Lori Schwanz, owner of Ascent Physical Therapy, received her doctoral degree in Physical Therapy in 2008 from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Her education background includes a BS in Athletic Training in 1985, and a MS in Exercise Physiology in 1987 from California State University, Fullerton. She worked for several years as an Athletic Trainer and an Exercise Physiologist in Los Angeles before moving to Texas to pursue a MS in Physical Therapy from Southwest Texas State University in 1998. While at Texas State she was awarded the outstanding student award in the Health Sciences Department, and received the Warren C. Smythe outstanding Physical Therapy student award for the State of Texas.

Her doctoral paper, “Unicompartmental Knee Replacement, a literature review,” was e-published in the Journal of Orthopedics, and presented at the Texas State Physical Therapy conference. Lori has been a NATA Certified Athletic Trainer since 1985 and a Texas state licensed athletic trainer since 1995. Lori was also a member of the Sports Medicine Staff for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles providing Sportsmedicine coverage for the games.

She has over 20 years experience working with orthopedic patients in a variety of sports, fitness, and clinical settings. Lori is a sports and outdoor enthusiast and has participated in several Triathlons and Adventure Races. She also enjoys travel, skiing, hiking, cooking, and reading. [ email Lori ]

Cherie Havard received her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Southwest Texas State University in 1998. Since that time, she has focused on two areas of practice: orthopedic rehabilitation and the treatment of vestibular disorders.

She has extensive experience in all phases of rehabilitation of orthopedic and musculoskeletal dysfunction, from immediate post-operative care to late phase rehabilitation and return to sports. Cherie has studied and practiced manual therapy techniques extensively, and uses these techniques when appropriate to facilitate return to function, improvement in biomechanics, and pain relief. A primary focus of her practice is educating the patient in exercise techniques, preventing training errors, and activity modifications, so the patient is empowered and able to return to the highest level of function after injury, surgery, or illness.

Cherie has a special interest in running and multi-sport injuries, and is an amateur triathlete who has competed in all distances, including the Ironman triathlon. She enjoys treating both the weekend warrior, and the high level competitive athlete.

Another special area of interest is vestibular rehabilitation. Vestibular Rehabilitation is appropriate for those patients who experience dizziness, vertigo, balance, or gait problems due to inner ear problems. These problems can prevent a person from functioning in the home and work place. Cherie has both advanced training and extensive experience in evaluating and treating these problems. With individualized treatment, often these problems and symptoms can be minimized, and in many cases, completely alleviated. Cherie earned her Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation in 2008. [ email Cherie ]