At FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center, Excellence and Inspiration Help You Get Your Life Back

By Nancy Kennedy

On December 21, 2020, Shellie Spero went outside to clear the snow from her car. She had no idea that this simple, ordinary act was about to change her life, in dramatic and irrevocable ways. Four days before Christmas, Spero slipped in the snow, falling hard and crushing her ankle. The accident resulted in multiple fractures, foot dislocation, numerous surgical procedures, immobility, pain, long hospitalizations and medical complications. For this athletic, energetic, nature loving young woman, the consequences of the accident were devastating.

Spero had no choice but to endure her long journey to recovery, but she deliberately chose to use the time to heal both her body and her life. She chose a new path – a life of giving to others, helping injured and ill people find strength and renewed health. She spent her own rehabilitation time educating herself and reflecting on the meaning and purpose of her life. Spero found her purpose and her passion in healing others. Today, she is the owner of FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center in Bridgeville, a dynamic physical therapy facility that offers comprehensive services designed to restore functioning, independence, strength, and wellbeing.

“I was given a second chance to live and that inspires me to give back and help others,” Spero explains. “I know how it feels to suffer a catastrophic change in your body. I was non-weightbearing for months and was dependent on others. I developed a huge deep vein thrombosis from my ankle to my groin that also broke off into a bilateral pulmonary embolism. Everyone told me I was lucky to be alive.” In such circumstances, Spero says, it is easy to believe that it’s all over – that your life will never recover. But she believes, in fact she knows, that you can not only get your life back, you can make your life even better than it was before your injury or illness.

Spero is certified in medical massage and nutrition, is a Reiki Master and is a life coach. The staff at FYZICAL includes Michelle Darnley, DPT, CLT, an expert in physical therapy and lymphedema treatment, and Marty Kountz, Patient Care Coordinator, plus skilled therapists who help with overflow. FYZICAL opened in December 2022 and is accepting new patients. FYZICAL has reimbursement arrangements with a number of commercial health insurance plans as well as Medicare and PA Medicaid. Although FYZICAL does not have pediatric services, the facility welcomes adolescents and adults of all ages. FYZICAL offers comprehensive pain management services including Deep Tissue Laser therapy, which is excellent for tissue repair and adhesions and is the same device used by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center in Bridgeville is a bright, colorful space that features a wall with the words “Love Your Life” – a testament to the spirit of inspiration and optimism that permeate the facility. “We have a mission at FYZICAL: excellent patient care. We care for the whole person with an authentically holistic approach. You may come to us with knee pain, and we will address your pain but also educate you about healthy eating and stress management. We will give you emotional support. You will never feel like a number here; you will feel taken care of,” Spero promises. “At the end of your treatment, when you are free of pain or you are walking again, you can experience the joy of living again.”

A graduate of Penn State, Shellie Spero is a native Pittsburgher who grew up in the South Hills. She loves to hike, walk, travel, play tennis and spend time enjoying nature, especially with her nieces and nephew.

To learn more about the services at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center, visit www.fyzical.com/bridgeville-pa or call (412) 785-0111.