Rob Mahlman

Growing up in Westchester, New York, Mahlman discovered physical therapy when he sought treatment for athletic injuries sustained while running and mountain biking. During those early experiences, he noticed how rushed and impersonal clinical care could feel. “I knew I wanted to work in an environment that provided close communication, high touch support, and meaningful time with patients,” he says. That observation set the direction for his entire career.

Mahlman earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Sacred Heart University, and then went on to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, also at Sacred Heart.

During his doctoral training, Mahlman completed clinical rotations in a range of settings, most notably at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he worked with active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. At Keesler, he had the opportunity to work with Air Force Special Forces personnel, triaging acute issues such as concussions, stress fractures, and musculoskeletal injuries. These experiences treating a wide variety of cases taught him to problem-solve quickly and identify creative solutions that could meet each individual’s needs.

After graduating, Mahlman joined Performance Optimal Health, a private orthopedic and wellness practice in Connecticut, where he spent more than eight years further building his clinical and leadership expertise. As Site Director and later as Regional Director, Mahlman oversaw a large team, ensuring sky-high quality care and excellent patient outcomes.

At Atria, Mahlman enjoys working closely with physicians and integrating various specialists’ perspectives into holistic plans for each person. “We collaborate with physicians all in one place, which allows us to do more in-depth analysis on every person’s health,” he says. Mahlman is particularly enthusiastic about a preventive and proactive approach to care. “I love that we can get ahead of injuries and illness, and help people prior to something becoming a major deficit,” he says. “This ensures we can maintain or improve their functioning and ultimately enhance their healthspan.”

Central to Mahlman’s approach is listening carefully before acting. He begins each appointment by inviting patients to articulate what they are experiencing in their own words and uses their responses to guide his evaluation.

Mahlman works with his patients to build plans that fit their schedule, lifestyle, and motivations. This can mean suggesting exercises to do while traveling, helping people find a fitness activity they like, and creating plans that change over time as someone’s abilities shift. “I see my role as, step one, figuring out the best recipe to get each person to their goals,” he says, “and step two, providing consistent follow-ups and making sure they know I’m thinking about them and here for them.”

As part of Mahlman’s keen interest in longevity, he has developed a special expertise in wearable technology.

Outside of work, Mahlman gives guest lectures about physical therapy at NYU, and loves spending time with his wife, two children, and the family's golden doodle. He is a marathon runner, endurance athlete, hiker, traveler, and foodie.