Sara Acheson earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2015, launching a career defined by curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to empowering her patients. After completing an orthopedic residency, she became a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in 2017. Later that same year, she pursued an upper extremity lymphedema certification—and it was during this training that she discovered her passion for breast cancer rehabilitation.

Eager to deepen her understanding of the upper body and how it’s impacted by cancer treatments, Sara went on to complete an Upper Extremity Athlete Fellowship with a focus on breast cancer recovery. Since completing her fellowship in 2019, she has dedicated her career to helping cancer patients restore strength, confidence, and quality of life. That passion ultimately inspired her to create her own practice—one built around care, education, and empowerment.

Sara is a strong advocate for the Prospective Surveillance Model of Care, a proactive approach that emphasizes meeting with patients before treatment begins and supporting them throughout their cancer journey. Her mission is simple but powerful: to help patients stay active, feel in control, and live fully—even in the face of a life-changing diagnosis.

Outside of work, Sara can be found chasing after her two energetic toddlers and enjoying life with her family.

Sara Acheson earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2015, launching a ... Read More

I’m a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum care, menopause, and women’s health during and after cancer treatment.

After 22 years in the military as a medevac pilot, I trained and performed to the same high professional and athletic standards as my male peers. For much of my career, I focused on blending in, but over time I came to recognize the unique strengths my femininity brought to leadership, service, and camaraderie. Embracing those strengths ultimately led me to follow my calling to both healthcare and motherhood as I prepared for military retirement—a transformative season that profoundly shaped my path.

During that time, I sought physical therapy care for my own postpartum recovery, only to discover that the clinicians I saw lacked the specialized training I needed. After months of investing what little precious self-care time I had as a new mother, I realized I was not receiving the quality care I deserved. That experience became a driving force behind my commitment to ensuring women have access to highly skilled, specialized care throughout every stage of life.

My passion has since expanded to include perimenopause, menopause, and oncology rehabilitation, inspired in part by my sister’s breast cancer diagnosis at just 40 years old. Witnessing her journey reinforced the importance of providing women with knowledgeable, compassionate support during some of life’s most challenging transitions.

My goal is to serve women throughout the many hormonal, health, and life changes they experience across their lifespan. I am incredibly excited and proud to be part of Athena Wellness’ mission to provide exceptional, evidence-based care and support to women in the Fort Hunt community and beyond.

I’m a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum care, menopause,... Read More