Staff

Ian A. Novotny PT, DPT

Ian A. Novotny, PT, DPT received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Whittier College in Whittier, California and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His research on health policy and cost for the treatment of low back dysfunction has been presented nationally and received recognition as the most outstanding platform presentation for the Health Policy Section at the American Physical Therapy Association’s annual conference in 2004.

He has participated in National Institutes of Health research grant projects for Shoulder Dysfunction in Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries Who Use a Manual Wheelchair at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital and Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Ian has taught advanced practitioner certification courses in physical agents and modalities. He has practiced in numerous settings including outpatient orthopedics, in-patient spinal cord injury, acute care, pathokinesiology research, and is the current co-owner of BACK 2 HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY.

Vladislav Shut PT, DPT, MS, ATC, CSCS

Vladislav Shut, PT, DPT, MS, ATC, CSCS received his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine from Westchester University in Westchester, Pennsylvania, his Master of Science in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine from California University of Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the director of Strength Training Incorporated (STI), an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Vladislav has worked with professional athletes for the Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football), Arizona Diamondbacks, and Arizona Cardinals as well as the elderly in home health, military personnel in the United States Coast Guard, and children with orthopedic and neurological conditions. Through his clinical residencies, didactic studies, and experience in orthopedics, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, neurology, acute care, and manual therapy he has developed his style of eclectic physical therapy. He is the current co-owner of BACK 2 HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY.

Michael S. Rose, PT, DPT

Michael S. Rose, PT, DPT received his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, Bachelors of Arts in Biology, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. Through his clinical residencies, Michael has worked in numerous out-patient physical therapy practices and pediatric clinics as well as working at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center with patients suffering from spinal cord injury and California Medical Center working with patients following motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, various surgeries and other acute trauma.

Michael has worked with collegiate athletes as an Athletic Trainer for the USC Men’s Basketball team as well as with teenagers in the NBA All-Star Jam Session Invitational and women in the Lingerie Football League. Additionally, as a Patient Liaison for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Michael was responsible for speaking with pancreatic cancer patients and providing them with information ranging from diet and nutrition and pain management to end-of-life care. Michael is now currently a full-time physical therapist for BACK 2 HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY.

James R. Gutierrez, PT, DPT, MA

James discovered his passion for the health sciences while attending Pepperdine University as a Sports Medicine major. At Pepperdine, James involved himself not only in research projects in the Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics laboratories, but also took part in extracurricular activities such as the Camp Kilpatrick tutoring program for at-risk youth and Student-led Ministries where he organized weekly convocation services. After graduation, James pursued his other passions, teaching and service, as a Teach For America corps member.

James served students and their families in the East Los Angeles area as a 6th grade Mathematics and Earth Science teacher for three years. During his time as an educator, James received his Masters in Education and teaching credential at Loyola Marymount University. In 2008, James decided to pursue his passion for the health sciences by enrolling in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Southern California. At USC, James was exposed to and trained in the multiple fields of physical therapy, ranging from pediatrics, in-patient orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, to outpatient orthopedics.

It is in the physical therapy field that James now has the ability to blend his passions for teaching, for service, and for the health sciences together as he works side by side the fellow doctors at BACK 2 HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY. in the common goal to give patients "the knowledge and tools to get you back to work, back to play, and back to health."

Thomas H. Sison, PT, DPT

Thomas H. Sison, PT, DPT received his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, FL and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, FL. At the University of St. Augustine, he extensively trained under the instruction of the highly respected Dr. Stanley V. Paris. With his knowledge of the neuromuscularskeletal system, Thomas treats and educates his patients about the tools they need for enhancement of proper body movements during work and play to promote a pain and injury free active lifestyle.

From professional actors to high school athletes, Thomas has treated a variety of patients with a variety of diagnoses. During his clinical residencies, Thomas worked with geriatrics at a skilled nursing facility, acute work-related injures at an urgent care facility, and traumatic brain injuries at an inpatient/outpatient neuro clinic. Thomas currently is a full-time physical therapist for BACK 2 HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY.. He plans to further his manual therapy skills by achieving his Manual Therapy Certification (MTC) this coming June 2012.