Gabriela completed an accelerated program at Simmons College in Boston, MA. She received a BS in Exercise Science with a minor in psychology and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy with Distinction in 2013. After graduation, Gabriela moved to Richmond, VA, where she completed a two-year residency program through the Institute of Physical Art. In 2015, she sat for the rigorous Functional Manual Therapy ® certification exam, passing with honors. After completing CFMT, Gabriela began taking pelvic floor classes through Herman and Wallace and expanded her treatment to male and female patients with pelvic pain, pain with sexual intercourse, colorectal dysfunction, post-partum, and urinary and fecal incontinence. In 2018, Gabriela passed the rigorous pelvic health certification exam through the American Physical Therapy Association.

 

In 2017, Gabriela and her husband, Matthew Van Sickle, opened Functional Physical Therapy, LLC, to provide one-on-one, individualized care for those with musculoskeletal, neurological, and pelvic floor disorders. Together, Matthew and Gabriela apply their advanced knowledge and techniques to specialize in treating patients with complex conditions who have not recovered with traditional treatment or physical therapy.

 

Research Publications

Barth, J., Stezar, G., Acierno, G., Kim, T., & Reilly, M. (2014). Mirror book therapy for the treatment of idiopathic facial palsy. Ear, Nose and Throat Journal.