Dr. Grace Abruzzo PT, DPT, CAPP-OB, CD(DONA), PYT-C

EDUCATION

A.T. Still University - Mesa, AZ  Graduated August 2014 Doctorate of Physical Therapy

San Diego State University – San Diego, CA   Graduated May 2011 Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy  Cumulative  Cum Laude

CONTINUING EDUCATION

·       APTA Fundamentals in Pregnancy and Postpartum   June 2015

·       APTA Pelvic Health Level 1  June 2015

·       APTA Advanced Topics in Pregnancy and Postpartum   June 2015

·       CPTA Annual Conference   September 2015

·       Clinical Pattern Recognition for Low Back Pain  September 2015

·       Taking the “Sore Thumb” Out of Manual Therapy  September 2015

·       Ethics in Women’s and Men’s Health  September 2015

·       Outpatient Therapy: Coding, Billing, and Payment  October 2015

·       The Basic Essentials for PT Coding and Compliance  October 2015

·       Evidence-Based Examination and Treatment of the Pelvis    January 2016

·       Professional Yoga Therapy Modules 1-8  March 2016

·       APTA Pelvic Health Level 2   March 2016

·       Sex and Sexuality in Physical Therapy Practice    March 2016

·       APTA Pelvic Health Level 3   April 2016

·      APTA Gynecological Visceral Mobilization   June 2016

·      Pediatric Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation  October 2016

·      Medical Yoga Therapy Certification Level II 2020

·      Clinical meets Functional: A Dual Perspective to Approaching the Chronic Foot February 2021

·      Compassionate Inquiry Professional Training with Gabor Mate 2021

·      Somatic Experiencing Training with Peter Levine Level I 2021, Level II in 2022, currently beginning Advanced I in early2023

ALTERNATIVE HEALING

·       Energy Healing 1:1 Training with Mitra Sessions @ veniceholistichealing.com 2021

·      Level I and II Breath Work Facilitator Training with Revelation Breath Work 2020

·      Reiki Training Level I and II, and for Birthworkers 2020

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

·       BOARD CERTIFIED WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALIST through American Physical Therapy Association 2020

·       CERTIFICATION OF ACHIEVEMENT IN PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM PHYSICAL THERAPY (CAPP-OB) American Physical Therapy Association's CAPP-OB is awarded to physical therapists who have completed a comprehensive education, training, and testing program for management of pregnant and postpartum patients experiencing musculoskeletal dysfunction and high risk pregnancy.

·       Awarded the Greater Valley Area Health Education Center Scholarship – Phoenix, AZ 2011

·       Inter-Disciplinary Collaboration Case Competition 2012 (3rd Place) – Presented a case analysis on the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and professionalism among healthcare professionals for causalities in medical errors.

Professional Experience

Dr. Grace Physical Therapy  December 20178 – Present  Los Angeles, CA

·       CEO and therapist. Women’s physical therapy specializing in treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy and postpartum. Treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and diagnoses including vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus, pelvic organ prolapse, dyssynergia, and bladder and bowel incontinence. Treatment of pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction. Utilizing professional yoga therapy, TRX, Mat Pilates, and manual therapy techniques including visceral mobilization.

Bloom Women’s Physical Therapy  January 2016 – October 2017  West Hollywood, CA

·       CEO and therapist. In-home women’s physical therapy specializing in treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy and postpartum. Treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and diagnoses including vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus, pelvic organ prolapse, dyssynergia, and bladder and bowel incontinence. Treatment of pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction. Utilizing professional yoga therapy, TRX, Mat Pilates, and manual therapy techniques including visceral mobilization.

California Therapy Services  October 2016 – March 2017   Los Angeles, CA

·       Home health care for patients with a wide variety of diagnoses including post-operative, geriatric, neurological disease, oncologic, orthopedic. Collaborated with patient’s medical physicians, case manager, nursing staff, primary caregiver and family members.

Kids Therapy Made Simple   April – October 2016   Beverly Hills, CA

·       Pediatric physical therapy treating children birth to 18 years old for developmental delays, torticollis, gross motor delays. Creator of pediatric pelvic health program treating bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Bebe Physical Therapy / Evolution Physical Therapy   January – November 2015   Santa Monica, CA

·       Treating orthopedic, sports, and women’s health patient populations, including pre and postpartum. Treating pelvic floor dysfunction including vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, pelvic organ prolapse, and incontinence.

ONR, Inc   March 2015 – January 2016   Los Angeles, CA

·       Home health care for a patient status-post traumatic brain injury. Collaborated with patient’s medical physicians, case manager, nursing staff, primary caregiver and family members.                                                  

Therapy West, Inc., and Play Studio   May – July 2014   Venice, CA  PT Intern, Pediatric Outpatient

·       Treated in public schools, two clinics, and home settings. Worked with children ages: birth - 14 years old. Utilized various swings, bolsters, climbing equipment, school playgrounds, and toys for fun and creative therapy interventions. Administered Peabody (PDMS-2) and Bayley (BSID-III) assessments. Assisted in TWISPP and Two-Step early intervention programs. Developed treatment plans with occupational, speech, and physical therapists. Examined, evaluated, and treated children with diagnoses including Down's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum, Seizure Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, Orthopedic Impairments, and general gross motor delay.

Kaufmann Physical Therapy    March – May 2014   West Hollywood, CA  PT Intern, Orthopedic Outpatient

·       Common Diagnoses include orthopedic post-surgical, spinal pathology, and shoulder injuries. Presented an in-service in femoral-acetabular impingement etiology, presentation, and conservative versus surgical intervention. Treating adult, geriatric, and pediatric patients.

Garden Crest Rehabilitation Center     January – March 2014 Los Angeles, CA    PT Intern, Skilled Nursing Facility

·       Collaborated with occupational therapists, nurses, physicians for patient care in skilled nursing facility.

Sharp Grossmont Hospital  October – December 2013   San Diego, CA  PT Intern, Acute Inpatient

·       Completed primarily evaluations in acute departments including ICU, PACU, Ortho, Oncology, and GI. Observed two Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgeries. Presented an in-service in spinal surgeries and related rehabilitation principles.

SWAN Rehabilitation   March – May 2013   Phoenix, AZ  PT Intern, Neuro Outpatient

·       Facilitated physical therapy treatments with patients with neurological diseases including stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and spinal cord injury.  Utilized skilled bodyweight supported treadmill training, BIG and Loud therapy, suspension harness, and TRX straps.

Cahill Physical Therapy    July – August 2012   Beverly Hills, CA  PT Intern, Orthopedic Outpatient

·       Performed physical therapy techniques utilizing Pilates Reformer® and Gyrotonic®. Treating adult, geriatric, and pediatric patients.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & ORGANIZATIONS

·       American Physical Therapist Association Member, California Chapter Women's Section

·       CPR and AED certified

·       Certified Ropes Course and Team Building Instructor

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

·       Currently developing a Pre/Postpartum educational course for pelvic floor and physical therapy considerations that will be available to community members.

·       Organized and facilitate stroller walking group to encourage exercise for pregnant women and mothers in Los Angeles, CA – August 2015 -  January 2017

·       Special Olympics Fun Fitness Volunteer – 2012 – 2013, Phoenix, AZ

·       Relay for Life Team Member – ATSU 2013

·       Posture Police – Providing guidance and assistance to ATSU Dental Students.

·       Safe Zone for All Ally – Supporting diversity at the ATSU Mesa campus.