommended Pilates at Synergy+ in San Rafael. I've been going for over a year and I'm doing so much better. I get individualized attention.”Nancy Meier
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