About
Like many physical therapists, Gabriela became interested in the field when she was a patient. An uncommon injury kept Gabriela from competitive horseback riding and her physical therapist was one of the first medical professionals to identify the problem and improve her symptoms. From this experience Gabriela learned that developing a rapport with each patient is essential to understanding the problem and developing an individualized treatment plan.
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, visceral, 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.
My Skills
- Visceral manipulation/mobilization
- Manual therapy
- Pelvic Floor
Articles & Books Written
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.
Professional Associations / Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Women's Health Chapter of APTA
- International Pelvic Pain Society
- Global Pelvic Health Alliance
200 N Adams Street Rockville, MD 20850
United States
tel. 240-428-1410 (day)
fax. 240-238-2572
Available for patients
Case studies, easy to understand explanations about the CranioSacral System, Visceral Manipulation, products to use between sessions, and much more. More information