Our Staff

Doctor of Physical Therapy Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certified in Dry Needling

Dr. Daniel Lombardi, PT, DPT, OCS, CERT. DN, CERT. VRS

Dr. Daniel Lombardi, DPT, OCS is the owner and manager of Somersworth Physical Therapy. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Franklin Pierce University in 2009 after completing his undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of New Hampshire, where he discovered a passion for sports medicine. During his doctoral studies, he worked with patients throughout the Seacoast area, specializing in rehabilitation for total joint replacements, orthopedic injuries, spinal conditions, and both chronic and acute musculoskeletal issues.

Dr. Lombardi founded Somersworth PT to foster a collaborative treatment environment where patients receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care. He specializes in treating spinal dysfunction through mobilization and manipulation (adjustments), combined with progressive resistive strengthening tailored to each patient’s specific pathology. His comprehensive treatment approach includes biomechanical assessments of the feet and lower extremities, often incorporating custom orthotics and footwear recommendations when necessary.

As a certified provider of the Graston Technique, Dr. Lombardi utilizes patented instruments to detect and treat scar tissue that impairs soft tissue mobility. This highly effective method is used to manage both acute and chronic conditions, including neck pain, headaches, lower back pain, hip pain, knee pain, elbow pain (tennis/golfer’s elbow), plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis.

Dr. Lombardi is one of New Hampshire’s leading therapists certified in Dry Needling (DN), a specialized technique using thin filament needles to deactivate trigger points (muscle knots) that restrict flexibility and muscle function. Dry Needling has been particularly successful in treating chronic headaches, neck and lower back pain, and sciatica symptoms.

In addition to traditional Dry Needling, Dr. Lombardi is highly trained in Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling (USGDN), an advanced technique that enhances precision and effectiveness by using real-time ultrasound imaging to visualize and accurately target dysfunctional tissues. This cutting-edge approach allows for deeper and more precise treatment of myofascial trigger points, scar tissue adhesions, and tendon pathologies, providing superior outcomes for patients dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Dr. Lombardi is also a Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist (Cert-VRS), specializing in the treatment of vestibular disorders, including vertigo, dizziness, gaze instability, imbalance, and fall prevention. Conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and concussions respond exceptionally well to Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). His expertise in this field allows him to improve the relationship between the inner ear, brain, eyes, muscles, and nerves, helping patients restore balance, stability, and confidence in their movements.

Additionally, Dr. Lombardi is certified in Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (Cert-MST), a cutting-edge technique in strength training and rehabilitation. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy involves applying controlled external pressure to the extremities, limiting blood flow to working muscles. This process triggers a metabolic stress response, allowing patients to gain strength and muscle mass with lighter resistance loads. BFR therapy is particularly beneficial for post-operative patients with restrictive protocols and those experiencing pain with traditional resistance training, enabling faster recovery and improved functional outcomes.

A Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Dr. Lombardi earned this prestigious designation through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties—a distinction held by only 1% of physical therapists nationwide and just 70 clinicians in New Hampshire.

Dedicated to helping his patients achieve their recovery goals, Dr. Lombardi is committed to providing personalized care—whether it’s returning to sports, enjoying daily walks, or simply waking up pain-free.

He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), participating in both the Private Practice and Orthopedic Sections.

Dr. Lombardi resides in Stratham, NH, with his wife and two children.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Katie Rolfe, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert DN

Katie is originally from Maine but relocated to the NH Seacoast with her husband and loves this area! She graduated from the University of New England with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Exercise Science in 2017. During her time at the University of New England she completed research studying cardiovascular health and interventions in children and presented this at the New England American College of Sports Medicine conference in Rhode Island in 2016 and then again at the National American College of Sports Medicine conference in Denver, CO in 2017. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Franklin Pierce University in 2020. During her time at Franklin Pierce University, she completed another research project with a group of her fellow students studying the effects of a student-led exercise program in long-term care residents and presented this as a poster presentation with her group at the Combined Sections Meeting in Denver, CO in 2020.

Since becoming a physical therapist, Katie became certified in Dry Needling and has also taken continuing education courses utilizing Musculoskeletal Ultrasound to assess the integrity of tendons as well as perform dry needling via Ultrasound guidance. Katie has also taken continuing education courses for Spinal Manipulation and regularly incorporates this into her treatment sessions.

