Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Arby Isabelle Abrahan
Hi Dr. Arby Isabelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, basketball was an integral part of my life. It was more than just a pastime; it became a mirror reflecting my ambitions, challenges, and growth. It was the single greatest metaphor for my life and I grew determined to become the best athlete I could be. When I tore my ACL and meniscus in 2012, my entire world collapsed. My identity was so deeply tied into my sport, I fell into a state of depression having lost a sense of who I was. After all the hard work and progress over the years, I was instantly reduced and feared that I was never going to be the same as before.
After surgery, I was referred to physical therapy where I built back my strength & basic function. But my experience with physical therapy didn’t go as I’d hoped, and I felt let down by how things unfolded. My physical therapist never really explained the “why” behind the exercises and treatments we were doing. I just followed the routines without understanding their purpose, which left me feeling disconnected and unmotivated. Without knowing why I was doing each exercise, it was hard for me to see their value or how they fit into my recovery, which, in hindsight, contributed to me not taking my rehab seriously. I didn’t push myself as hard as I should have and my commitment to the program waned. This lack of engagement and understanding ultimately led to reinjury, which was incredibly frustrating and discouraging. I knew then as I know now, if I had been given a clearer picture of why each step was crucial, I might have approached my rehab with more focus and dedication, avoiding the setbacks altogether.
This is why it was important for me to become who I am today – to become the physical therapist I needed when I was younger. I started Gravitas Wellness because I was determined to provide better care than what I received when I was injured. In my current practice, patient education is my top priority because I firmly believe that having a solid understanding of your case can change the entire trajectory of your recovery. I wanted others to gain autonomy over their health, and I never wanted anyone to feel the way that I felt during my time of vulnerability.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the bigger struggles I’ve faced is my lack of knowledge on how to run a business. I went to school for physical therapy, where I learned a lot about the body, treatment techniques, and patient care, but nothing about managing a practice. It can get overwhelming tackling the complexities of business operations while providing quality care. The administrative side of running a business feels like a constant challenge that I wasn’t prepared for. It’s a tough balancing act between providing high-level care and keeping the business side running smoothly, while also maintaining a life outside of the work.
Another thing I sometimes find myself struggling with is imposter syndrome. Despite my training and experience, there are moments when I question my skills. Within the world of social media, it becomes easy to compare myself to my colleagues and feel like I don’t measure up, even though I know definitively that my clients benefit from my care. It’s a constant battle between my self-doubt and the professional confidence I try to project. The inner conflict will sometimes make me second-guess my decisions and feel like I’m deceiving others about my competence.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Gravitas Wellness?
I am a sports physical therapist and run a cash-based physical therapy practice called Gravitas Wellness. I operate out of a private training facility called Maverick Community located in the heart of West Hollywood. I specialize in treating runners, but am not confined to it. As a clinician, what sets me apart from others is my dedication to helping my clients gain a fuller, more comprehensive understanding of their situation so that they reestablish authority over their own wellness. I don’t just focus on the physical symptoms, but approach treatment from a holistic perspective in order to enhance overall performance and quality of life. My background in sport science and firsthand experience as an athlete give me valuable insight into the challenges my clients face, enabling me to offer effective treatment strategies that go beyond traditional rehab.
Brand-wise, something I am most proud of is how I’ve been able to organically grow the business these past few years. Instead of relying heavily on external marketing or rapid expansion, I’ve always focused on building strong relationships with my community and providing exceptional care. This approach has led to a steady influx of referrals that have allowed the practice to expand in a sustainable way. Seeing the business grow through genuine connections and a commitment to quality care makes me incredibly proud and reassures me that I’m on the right path.
Aside from physical therapy, Gravitas Wellness also offers gait analyses, bodywork, personal training, and group training services. To inquire or to book, one can fill out the intake form located on my Instagram bio (@gravitaswellness); sessions are by appointment only. For further information, you can email me at [email protected].
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned along my journey is just how crucial it is to be yourself. From the very beginning, I never tried to fit into molds that didn’t align with my values because I knew that the right people and opportunities would naturally gravitate towards me. In the face of imposter syndrome, I’ve always embraced my authentic self, and it’s led me to where I am today. This genuine alignment not only makes my work more fulfilling, but has also attracted clientele and collaborators who truly resonate with my vision and approach. It’s a powerful reminder that authenticity is a magnet for meaningful connections and opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gravitaswellness
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gravitas-wellness-los-angeles-5
Image Credits
Eristheo Raif
