Breanna Guettler’s journey into the field of physical therapy is deeply intertwined with her rich history as an athlete. She spent over a decade as a competitive gymnast, and her athletic pursuits extended into high school, where she excelled as a sprinter and pole vaulter. These experiences instilled in her a robust set of life skills—discipline, goal setting, and perseverance—that have been the foundation of her personal and professional development.
Throughout her gymnastics career, Breanna faced numerous injuries. These challenges introduced her to the world of physical therapy, where she discovered the critical role of a dedicated support team in an athlete’s recovery journey. Her therapist not only facilitated her rehabilitation but also inspired her career choice, sparking a desire to empower and educate young athletes facing similar hurdles.
In 2022, Breanna achieved her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Her academic journey was enriched by a multitude of extracurricular learning opportunities. She engaged in specialized courses covering topics such as running mechanics, pelvic floor health, and balance training. These experiences equipped her with a diverse skill set and deepened her understanding of the human body’s intricacies.
After graduation, Breanna embarked on a challenging travel contract, managing a high caseload that tested her skills and resilience. This “birth by fire” experience illuminated the shortcomings of typical large PT companies, particularly their failure to follow best practices and support continuous learning. Seeking an environment that aligned with her values, Breanna and her husband relocated to Huntsville, AL, where she joined a company committed to professional development and mentorship.
In Huntsville, Breanna thrived, immersing herself in a wealth of continuing education opportunities. She completed numerous courses, including Core First—a posture and body mechanics course—the Institute of Clinical Excellence upper extremity management course, and a level one dry needling course. She also participated in various in-house in-services, covering topics like vagus nerve stimulation and the functional mobilization approach, and even presented her own in-service on exercise progression and prescription.
Breanna’s personal experiences with injuries have profoundly shaped her approach to physical therapy. While coaching gymnastics during her undergraduate studies, she sustained a significant rhomboid tear while spotting a tumbling student. This injury was compounded by a later shoulder dislocation during a CrossFit session, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive rehabilitation. Her recovery journey, which spanned several years, taught her the importance of strength, stability, and mobility in maintaining long-term health. These lessons have informed her practice, particularly in working with former athletes.
Breanna is passionate about assisting athletes and former athletes. She appreciates their determination to achieve goals and remain active in the pursuits they love. Her approach is collaborative, involving detailed analysis of movement patterns, lifestyle choices, and recovery strategies to tailor rehabilitation plans. She finds great satisfaction when patients share their successes, such as running pain-free or lifting previously unattainable weights.
Her approach to physical therapy is non-restrictive, focusing on maintaining movement and adapting exercise regimens to suit each patient’s needs. Breanna emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the root causes of pain through activity modification, body mechanics adjustments, and manual interventions. Her goal is to guide patients toward their athletic aspirations with a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.
Breanna is a proud member of the APTA and is committed to lifelong learning. She plans to continue expanding her expertise in complex lifting and nutrition, ensuring that she remains a valuable and knowledgeable resource for her clients, helping them achieve optimal health and performance.
