Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Wigfall.
Hi Ericka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started at Emory University when I graduated from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in 2011. Since then I have worked for one of local hospital systems here in GA. In May of 2026, it will be 15 years as a DPT, which is wild to me! During this time, I have worked in many different setting from neuro and orthopedic based outpatient physical therapy, skilled nursing and assisted living while working as a travel PT, inpatient rehab, and home/community based rehab for catastrophic injuries. I have done a lot! I will say that during my time in outpatient neuro rehab is when this dream of mine started forming but, when I worked in home and community based PT, I think I started to gain the courage to pursue the dream I believe the Lord planted inside me. I started to really focus on Physicollective, LLC, which is my growing business for allied health practitioners (PT, OT, ST) who have their own practices, but the overhead of a brick and mortar location is a challenge to maintain or allow them to start as a business owner. It also provides flexibility for those who provide concierge or mobile practices. Basically, think of it as co-working for allied health. entrepreneurs. I went through the Start: ME program in 2023, which is an intensive small business training program in four communities in the Atlanta area. I was awarded one of the program’s pitch competitions grants that served to help jump start my business. It has been a longer journey to get that started so, I had to alter my trajectory, as I am learning is common with small businesses. In addition to PhysiCollective, I wanted to start my own mobile practice. I remember, one Monday after working a weekend shift at the hospital, I went to say goodbye to a patient I worked with that weekend. When I walked in the room, they were abnormally happy to see me. Lol. They began to tell their friends how I helped them and, also started to speak, unexpected, words of encouragement, dare I say prophetic words, about how they knew I wanted to start a practice and to trust the Lord. This was at least 7 years ago. I did not have the courage then, but I believe God has developed it through my growing trust in Him, as well as, my skills as I have been placed in all the varying treatment setting in which I have served my patients. I truly loved tailored services that I provided during my time with home and community based therapy patient’s because I was able to give them my full attention, I did not feel rushed, and I was able to be creative with the resources I had to progress my patient’s healing. During my planning for PhysiCollective, I knew I had to be my own client, so I started High Point Physical Therapy as a means to serve people in the Southwest and Northwest Atlanta, as well as surrounding communities, quality physical therapy services in the environment that makes the most since for their time, motivation, and/or goals. There is a lack of healthcare services, especially, in Southwest Atlanta. There are strides but still lacking compared to other parts of the city. I want to serve the people in my neighborhood.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has NOT been smooth at all to start High Point Physical Therapy or PhysiCollective. I still work full-time for the local healthcare system so, it can be a lot to balance. I think a challenge for High Point Physical Therapy, specifically, is though I do accept a few federal insurances with Medicare, people seem to run when they understand that I do not accept private insurance, but some times, dependent upon the plan, what I charge is cheaper. I have heard some patient say there insurance charges $300-400/visit. That is a lot. I charge way less and provide more tailored care 🙂 Also, I find it difficult to make meaningful partnerships with local businesses (e.g. Center well, Oak Street, YMCA, etc.) or physicians. This has been a bit of a challenge.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a doctor of physical therapy. I think that is an education point for many people. Most of the time, your local physical therapist has been trained on a doctorate level of training. People think that we went to school for a certifícate for a few months. No, DPTs go to school for at least 3 years and, now, some go on to have residency past that time. Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who are trained to help people who have injuries or diseases that challenge mobility. I have worked in the neuro side of physical therapy primarily working with people have challenges with mobility because of injury or damage to the brain or nerves. I am a LSVT BIG trained physical therapist and I am Dry Needle Certified. LSVT BIG is a treatment method for those that have Parkinson’s Disease. I also work with people with orthopedic issues such as, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and post-surgery. I use dry needling in this setting most often. Dry needling is a treatment involving the use of a filiform/accupuncture needle through the skin to the affected tissues in the body to help address pain, movement impairment, and disability. This a pretty cool tool that we, PTs, have to help our patients. I am reflecting on my career and I am most proud of one patient who, when I met him, He, literally, could only move his head. He worked really hard! We got to a point where he was comfortable to transfer by standing, with help so, we went to the pool to do therapy. This unlocked so much for this man. One, he could stand and move in the water in ways he could not yet do on land. This gave him such joy, hope, and renewed motivation. I started him on this path and, had to refer him to help him progress but, he use to send me videos of him blowing the leaves in his yard or when he was able to walk without help. Those things, when my patient’s send me videos of themselves progressing, even if I’m no longer their PT, those things mean the world to me and give me the most joy. I think what sets me apart as a PT is I actually care beyond the treatment gym. I try to give the type of treatment that I would want to receive or someone to provide to my mom, and I try to cultivate partnerships with patients to help them achieve their goals. Another thing I am proud of was being a part of Atlanta Streets Alive where I was able to set up shop and provide the participants free stretching. That was really fun and a lot of hard work. My family came down from Nashville to help as well as some good friends here in Atlanta. It was a great time!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up the youngest of 4 in North Nashville to two pretty great parents. You know how people can try to categorize you by your birth order? I do not fit the mold. Although I’m the youngest, by 8 years, I’ve always been very responsible, I’m quiet until you get to know me, and I enjoy learning. I think I remember going to Walgreens or something and asking for math workbooks instead of candy or a toy. I was not very confident but, I was actually a pretty good basketball player, but my full potential was met in my driveway at home. LOL! I like calculated adventure so, I love traveling and seeing the most beautiful places in the world. I grew up in church. I am still very much involved in my church, but beyond just attending church, I am a follower of Christ. The spiritual part of my life bloomed while in college at Tuskegee University where I earned a sales and marketing degree. I enjoy my church Blueprint Church. I am a co-leader of a small group (S.W.A.T.S!) I enjoy God, his people, and his purposes. I really like music, riding my bike to explore the Beltline or any other beautiful trails we have in Georgia, reading, learning Spanish, and naps…. taking naps is a beloved past time in this season of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.highpointptatl.com
- Instagram: @highpoiintpt.atl
