About

Renata Braudy, PT, MSPT, MA, OCS, CLT, PhD has over 20 years of PT experience, the majority of it in oncology including orthopedic and lymphatic care. She earned her PhD in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Minnesota in 2023 and her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis in 2002. Her PhD research was designed to better understand the effects of surgery and radiation on shoulder function in breast cancer survivors. Renata also obtained her Board Certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist to better serve this population from a multidimensional perspective.  

Renata is passionate about working with breast cancer survivors and has lectured, both locally and nationally, on this topic. She uses her personal experience with an illness to fuel her passion as an advocate for breast cancer survivors to be heard, validated, and have access to the rehabilitation they need to minimize pain, improve function, and return to their regular activities and fitness feeling the best that they can. 

Renata frequently treats patients who complain of shoulder/chest wall/rib pain, stiffness, or weakness as well as lymphedema risk reduction and/or early intervention and treatment. She treats patients throughout the continuum of their cancer treatments, from before surgery to years after as needed. She frequently collaborates with breast surgeons, plastic/reconstructive surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and shoulder/sports medicine physicians to better understand what each treatment entails so she can provide the most specific and relevant physical therapy care to her patients. 

In her spare time, she loves being outdoors and active, cheering on her sons at their sporting events, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rehabilitation Science, University of Minnesota (2023) 
Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT), Washington University in St. Louis (2002) 
Master of Arts in Kinesiology / Exercise Science (MA), The University of Texas at Austin (1996) 
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences (BS), Cornell University (1994) 
 

Professional Certifications

Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) 
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through Klose Training 
Certified Clinical Instructor (CI), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)  

Professional Affiliations

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Orthopedic and Oncology Sections 
National Lymphedema Network (NLN) 

Achievements & Awards

University of Minnesota Counsel of Graduate Studies Conference Grant (2023)
Judy Ludewig Memorial Award (2022)
University of Minnesota Counsel of Graduate Studies Research Grant (2022)
Promotion of Doctoral Studies (PODS) I Scholarship (2021)

Publications

Braudy R, Atoms B, Coghlan J, Staples M, Moga D, Tollefsrud R, Lawrence RL, Ludewig P, Koehler L. Shoulder Kinematics of Axillary Web Syndrome in Women Treated for Breast Cancer. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023 Mar; 104(3);403-409. Doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.09.014. Epub 2022 Oct 4. PMID:361202228. 

Beaman, R. Introduction of the Lymphedema Action Plan (LeAP): Clinical Advancement in Proactive Lymphedema Care. Rehabilitation Oncology. September 17, 2018. Published ahead of print.  

DOI:10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000145. (Beaman refers to married name at time article was published) 

Braudy R. The Frozen Shoulder Conundrum. Arizona Physical Therapy Association Network Update, February 2023, p4.