What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.99
Average wait time
4.98
Bedside manner
4.99
“I feel like I am in good hands with Cindy - she is very knowledgeable and detail-oriented, and it starts with specific questions about your history so she can best treat you!”
Andrea J.March 25, 2026
“Excellent service and attention to both medical and payment matters. I am feeling better already! Thank you.”
Initials hiddenSeptember 17, 2025
About Dr. Cindy Lai
Dr. Cindy Lai is a New York State licensed physical therapist who received her Bachelor and Doctorate from New York University, magna cum laude. Upon graduating, Cindy worked at numerous upscale orthopedic settings where she specialized in treating a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, sport injuries (surgical and non-surgical), neurological conditions, and spine deformities across all age groups.
Cindy utilizes the most current evidence based research and advanced clinical reasoning to identify the underlying cause to her patients’ dysfunction and pain. She considers herself a “movement specialist,” who believes that the optimal method in restoring full functional capacity is through the “perfect blend” of corrective exercises, neuromuscular retraining, manual techniques, and knowledge to self treat. Cindy is passionate in maximizing her patients’ potential and performance, defying all odds, while creating a positive change in their wellness, function, and physical goals. Cindy is committed to learning and she has taken an extensive level of continuing education courses to advance her career. She is a McKenzie therapist, a certified practitioner in Level I Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and a certified provider for both Blow Flow Restriction and FMT Rocktape Basic & Performance.
In her downtime, you can often find Cindy at a local coffee shop geeking out to the latest technology, reading up on current news, finding her next adventure, or debating recent health trends. Cindy enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling the world, attending random exercise classes, binge watching documentaries, and exploring new crafts of art. Cindy believes that the best path to “the pursuit of happiness” is just being yourself, doing what you love, and sharing your world with others.
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In-network insurances
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Aetna
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UnitedHealthcare
Office location
Dr. Cindy Lai, DPT, PT also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- New York University, Doctor of Physical Therapy
- New York University (Bachelor's)
Languages spoken
- English
- Chinese (Cantonese)
Provider's gender
Female
NPI number
1912205022
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.99
Wait time
4.98
Bedside manner
4.99
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
244 reviews
Most relevant
Excellent service and attention to both medical and payment matters. I am feeling better already! Thank you.
September 17, 2025Initials hidden
Cindy Lai really helped me, I was feeling better after the first session. Thank you!
September 23, 2025Initials hidden
This doctor was absolutely wonderful: very competent, clear, and kind.
I highly recommend.
July 19, 2023Jacob Z.Verified patient
Dr. Lai is very helpful and has great bedside manner. Highly recommend!
September 27, 2024Emily H.Verified patient
I feel like I am in good hands with Cindy - she is very knowledgeable and detail-oriented, and it starts with specific questions about your history so she can best treat you!
March 25, 2026Andrea J.Verified patient
Amazing experience, great bedside manners and I’m finally feeling better after months with suffering with the same injury. If I happen to injure myself again I know where I’ll be coming back!
July 29, 2025Raghav C.Verified patient
I went to see Dr Cindy Lai after reading a positive review about how she helped patients with a herniated disc. We had a nice conversation, but I was disappointed that I left the office without a single exercise to help me feeling better. A suggestion is to make the first visit more than just a consultation since I was in pain and there to get started on my road to recovery. Not expecting any miracles, but showing me 1 exercise until my next visit would have gone a long way. ?
June 4, 2025Michael D.Verified patient
I came back to Dr Cindy after a while and the experience is still excellent. She is knowledgeable and communicative and actually helps as opposed to some podiatrists who I visited before. Highly recommended.
November 26, 2024Initials hidden
Great! Excited to work with her
September 27, 2024Norma S.Verified patient
Dr. Lai was incredible! I went in experiencing some new lower back pain that was really concerning me. She did an excellent job of identifying the issue, calming my nerves, and answering all the questions I had.
September 17, 2024Marissa T.Verified patient
Dr Lai is exceptional. She listens and explains everything patiently and thoroughly. She’s very knowledgeable and doesn't rush through appointments. I’m so grateful for her help with my neck pain and I strongly recommend Dr Lai to everyone.
July 25, 2024Adrienne S.Verified patient
Dr. Lai is so attentive and caring. She is incredibly informed and astute, able to diagnose and treat quickly, with an excellent bedside manner and extra TLC if you need it. Very understanding and empathetic. A terrific provider, providing the education, tools, and planning to get you relief and feeling better. I saw Dr. Lai postpartum with carpal tunnel, and with her help it transformed my parenting abilities and improved day to day comfort.
July 3, 2024Initials hiddenVideo visit
Dr. Lai took the time to really listen to my concern about my lower back and provided me not only fantastic physical therapy but true empathy. She is a great provider and I would absolutely recommend.
April 15, 2024Ariel G.Verified patient
Absolutely wonderful experience
March 25, 2024Leah M.Verified patient
Dr. Lai was very professional. Accepted me at exactly the time I scheduled, listened to all my concerns, slowly explained everything to me, and made sure I feel comfortable.
Beyond that, the session was great and I felt better immediately after it.
