About Dr. Anna

Committed to Excellence

At ACE Physical Therapy Sports and Wellness,
we empower athletes and individuals to reach their peak potential faster with personalized physical therapy, performance training, and wellness solutions.

Our Mission

Empowering Your Journey
to Optimal Health

My journey into physical therapy, movement science, and performance optimization began with a deep-rooted love for sports and athletics. From an early age, I was involved in soccer, swimming, and dance, which gave me a firsthand understanding of movement, competition, and the importance of physical health. However, it wasn’t until my senior year at Homestead High School that I discovered my true calling. Taking a physiology class sparked something in me—I found myself fascinated by anatomy, physiology, and human movement, and it all came naturally. I loved learning how the body worked, how it adapted to stress, and how movement and rehabilitation could transform lives.

This passion led me to De Anza College, where I started working in the college training room, gaining hands-on experience in injury prevention and rehabilitation. From there, I pursued my degree in kinesiology and psychology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where I graduated with honors while also studying dance. During my time at Cal Poly, I not only continued my love for athletics as a collegiate triathlete, but I also competed in swimming and running, further deepening my knowledge of endurance sports, biomechanics, and injury prevention.

I then continued my education at Cal State Long Beach, earning my Master’s degree while competing as a triathlete. This experience allowed me to refine my expertise in sports performance, training adaptations, and rehabilitation strategies for endurance athletes.

While completing my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Regis University, I worked in inpatient and ICU settings at Stanford Hospital and Clinics, gaining experience in critical care, trauma, cardiac surgery, neuro, and orthopedics. I also had the privilege of working at UCI Medical Center and Long Beach Memorial, further expanding my expertise in treating complex medical conditions. During this time, I developed a deep understanding of both acute and long-term rehabilitation, helping patients recover and regain function at every stage of their journey.

Upon completing my doctorate, I transitioned back into sports medicine, integrating my advanced medical training with my passion for athlete rehabilitation and performance enhancement. I played a key role in developing and expanding Stanford’s sports medicine department across the Bay Area, working with 49ers team doctors, elite dancers, professional athletes, and high-level executives. I also had the honor of teaching at Stanford School of Medicine in the musculoskeletal division while mentoring and training other professionals in my field.

Beyond my work at Stanford, I have also helped college athletes at Cal Poly optimize their movement, prevent injuries, and enhance performance. My background in sports, dance, and advanced medical training allows me to take a comprehensive, whole-person approach, addressing not just injuries but movement patterns, mindset, and long-term success.

I am also deeply involved in community sports and youth development. I have coached soccer, track, and worked with at-risk youth, using sports as a tool to teach discipline, confidence, and teamwork. Additionally, I helped develop a pediatric physical therapy program for a local nonprofit, expanding access to rehabilitation services for children who might not otherwise receive care. This initiative was strengthened through my partnership with Stanford Children’s Hospital, where I worked alongside behavioral and developmental specialists to create a collaborative approach to pediatric rehabilitation and whole-child wellness.

A deeply personal experience that shaped my philosophy was helping my mother through stage four cancer and watching my brother get hit by a drunk driver. Supporting them both through these journeys helped reinforced the importance of compassionate care, as well as patient advocacy—the kind that prioritizes truly listening, understanding, and treating the whole person, not just their symptoms, and ensuring patient and family concerns are adressed.

In addition to rehabilitation and sports performance, I also consult and guide individuals through the complexities of the healthcare system. Many patients struggle to find the right treatment, feel stuck with ineffective traditional physical therapy, or don’t get the whole-body approach they need. I provide expert consulting services to help individuals navigate their care, avoid unnecessary injuries, improve outcomes, and find the best path forward for their over all rehabilitation needs. Whether it’s a second opinion, injury prevention, or bridging the gap between patient and doctor, I support people to make informed decisions that lead to better results and long-term success.

I have also been recognized for my leadership and communication skills, which were first developed through my early experiences in musical theater. I began performing at church at age four and went on to play lead roles in theater productions, which strengthened my ability to connect with people, understand their stories, and communicate effectively—all essential skills in the world of rehabilitation and performance training.

I founded my business to provide expert, highly personalized care for patients and athletes, helping them recover, move better, and reach their highest potential. My approach is built on expertise, deep listening, and a commitment to finding the root cause of issues—not just treating symptoms. Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance, recovering from an injury, searching for a provider who truly cares, or need guidance in navigating your healthcare journey, I am here to help you take the next step toward achieving your goals.

Anna Ericsson, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy