Staff

Dr. Abigail Smith

Abigail Smith, PT, DPT, SCS is the founder of Forward Motion Physical Therapy, LLC. She graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University. At completion of these studies, she was the recipient of the excellence in research award from the Slippery Rock University. Her undergraduate studies were completed at Pennsylvania State University to which she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, movement science while participating as a student athlete. Dr Smith was one of the two first females in the state of CT to be awarded board certification for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists in Sports Physical Therapy in 2012. Dr. Smith has been an adjunct professor at Norwalk Community College to which she taught Kinesiology and Principles of Therapeutic Exercise. She has also completed multiple lectures across the country representing the Sports Academy during the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting. Currently she teaches, and co-authored the Emergency Response for Athletes course, to physical therapists, athletic trainers and medical doctors across the country for Cogent Steps, LLC (Preferred Provider of APTA Sports Academy).

Specialties/Interests:

  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy
  • Runners, endurance and multi-sport athletes, Adolescent, College and Pro athletes.
  • Emergency Response to Athletes, Sideline/Venue coverage
  • Graston Technique, Kinesiotaping, Maitland’s Manual Mobilization Therapy

Affiliations:

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Academy for Sports Physical Therapy
  • Academy for Sports Physical Therapy, Special Interest Groups: Running
  • American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)
  • Connecticut Physical Therapy Association (CPTA)
  • Cogent Steps, LLC, Instructor
  • American Red Cross Instructor, EMR, BLS, First Aid, CPR

Dr. Eric P. Schmitt

Eric P. Schmitt PT, DPT,CSCS has been a practicing orthopedic physical therapist for the past 13 years with clinical interests in traumatic related orthopedics. He utilizes evidence based treatments that are uniquely tailored for his patients. He has become a dry needling practitioner and has seen extraordinary results with his patients.


Dr. Bryna Solon

Bryna Solon, PT, DPT graduated from Norteastern University in Boston, MA and began her career working for one of Boston’s premier sports orthopedic clinics, Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy. While at Kennedy Brothers she gained experience treating elite marathoners and college athletes. A former certified youth soccer coach and recent youth baseball coach, she has worked with young athletes in both injury prevention and rehabilitation for over fifteen years. Since 2008, Bryna has been working in Fairfield County treating a variety of conditions, focusing on outpatient orthopedics and post-operative care. She is also certified in concussion management and rehabilitation. When not in the clinic, you can find Bryna at the hockey rink, baseball field or horse back riding ring cheering on her kids with her husband.

Education:

  • Northeastern University, BS, Rehabilitation Science
  • Northeastern University, MS, Physical Therapy
  • Northeastern University, Doctorate of Physical Therapy

Specialties/Interests:

  • Graston Technique Certified
  • ImPACT trained Physical Therapist (ITPT) credentialed to manage concussions and create concussion focused rehabilitation protocols
  • Foot/ankle injuries, complex post-operative cases
  • Sports injuries/return to play
  • Injury prevention in youth sports

Dr. Sean Altman

Sean Altman, PT, DPT completed his undergraduate education studies in Molecular Biology at Colgate University. He then went on to complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Stony Brook University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Sean has more than 10 years of experience in the outpatient setting with patients including post-op, orthopedic injuries, prenatal patients, spine disorders, chronic pain disorders, neurologic population, semi-professional and professional athletes. Sean is also certified in Personal Training (ACE-CPT), CPR, and BLS (Basic Life Support). In his free time, Sean enjoys taking his 2 ½ year old daughter to ballet class, cooking, coaching, and volunteering. Sean served as Director of Training Staff for the Stamford Youth Football Association for several years. He also coached the Westchester Vipers travel ice hockey team and currently works as a coach for the Stamford Sharks Learn to Play Ice Hockey program that is run in conjunction with the Junior Rangers Learn Hockey Program.

Specialties/Interests:

  • McKenzie Method of Mechanical Assessment
  • Maitland Advanced Spinal and Peripheral Manipulation
  • Graston Technique
  • Dry Needling
  • Cupping Therapy
  • Kinesiology and McConnell taping
  • Active Release Technique (ART)
  • Titleist Performance Institute-trained for Golf Rehabilitation (TPI)
  • Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
  • Selective Functional Movement Screen (SFMA)

Affiliations:

  • Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Orthopedic Physical Therapy Section
  • Neurologic Physical Therapy Section
  • McKenzie Institute USA
  • American Council on Exercise (ACE)
  • Stamford Sharks Youth Hockey Association
  • USA Hockey Coach