Meet our Physical Therapists!
Abby is a Physical Therapist with 8 years of experience as a healthcare professional. Abby has worked for the past 6 years in a variety of pediatric settings, including school-based, outpatient, early intervention, and California Children’s Services. Abby received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Duquesne University in 2016, where she also attended undergrad, receiving a Bachelor's degree in both Biology and Health Sciences.
Abby moved from Buffalo, New York, to California in 2018. She has lived all over the northern & central coast, but has since made Santa Cruz her home. Outside of work, Abby enjoys traveling, outdoor adventures, and spending time with friends and family!
Abby Zwierzchowski
Stacey is a physical therapist with 9 years of experience in pediatric PT and has worked in a variety of pediatric settings, including outpatient, school-based, early intervention, and home health. Stacey received her BS in Applied Exercise Science from Azusa Pacific University in 2012 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University in 2017. She obtained her board certification as a specialist in pediatric physical therapy in 2021. Stacey has worked with a variety of pediatric diagnoses, including torticollis and plagiocephaly, delayed milestones, neurological diagnoses, genetic abnormalities, and gait and movement abnormalities. Stacey has worked with children on the Autism spectrum and those with a history of fetal drug exposure. She works with children from birth through 18+ years.
Stacey has a history of working with the pediatric population extending beyond the world of physical therapy, including previous work experience teaching and coaching youth aquatics, volunteering as a coach with Special Olympics, and volunteering with a variety of adaptive youth camps. Stacey was born and raised in the Bay Area, and despite living in various locations across the country, she will always call Northern California home. Outside of work, Stacey enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, and acting as a personal servant to her dogs.
Stacey Wong
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (also called physiotherapy) is a movement-based healthcare treatment designed to relieve pain, restore physical function, and prevent disability. It helps people of all ages recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall mobility without relying on surgery or prescription medications.
Core Goals
Reduce Pain: Alleviate chronic discomfort or pain from acute injuries.
Improve Mobility: Restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to make everyday movements easier.
Rehabilitation: Help bodies heal following surgeries, strokes, or major accidents.
Prevention: Build strength and balance to avoid future injuries or the need for surgery.
Common Techniques Used
Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare professionals who create personalized care plans. Depending on your needs, treatments often blend multiple methods:
Targeted Exercises & Stretches: Customized routines to rebuild muscle and improve joint function.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on manipulation of muscles and joints to improve movement and relieve stiffness.
Physical Stimuli: Treatments like heat, cold, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound to manage pain and inflammation.
Education: Teaching patients proper posture, body mechanics, and home exercises to maintain health long-term.
Who Needs It?
You might benefit from physical therapy if you are dealing with sports injuries, arthritis, back pain, neurological disorders, or recovering from a joint replacement.