HI THERE!
I’m Rachel Tavel and I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and writer.
WELCOME TO MY WORLD
Bridging science and wellness with expert content, storytelling and strategy.
I'm not your typical physical therapist. With a unique blend of clinical expertise, a background in writing, and a passion for movement and wellness, I specialize in translating complex health concepts into clear, compelling stories that educate, inspire, and build trust.
I began my career as a travel writer in Central and South America before earning my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from NYU. After years in the clinic, I shifted into the digital health world, serving as Director of Content at a women’s health startup based in New York City.
Along the way, I discovered the power of combining evidence-based expertise with storytelling to drive real change. I'm constantly discovering new ways to combine my interests and help improve health and wellness around the world.
Today, I write, consult, and create strategic content for health and wellness brands, publications and startups, helping them refine their message, amplify their voice, and connect meaningfully with their audiences.
Whether I’m contributing expert insights, reviewing wellness products, or shaping brand strategy, my work bridges the gap between science and everyday wellbeing.
As a runner, mom, and lifelong traveler, I have a passion for fitness, luxury wellness, and helping people feel their best—backed by a doctorate and over a decade of experience in this space.
If you're looking for expert-driven content that moves people to live better, I’d love to help. I'm always open to new projects. Are you interested in collaborating or learning more? Let’s connect .
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WORK WITH ME
I am always open to new opportunities, collaborations and partnerships, but here are the most common ways to work with me:
Are you a physical therapist, health or wellness professional who needs help creating written content for your new website, brand or newsletter? I can help you bring your vision to life with words that capture the essence of you and your business, while also being versed in health and medical conditions and terms.
HEALTH & FITNESS WRITING CONSULTANT
My writing has been published in Forbes, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, SELF, Bicycling, Huffington Post (and more), and I’ve co-authored several books. As a freelance writer, I can provide expert-level written content that appeals to various audiences. I am available for commissioned pieces and projects of varying size – from article to book-length.
MAGAZINE & BOOK WRITING
As a frequently featured expert in health and fitness magazines, as well as on Sirius XM Radio’s “Doctor Radio,” I’m happy to discuss various topics in health, fitness, wellness, personal growth and motherhood. I am available as a guest speaker or panelist for podcasts and other platforms and speaking engagements.
PODCASTING / PUBLIC SPEAKING
I am always open to new opportunities, collaborations and partnerships that better the lives of others through health, fitness and wellness. In addition, I offer trusted, unbiased, expert product reviews and am happy to trial new fitness and wellness gear, accessories, products and technology.
COLLABORATIONS / PRODUCT REVIEWS
June 9, 2025
Women's Health
Why Experts Say This Type Of Exercise Is The 'Fountain Of Youth'
Aging gracefully isn't just about staying active; it’s about choosing the right kind of activity to support your health. Resistance training (such as bodyweight, free weight, and resistance band exercises) is one of the best ways to counter the effec...
October 30, 2024
Women's Health
Diastasis Recti Exercises: Strengthen Your Core Safely After Pregnancy And Beyond
Pregnancy does some pretty incredible things to your body, but for many women, it can also leave you feeling a little unfamiliar in your own skin afterward. One of the most common changes is diastasis recti (or diastasis recti for short), which happe...
April 8, 2018
Self
How Mourning Runs Have Helped Me Grieve My Dad’s Death
I loved my dad’s hands. They were soft and always warm, no matter how cold it was outside. As a kid, I would hold his hand every chance I got. On a sunny Tuesday just before Thanksgiving last year, surrounded by my mom, four siblings, and several lif...
FIND ME FEATURED IN
Rachel wrote for me when I was the fitness editor at SELF, and I always looked forward to editing her work. Her deep knowledge of physical therapy topics coupled with her writing skills and ability to take edits and turn around clear, helpful service content made my job so much easier—an editor’s dream. It’s been a few years since we worked together and I’ve assigned to many more writers since then, yet I still consider her one of the top contributors I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I always hope we’ll have a chance to collaborate again in the future!
- AMY MARTURANA WINDERL
Freelance journalist and former deputy editor at SELF
Working with Rachel has been an absolute pleasure. Her timeliness and organizational skills made meeting deadlines a seamless process. Rachel possesses a unique talent for articulating a practitioner's knowledge in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to those encountering the information for the first time. Throughout our collaboration, I felt not only heard as a practitioner but also expertly represented in her work. Without a doubt, I would choose to work with her again, a hundred times over.
- DANI LUNA, DPT
Owner of Vida Physical Therapy
I’ve had the pleasure to work with Rachel over two decades with our relationships spanning from colleague to brand partner! She is one of the hardest working, talented and kindest people I’ve come across in the industry. Most recently we collaborated on a national multichannel brand partnership and Rachel went above and beyond. She brought an abundance of knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism to the project. Our client couldn’t have been happier with her on camera performance, on point deliverables and dedication as a partner to go that extra mile.
- LINDSAY FERRARO BENNETT
PR Executive at Pace Public Relations
I'd been plagued with wrist pain for months, and though it had gotten slightly better, it had definitely plateaued. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, I was unable to begin seeing a physical therapist, as I had planned. Lucky for me, Rachel began offering virtual sessions! She walked me through some stretches and exercises that I can do every day to strengthen my wrist and help with mobility. After our session, she emailed a plan that included descriptions of all the exercises. A week later, I was able to do a full sun salutation pain-free for the first time since I'd injured my wrist. I'm so grateful for her kind attention and deep knowledge!
- EJ
Patient
