Elizabeth Slawinski, PT, DPT, OCS

A Birmingham native, Elizabeth completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at the University of Alabama in 2018. During her time there, she worked under Dr. Tori Stone, assisting in research on the effects of exercise on a woman’s menstrual cycle. Following graduation, she pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she graduated in 2023 after developing a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

Driven by a commitment to advancing her clinical expertise, Elizabeth completed the Upstream Rehab Institutes Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency in 2025, further refining her skills in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. During her time in the program, she was consistently a member of the 80/80 club, celebrating clinicians with measurable objective successes in clinical practice. She subsequently obtained her Board Certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) in 2026, a testament to her dedication to ongoing education and commitment to the highest levels of evidence-based care. Elizabeth is trained in dry needling through the Institute of Advanced Musculoskeletal Treatments, where she is currently working through higher levels of certification.

Elizabeth is passionate about helping patients restore function, reduce pain, and return to the activities that matter most to them. Her clinical approach emphasizes individualized treatment plans, combining manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to achieve optimal outcomes. She has special interests in the management of temporomandibular disorder (TMJ/TMD), hip dysfunction, and return to sport following injury for the active population.

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband and cats, keeping up with in-season sports, and working out.

Hear Directly from Elizabeth’s Patients

“The Total Joint is an exceptional physical therapy service facility in Alabama. From their receptionist to their therapist, clients receive a very warm welcome and exceptional therapy. I have received PT in Okinawa at the Naval Hospital and off base at a private clinic, the therapist at The Total Joint are very knowledgeable, skillful, and kind. I did not enjoy driving across town to Homewood, but I definitely enjoyed the exceptional care and concern while working with Elizabeth S. This was the best PT experience I have ever received.”

“The therapists were personal, engaging and encouraging. The one on one sessions are wonderful. I have had therapy two other places for other things. And at that time, I thought that the experiences were okay. After The Total Joint, I would recommend no one else for therapy.”