August 6, 2023Amit A.Verified patient
Cindy is definitely the best physiotherapist I ever been at !as a dancer it was very difficult to find the right one that will know how to help to! She help me to reduce the pain I had, she is very nice and professional, highly recommended!
March 13, 2023Orya L.Verified patient
I was looking for any PT that was close to me and I am so glad I found Cindy! I came in with a neck/upper back injury and was treated and taught exercises to relieve the pain. We also focused on improving overall mobility so that I could go back to playing tennis and doing crossfit with reduced risk of injury in the future.
February 13, 2023Wesley L.Verified patient
Dr. Cindy Lai was incredible! She is super knowledgeable, and patiently explained my treatment. I would highly recommend her and look forward to continuing my physical therapy with her.
January 6, 2023Shital G.Verified patient
The PT I saw, Cindy Lai, was very informative and helpful in figuring out what was wrong with my shoulder. I also felt comfortable discussing the problem despite the embarrassing circumstances related to my shoulder pain. I also appreciate that she took extra time out on a Sunday to answer my questions and come up with a treatment plans that works for me.
July 1, 2022Simon C.Verified patient
Having done several years of PT I was at the end of my rope and figured PT would fail so I had scheduled a facet rhizotomy a month in advance. During that month Cindy's technique and expertise worked wonders on my back. I could feel a tremendous difference in my pain levels. I ended up cancelling my surgery date. By then end of my sessions with her I was able to get out of bed, I was able to bend backwards. Lie on my stomach. Simple things. Since then I have had some flare ups but every time I do I call on Cindy to help tune me up. She is knowledgeable, caring and dedicated to helping you achieve your therapy goals. Cindy is the only person I trust with my back. She's got my back...literally. I saw Dr. Cindy Lai as my last PT journey.
More than 1 year agoJP
Amazing service! I have battled years of low back and neck pain. Dr. Cindy Lai immediately found the root of the problem. Her hands are magic and she was able to provide me with immediate relief. Her exercises are tailored and individualized and I ALWAYS feels better doing them. I haven't had this much relief in years! Her office is also the cleanest office I've ever seen.
More than 1 year agoNH
When I came to Dr. Cindy Lai, I was in the middle of a bad back and disc injury. I was getting epidurals. My body was in such pain and my motion was extremely limited. I could not do my work without great pain. I would get winded just trying to walk. Cindy Lai's work with me helped my strengthen and retain my muscles (as she worked on joint mobilization). I have continued maintenance with CNYC and I am able now to stay strong and flexible and I am very grateful.
More than 1 year agoSN
She was extremely professional. She took the time to figure out my problematic areas and was extremely thorough. She was able to pinpoint my issue and was able to diagnose me with extreme accuracy. She followed up with exercises and the exercises do change as I continued to progressed Her treatments are extremely customized and she alters her treatment plan making sure ai am always making progress. I highly recommend her. She's the best.
More than 1 year agoVC
I battled herniated discs for 12 years and have seen several PTs and chiros regarding this issue. Dr. Cindy Lai was the only person who diagnosed me properly and within several sessions, I am pain free. I was never able to sit without pain or do sports (snowboarding, rockclimbing), but I am now able to return to all of these activities with NO pain. I am forever grateful for her. Her exercises are amazing and I still do them if I ever feel the slightest discomfort. She's extremely passionate about her patients and you can tell she really wants to help people get better. Her sessions are 1:1 and she never double books. Can't say enough great things about her.
More than 1 year agoPL
I was recommended to Dr. Cindy Lai for rotator cuff pain in my shoulders caused by overuse in sports like handball, baseball, football. She used her knowledge as a physical therapist to help me regain strength and range of motion. I can now throw with no shoulder pains!
More than 1 year agoDL
I have been seeing Dr. Lai for physical therapy for years due to my perpetual carpal tunnel wrist pains and neck/lower backs from an accident. She is one of the most professional and attentive physical therapists out there and I'm beyond grateful that she always put me back into one piece!! Highly recommended!!
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March 6, 2026James G.Verified patient
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February 22, 2026Adija M.Verified patient
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December 21, 2025Duoxi L.Verified patient
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November 6, 2025Kelsey C.Verified patient
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October 16, 2025Juan M.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Cindy Lai?
Generally, Dr. Cindy Lai has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Lai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Cindy Lai accepting new patients?
Dr. Cindy Lai generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Lai's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Cindy Lai accept my insurance?
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Can I make an appointment with Dr. Cindy Lai online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Lai using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Cindy Lai work with?
Dr. Cindy Lai works with CYNC PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS.
Where is Dr. Cindy Lai's office located?
Dr. Cindy Lai has 2 office locations in New York, view full addresses on Dr. Lai's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Cindy Lai?
Dr. Cindy Lai frequently sees patients for Arthritis, Hand Problems, New Patient Visit, Physical Therapy Consultation, and Sports Injury. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Cindy Lai on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Cindy Lai speak?
Dr. Cindy Lai speaks English and Chinese (Cantonese).
How do patients rate Dr. Cindy Lai in reviews?
244 patients have reviewed Dr. Cindy Lai. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.99/5. They have a 4.99/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.98/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.