MEET THE OWNER

Monica Smith

PT, DPT, ATC

Hi! I'm Monica, physical therapist and founder of Foundation Physical Therapy and Wellness. I'm so glad you are here.  Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I’m a California native and I attended undergraduate school at California State University Dominguez Hills. It is here that I played four years of varsity soccer earning an NCAA Division II National Championship title my sophomore year. As a competitive athlete growing up, I sustained multiple injuries which consequently lead me to the field of sports medicine and earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training. I went on to receive my Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Chapman University in 1998 and completed my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in February 2022. Over the course of my career as a manual therapist, I have come to respect much more how much of an impact the nervous system plays in people’s symptoms. How stress and life experiences (past and present) are huge factors in not only symptoms but healing as well. I no longer isolate the musculoskeletal system as we are whole beings with multiple body systems working together which makes up who we are, how we move and what we feel.

My eclectic approach stems from the many courses and opportunities for learning that I have been engaged in. I am so thankful for the valuable information I have gleaned over the years from pioneers in their respective fields such as Greg and Vicky Johnson (the Institute of Physical Art), Dr. Andreo A. Spina (Functional Range Systems), Gray Cook and Lee Burton (Functional Movement Systems), Dr. Perry Nickelston (Stop Chasing Pain), John Iams (Primal Reflex Release Technique) and Dr. Eric Cobb (ZHealth).

Having had multiple injuries and surgeries myself, including a spinal fusion, pain is no stranger to me. Hence, I can empathize with my patients and I understand the frustrations and struggles of being side lined due to pain or dysfunction. It is my ultimate goal to help each individual who walks in my door achieve the optimal function and healing that he/she is capable of by addressing the root cause of their problem and establishing a firm foundation for long term success.

When I’m not treating patients, I enjoy long walks and working out on the beach with my husband of 26 years, spending time with my “adult children” and traversing the trails with my Rottweilers, Jazz and Reggae. I am a nut for healthy recipes and holistic remedies for healing. I have a special place in my heart for Type 1 diabetics and I am forever grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am thankful for the potential opportunity to help you become your best self. I look forward to working with you!

COURSE CERTIFICATIONS:

Primal Reflex Release Technique:

  • PRRT LEVEL 1

  • PRRT LEVEL 2

  • PRRT LEVEL 3

  • PRRT LEVEL 4

  • PRRT LEVEL 5

Stop Chasing Pain:

  • Lymphatic Mojo

  • Vagus Nerve Mojo

  • Tongue Mojo

Z-Health:

  • R-Phase

  • The Breathing Gym

Functional Range Systems:

  • FRS-Spine

  • FRC (Functional Range Conditioning)

Neurokinetic Therapy:

  • NKT LEVEL 1

Functional Movement Systems:

  • FMS LEVEL 1 (Functional Movement Screen)

  • SFMA LEVEL 1 (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)