Dr. Sarah Crawford

I grew up swimming for our local YMCA and during meets we would massage each other to prep for a race and my friends would always tell me that I was really good at it and that I had strong hands! Coincidentally, I had quite a few injuries that required physical therapy either formally or with my aunt who was a PT. That introduction to the field gave me all the information I needed to know that it was what I wanted to do.

I basically spent event summer in middle school and early high school observing in PT clinics and then when old enough worked as a PT Aide, which lasted all through college. Knowing that I wanted to go to PT school in Florida, I moved to Tampa the summer before my senior year of college to work at All Children’s Hospital and as an Aide at SPORT, an outpatient orthopedic clinic. I was heavily influenced that summer, quickly learning that pediatric PT was not for me while simultaneously gaining a love for manual therapy after working with a great PT that summer (he’s mentioned later).

June 2011

My first mentors in the world of Physical Therapy were my aunt, Lorie MacDonald, and a phenomenal PT that she introduced me to very young, Opal Riddle. I learned the power of observation and intuition from Opal. If you’ve ever met her, you know that she is a powerful soul and one that I hope to be comparable to one day. In PT school, I learned from some of the best, like Dr. Ira Feibert and Dr. Hunt (who encouraged me to start my manual therapy training while in PT school). Clinically, Matt Lazinski (Tampa, FL) exposed me to the power of manual therapy and challenging the nor of orthopedic treatment. Post-graduation, I have been influence by Dr. Jody Musick, out of Kingsport, TN and Dr. Jan Dommerholt out of Bethesda, MD. Locally, Phil Cadman, Eric Oliver and Eric Schneider taught me so much, I’d be remiss to not mention them and the affect the have had on my career.

I love that this field is the underdog in the medical world. Often thought of as professional exercise prescription, we know so much more. Our depth of knowledge in pharmacology and neuroanatomy/neurology are beyond that of a general medical doctor (first year resident). We have TIME that other medical providers aren’t afforded and when used intently, can solve a lot of problems.

My favorite clients to work with are the ones who have seen a million other medical providers for their condition. I love complicated cases! Although, an acute injury is a nice reprieve. I enjoy working with anyone who wants to be better.

I’m not afraid to say, “I don’t know” and I am resourceful. I feel fortunate to have built a network of trusted colleagues to reference when a client isn’t improving with me. I can guarantee you one thing: I will not quit.

I want clients to have hope. I want clients to become autonomous in the management of their health and wellness and I want them to be empowered by what I share with them.

Getting rid of stuff! I am an anti-hoarder and love to declutter. And my kids, obviously. And husband, for sure.

Does that exist?! I am secretly an introvert, so I like to be home with my family and hang. I do love a good restaurant, delicious bottle of wine and decadent cheese and chocolate (if you need the way to my heart).