Dr. Yu is an expert in human movement, specializing in the science-backed application of therapeutic exercise to restore function and prevent injury. His practice focuses on leveraging the latest research in exercise physiology and biomechanics to create personalized, evidence-based exercise programs that empower patients to achieve lasting results and a higher quality of life.
Dan Yu was born in South Korea, where he lived until he was 9 years old. There, Dan earned his blackbelt in Tai Kwon Do at age 7. After moving to the Philippines for 2 years, and Oklahoma for 3 years, the Yu family settled locally in Norwood, MA. Dan then attended Norwood middle and high schools and was a lineman on the football team. Go Mustangs!
Dan first attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in Boston. After one semester, he transferred to UMASS Lowell as an Exercise Science major with a clinical concentration. The UMass Lowell B.S. in Exercise Science program focuses on the study of bodily movements that improve fitness, performance and wellness. After tearing his ACL skiing in 2018 and being on the receiving end of physical therapy treatment, plus becoming and online student during the COVID pandemic, Dan graduated UMASS Lowell in 2021.
Dan then began the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University in Manchester, NH. His clinical rotations included treating inpatients at Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem, NH, helping people with work-related injuries at a Concentra occupational health clinic in Houston, TX and working with the outpatient rehab teams at Baystate PT in Salem, MA and Off-Season PT in North Andover, MA. Dan also worked as a coach at Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning in Woburn, MA.
Dr. Yu earned a certification in Blood Flow Restriction (BFT) with Kyle Coffey, PT, DPT, ACSM-EP. BFT is a technique that combines low-intensity exercise under reduced arterial flow conditions. It allows people to use low loads yet achieve results similar to high intensity training. Coffey is a clinical expert in the application of blood flow restriction and has created and teaches continuing education courses on the topic throughout the country and internationally.
Dr. Yu also completed the required training of Foundations in Dry Needling through S&F Education. Structure & Function Dry Needling (SFDN) is a system of dry needling developed by Sue Falsone, PT, MS, SCS, ATC, CSCS, COMT, RYT. Falsone utilizes the most recent science and evidence in dry needling, as well as her vast experience with rehabilitation and performance of professional athletes.
Dr. Yu graduated his DPT program and started working at HD Physical Therapy in April of 2024.
Dr. Yu has a license to practice physical therapy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is certified in CPR, First Aid and AED.
Outside of work, Dan enjoys snowboarding, rock climbing and working out. He currently resides in Westwood, MA.