Hi, I'm Sarah, the founder of Coastal Performance Physical Therapy. I have been a Doctor of Physical Therapy for 7+ years. Local to the area, I am from Chesapeake, VA and now I call Virginia Beach home. I went to the Universiy of Virginia and received a Bachelor of Arts for Spanish and Biology. I then attended the University of Lynchburg for my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

 

However, my journey into physical therapy started before I earned my doctorate - it started as a runner. I've experienced the frustration of setbacks, persistent injuries, and the mental toll that comes with being told to "just rest" without a clear plan to return stronger. I know what it feels like to miss races you trained months for, to question your body, and to wonder if the cycle of injury will keep repeating itself. What changed everything for me wasn't just treatment - it was education. Learning why injuries happen, how strength and load management play a role, and how the body adapts when given the right stimulus completely shifted my perspective. I realized that rehab shouldn't just get you out of pain - it should build you into a more resilient athlete. Today, I work with runners, endurance athletes and active adults because I genuinely understand the physical and emotional side of being sidelined. I don't believe in pulling you away from what you love unless it's absolutely necessary. Instead, I focus on helping you train intelligently through setbacks, address the root cause, and come back stronger than before. My own history with running injuries is the reason I'm so passionate about bridging the gap between rehab and performance. I've been there - and I built Coastal Performance Physical Therapy to be the kind of place I wish I had when I was in the middle of my own injury cycle.

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Outside of my career, I am passionate about my dog, Reina, an 11 year old vizsla and she has been my best adventure partner. I live near a lot of family and friends who I am blessed to call a support system and spend a lot of time with. I enjoy running, hiking, going to the beach, cooking and traveling in my spare time.

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I love being a Physical Therapist and I experience gratitude every day for what I do. I am excited to see where this new journey takes me and I am grateful to everyone for being here for it!