Dr. Ariel Ritschel grew up in the Central Valley, where she immersed herself in a variety of sports growing up, from swimming and softball to basketball and track. Homeschooled through high school, she also dedicated herself to Shotokan Kenkojuku Karate, showing her commitment and discipline throughout her teenage years.

Ariel’s academic journey took her to Reedley College and Fresno State, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology-Exercise Science in 2016. She then completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2019, diving deep into her passions for biomechanics, anatomy, and physiology.

In her professional life, Dr. Ariel has experience in outpatient orthopedics, neurology, oncology, lymphedema, acute rehab and pelvic floor therapy, all reflecting her dedication to improving patient outcomes. She has taken courses by Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute in Female Pelvic Floor.  In her personal life, she’s the second oldest of five siblings. She loves to travel and has explored places like the Azores, Mexico, Japan, and Ireland. At home, she shares her life with her husband and their four large dogs, often taking them on daily walks. An avid hiker, weight lifter, and swimmer, Ariel embraces a lifestyle that blends her love for fitness and the great outdoors.