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, whether you're chasing a fitness goal or working around an old injury. A private assessment is always available; it's just never the only way to start.
What we offer
- PTA physical therapist assesses how you move before anything is programmed.
- PilatesReformer, springboard, and mat work, built around your assessment.
- RehabClinical Pilates focused on recovery, not just fitness.
- EducationTeacher certification and continuing education, taught by a PT.
- PilatesGroup and private Reformer, springboard, and mat classes, for every fitness level.
- RehabPilates built around an old injury or chronic pain — available whenever you want it.
- 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 — whether that's in a private assessment or right in your first class.
Assessed, not assumed
Every client starts with a physical therapist's evaluation — mobility, history, and what actually hurts — before any exercise is chosen.
One team, both studios
The same clinical standard in Ticino and in Marin County, in English, Italian, or German. 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 — not 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, Italian, or German. 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 — not what was planned months ago.
What we offer
Five building blocks, combined to fit your assessment.
Nobody gets all five on day one. Your assessment decides the mix — and it changes as you progress.
ReformerSpring-resisted work on the reformer, 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, usually layered in as a program progresses.
RehabTargeted, clinical exercise addressing a specific injury or post-surgical recovery, including pelvic-floor stability and movement recovery.
Two studios
One standard of care, two studios.
Ascona runs both group and private classes. San Rafael is private, clinical sessions only — no group classes at that location. Everything you need to book is right here.
Closest to youAscona, Switzerland
- Via Buonamano 12, 6612 Ascona
- 091 235 1488
- Mon–Fri, 9:00–20:00
Traditional Pilates from movement specialists — group classes first, with private and semi-private sessions also available, on the lake in Ticino.
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
- 415 928 2228
- Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00
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. “Movement is Life.” — Zeina Asfour-Grifoni
We're more than a team — we're a family of passionate individuals and close friends spanning two continents, united by a shared mission. Our roots run deep in movement, wellness, and connection. Each member brings dedication, energy, and heart to everything we do, creating a supportive space where transformation happens.
Zeina Asfour-Grifoni
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 · Operations
Co-owner overseeing the business side of Synergy+.
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.
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.