Katie is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) awarded through the American Board of Physical Therapy. Only 1% of all physical therapists hold this prestigious Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialization (OCS).

Katie began working at Somersworth Physical Therapy in 2021 as a staff physical therapist and later was promoted to the Clinic Supervisor. Dan Lombardi approached Katie when he began plans to open his second location, Somersworth Physical Therapy of Dover, and asked Katie to come on as a partner of this new clinic with him. Katie and Dan opened this second location in February of 2025, and Katie now works in Dover full time running this clinic!

Outside of work, Katie enjoys going to the ocean, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, and watching football!

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Kirsten Sjogren, PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Kirsten is a native of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, though she spent her summers vacationing in Southern Maine and the Seacoast NH area. She pursued her education at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, completing the accelerated 6-year Physical Therapy program. Kirsten earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology in 2021 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2023.

Kirsten is a former competitive ice dancer, competing both nationally and internationally with the Skating Club of Boston, as well as with Boston Theater on Ice teams. Her experience as an athlete sparked her interest in physical therapy and orthopedic sports rehabilitation. This passion was solidified through her time on the ice, and she is dedicated to helping athletes and individuals recover and regain mobility.

Kirsten has clinical experience in both acute care and outpatient orthopedic settings, with a particular focus on dance, figure skating, and gymnastics. Her specialties include orthopedic rehabilitation for the hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder, assisting patients in recovering after injury or surgery. Above all, Kirsten is committed to helping her patients return to the activities they love. Since completing her DPT, she has continued her education, earning a certification in Dry Needling and plans to pursue additional courses, including Spinal Manipulation, to further enhance her expertise.

Kirsten now lives in Dover, NH, where she enjoys weekends at the beaches in Wells and Ogunquit, boating in Portsmouth, golfing, skiing, attending concerts, and making trips to Boston.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Alison Fairbairn, PT, DPT

Alison is originally from Dover, NH. She attended Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2020. While at Colby-Sawyer, Alison participated as a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams each season. Alison’s passion for running and interest in exercise science inspired her to pursue a career in physical therapy. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Boston University’s Sargent College in 2023. At BU, Alison completed clinical rotations in diverse outpatient settings, treating a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions in outpatient settings. While in Boston, Alison also volunteered as a guide runner for Achilles International, an organization that provides support to athletes with a variety of disabilities including visual impairment and amputation. She also collaborated with the group leaders to complete a practicum project in developing a comprehensive warm-up program for the group with accommodations for each athlete.

Alison is excited to be at Somersworth Physical Therapy and enjoys working with patients with a variety of orthopedic conditions return to their favorite activities. She especially enjoys working with endurance athletes and athletes of all ages and abilities with lower extremity injuries. Alison is certified for lower extremity dry needling and is looking forward to becoming fully certified soon.

Since graduating from BU and returning to Dover, Alison enjoys spending her free time running, yoga, skiing, hiking, and going to the beach, especially for sunrise!

Dr. Erin Powers, PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Erin is originally from North Carolina but has lived in the New England region since high school and currently lives in Epping, NH with her wife, 5yo daughter and 2 dogs. She graduated from UMass Lowell in 2014 with her Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UMass Lowell in 2017. Erin was certified in LSVT Big as a student which is a specialized treatment program for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and maintained her certification after graduation until 2019.

Since becoming a physical therapist, Erin has become certified in Dry needling of the upper and lower body and has completed level one of the Institute of Orthopedic Manual therapy fellowship in 2018. Erin has also completed continuing education courses for Kinesio taping and instrument assisted manual therapy.

Outside of work, Erin Enjoys going to the beach with her family, hiking in the mountains and playing with her two dogs.

Front Office Coordinator

Kelly Cheney, Front Office Coordinator

Kelly is the Office Coordinator for Somersworth Physical Therapy. You will find her at the front desk, where she will be happy to assist you!

Prior to joining the team, she enjoyed running her own daycare business for 15 years, while her kids were little. Now that her kids are grown up, it was time to make a change. Prior to her daycare years, she had enjoyed many years working in various administrative/office settings and really wanted to get back to the office environment. Please stop by the front desk and say “hi!” the next time you’re in for a visit!