Dr. Ryan Abarno, PT, DPT, CSCS, TPI-M2
Owner and Performance Physical Therapist
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Dr. Ryan Abarno graduated from the University at Buffalo with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2016. After working as a Travel Physical Therapist, he relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2017. Since then, he has directed several clinics focused on Orthopedics and Sports Performance. His personal experience as a baseball player during his youth, and as a competitive powerlifter currently gives him a unique perspective as medical professional.
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In 2022, he made the decision to start Ascension Rehab and Sports Therapy.
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From Ryan: "I spent 5 years in the traditional healthcare world. What I found is that the typical approach to healthcare doesn't cater to active adults and athletes. Too often people are told to "stop running," "stop lifting," or "find a new sport." To me this is a cop out and it's not solving the problem but instead avoiding it. I've spent 6 years training for competitive powerlifting and in 2018, my training became derailed due to a rough side effect from a medication I had been placed on. I suffered some pretty severe hip and low back injuries. Instead of being given some actual solutions to get back to the sport I loved, I was told to stop training. I ignored it and spent the next year rehabbing my injuries and rebuilding a foundation stronger than before, eventually stepping back into the sport of Powerlifting. After that experience, I knew I had to help people find REAL solutions to the problems, instead of just shying away from them.
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My mission is to make sure that not a minute is wasted and we get to working on the problem right from the start so that you can get out of pain and reach your goals. I'm here to help you stay doing what you love and you'll never hear me tell you to stop doing what you love forever, but instead we'll find a way to get back to it better than before. I take a no BS approach because we are handling the most important thing: your health."
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Ryan still lives in the Carolinas with his wife Kimberly and daughter Ava. They enjoy exploring North and South Carolina with their Carolina Dog, Sonny.
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Certifications:
Dry Needling, Titleist Performance Institute-Level 2 Medical, ImPACT for Concussion Care, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Spinal Manipulation, SFMA-Level 1, Blood Flow Restriction Training, Clinical Athlete Certified Provider.
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Licensure: Physical therapist in North Carolina and South Carolina
Dr. Erin Weisel, PT, DPT
Performance Physical Therapist
Dr. Erin Weisel graduated from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a Bachelors in Kinesiology in 2021 and then graduated Bellarmine University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2025. She then relocated to Charlotte, NC shortly after graduation. Erin’s background includes being a former Division 1 college gymnast which then allowed her to make an easy transition to then becoming a Crossfit athlete and competitive powerlifter.
From Erin: “ I am excited to work with all active individuals and athletes as they deserve a medical professional that understands their lifestyle. From my own personal experience of tearing my Achilles tendon in high school, I underwent surgery and required a year long rehab process before returning to gymnastics.
Although I was able to make a complete return to gymnastics, I realized many doctors and some rehab professionals do not understand how to program to return to sport, to the field or progress barbell athletes to their previous weights. I want to help bridge that gap so people can return to their sport, to running, lifting, or work out classes with confidence and stronger than before. This is why I wanted to join Ascension rehab, we take a no BS approach when it comes to your health and your goals.”
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Licensure: Physical therapist in North Carolina
Haley Jamison
Patient Experience
Coordinator
Haley Jamison graduated from High Point University with a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 Health & Physical Education in 2014 with a minor in coaching. After 5 years in the education system and coaching high school and club volleyball, Haley transitioned to the world of group fitness working in sales and marketing for a local fitness studio. In 2020 Haley became a Certified Personal Trainer and started coaching in a group fitness setting after growing her family. Haley has a passion for helping those reach their full potential in fitness and building relationships in her local community through networking and a variety of events.
From Haley: "I am very excited to bring my experience in the fitness world and my passion for community and customer relations to Ascension! I have had the pleasure of working with Ryan through my fitness studio since early 2023 and full heartedly believe in his mission and goals for his clients! I look forward to being a part of this community and serving Ryan’s clients and community partners!
Haley is a native of Charlotte, NC but currently resides in Fort Mill, SC with her husband Travis and daughter Norah. When Haley isn’t working out or coaching you can find her out on the lake with her family or running in local races!
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