Photo by Tessa Marie Images
Founder of The Movement Paradigm.
Nothing, it seems, can slow down Arianne Missimer—not even cancer. From her early days as a basketball player, gymnast and cheerleader, she’s always been on the move. Hence the name of her Downingtown practice, the Movement Paradigm.
A physical therapist, registered yoga teacher and mindfulness educator, Missimer was diagnosed with stage-three liposarcoma just two months before her wedding. “I’ve realized that my purpose was really to help change lives and help people take ownership of their health,” she says. “I wanted to do that from a holistic perspective.”
While undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she decided to train and compete on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. She later opened her practice, which focuses on mind and body wellness. “In conventional medicine, often we’re treating the disease or treating the symptom, but we’re not necessarily treating the root cause,” she says. “I’m passionate about trying to help people get to the bottom of their health issues and doing that through movement, nutrition and mindset.”
A registered dietician with a graduate certificate in applied mindfulness, Missimer treats patients using different modalities, also offering a course geared toward expectant and new mothers. Her mission has inspired others—so much so that she’s been asked to deliver a TED Talk and has taken on other motivational speaking engagements. She views it all as an extension of what she received when she was in treatment. “I had such an unbelievable amount of support from family and friends,” Missimer says.
Now, she’s passing it on.
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