Meet Our Accomplished Physical Therapists

The team of physical therapists at Specialized Physical Therapy are doctorate trained and have incredible credentials. Together, we comprise a passionate, caring, and highly skilled family. We believe in the art of healing through physiotherapy, rehabilitation, massage therapy and exercise. None of us became experts over night – we have worked and studied extensively so that we can offer the very best services to our patients. We also strongly believe in continued learning, so you can be sure that our knowledge is relevant. By using the latest tools and techniques, we apply our unparalleled skills with a hands-on approach. Each therapist in the Specialized Physical Therapy family offers individualized one-to-one treatment to help patients realize their goals, relieve pain, achieve optimal health, and reach maximum functionality.

We truly are a family at Specialized Physical Therapy, which means we have the highest level of respect and care for all of our employees. We give our therapists the support and resources they need to grow. Our family of happy employees will be there to make our patients happy too! Please take a second to get to know us:

Abigail Zabilowicz: Physical Therapist Assistant

Abigail MacLauchlan is a Massachusetts State Board Certified and Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. She earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science – Physical Therapy Assisting from California University of Pennsylvania. Abigail enjoys treating a variety of orthopedic conditions such as knee pain, low back pain, and shoulder pain.  At Specialized Physical Therapy, Abigail is a key staff team member that is instrumental in helping our patients recover to their maximum potential by utilizing manual therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, exercises, and deep tissue work.  With the requisite skills, certification, knowledge, professionalism, positive attitude, and dedication, Abby will help you achieve your physical therapy goals.

When Abby is not in the clinic she enjoys hiking, taking her dogs on walks, reading books, spending time with friends and family, and trying new things.

Highly impressed with these two fine people. Friendly, knowledgeable, professional, all that one needs in a physical therapist. Sincerely, Paula 

Very qualified staff addressed my concerns. Highly recommended! Sincerely, Sean 

Dr. Amy Spencer, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, CSCS, CKTP, GTS: Owner and Director of Physical Therapy

Dr. Amy Spencer is a Massachusetts Board Certified and Licensed Physical Therapist.  Amy has over 22 years of experience and has helped thousands of patients make astounding recoveries from sports injuries, car accidents, gymnastic injuries, low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain just to name a few; she is a foremost expert in orthopedic injuries involving tears, inflammation, and pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.  Amy earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine and both a Master of Science in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science from Simmons College in Boston.  With an astonishing six credentials to her name, Dr. Spencer is one of the most credentialed, skilled, and dedicated physical therapists in the Northeast United States.

When Amy is not in the clinic helping patients she enjoys cycling, spinning, running, snowboarding, traveling, hiking in the White Mountains, spending time with family and friends, trying new local restaurants, and having a cup of coffee. Three of her favorite places to visit are New Zealand, Venice, and San Francisco.

Amazing! Dr. Spencer is the 3rd physical therapist I have seen in 3 years and is the most competent, thoughtful and experienced therapist I have been treated by, for my neck, back and knee pain. She coaches her patients through a manageable program of exercises and supportive treatments for home, if indicated, and uses hands-on techniques in office to relieve pain and relax muscle discomfort. She listens to patients concerns with empathy and helps patients find resources to support their healing. She focuses on one patient at a time, no time spent waiting for attention. She takes patients’ lifestyles into consideration when making recommendations so self-care is less of a burden and adjustments are more likely to be followed through with. I have made great progress in alleviating my chronic pain over the past few months, have more flexibility, stability and strength and feel better. I greatly appreciate her enthusiasm, dedication and warm personality. I highly recommend Dr Spencer to anyone with chronic pain and physical injuries. Sincerely, P.W. 

We are so lucky to have Amy in North Reading! When I first started with Amy it was painful just to get on and off the table. Having had back surgery 6 months ago I still have a ways to go but Amy has worked with me each step of the way. She really listens to me and tailors the treatment to fit the issues at hand. My pain level has been reduced significantly. Amy is very professional and knowledgeable. I feel that I am getting the best care available. I highly recommend SPT. Sincerely, J.C. 

Dr. Spencer’s Accomplishments

  • Recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association as an orthopedic evaluation and treatment specialist
  • Received a Manual Therapy Certification under the tutelage of Dr. Stanley Paris, PhD, PT, FAPTA, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of the Directors at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
  • Certified as a Sports and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • Certified as a TRX Suspension Trainer
  • Received advanced training in prenatal and postpartum exercise as well as in evaluation and treatment of prenatal and postpartum musculoskeletal conditions

Credentials and Certifications

Professional Industry Affiliations

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Steve Spencer: CEO and Co-Founder

Steve Spencer is the CEO and Co-Founder of Specialized Physical Therapy.  He brings a wealth of corporate expertise, enthusiasm, passion, and innovation that keeps the business running smoothly and efficiently.   Areas Steve focuses on that creates premium physical therapy at SPT include:  patient satisfaction, patient care innovation, payroll, hiring talented and passionate staff, invoicing, policy and guidelines, training, accounting, financial analysis, marketing, information technology, patient scheduling, website design and implementation, and more. After Steve earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Muskingum University in Ohio, he worked at The Ohio State University in Gnotobiotics, Atherosclerosis, and Cancer Genetics for six years. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance, Magna Cum Laude, at The Ohio State University graduating at the top of his class.  After graduating from OSU, Steve moved to Boston and spent three years at State Street Corporation.  While at Boston Children’s Hospital, he innovated and excelled for eight years before retiring from that position.  In 2012, he co-founded Specialized Physical Therapy with his wife, Dr. Amy Spencer, with one goal in mind:  deliver premium physical therapy to each and every patient.

When Steve has free time he enjoys cycling, camping, skiing, building computers, Linux, stock market investing and trading, financial modeling, hiking, reading, and dabbling in HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript programming.  Around the house he enjoys mowing the grass, hedging, planting flowers and trees, gardening, playing with Louie in the grass, DIY projects of all types, and auto service and repair.

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Meet Mr. Louie Spencer: Chief Motivator and Exercise Guru

Louie is our team motivator and exercise guru.  As a Golden Retriever he loves to fill you with hope and inspiration while motivating you to be your very best.  Exercise is his forte as he loves going on walks or hiking on long trails.  Although he is headquartered at our home office, he loves visiting the clinics.

In Louie’s free time he enjoys playing with his toys, chewing on antlers, and getting lots of treats.

Convenient Physical Therapy Clinic Location: North Reading, MA

Specialized Physical Therapy is conveniently located in North Reading, MA. We proudly serve residents in the neighboring communities including: Andover MA, Reading MA, North Andover MA, Wilmington MA, Boxford MA, Burlington MA, Woburn MA, Lynnfield MA, Melrose MA, Danvers MA, Middleton MA, Topsfield MA, Wakefield MA, and Methuen MA. We offer free and spacious parking located within a few steps away from our clinic’s door.


Schedule Your Appointment Today to Regain Freer Movement and Healthy Living!

Specialized Physical Therapy practices a comprehensive approach to total muscle, joint, and spine health. We are the preferred physical therapy clinic in Greater Boston, because we offer an extensive range of physical therapy services designed to restore your physical strength and mobility while reducing your pain. Our physical therapy clinic sets itself apart by:

  • We have helped thousands of patients with low back pain, sciatica, disc bulge, shoulder pain, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, hip pain, hip replacement, hip impingement, knee pain, knee replacement, ACL tears, MCL strains, LCL strains, ankle pain, and much more. Our Physical Therapy experts can help you with your range of motion, strength, balance, pain, injuries, and more. Call Now to take control of your health!
  • Providing proven techniques for alleviating minor, major, acute, and chronic pain.
  • Specializing in sports medicine, manual therapy, post-surgical care, auto accidents, workers compensation, prenatal and postpartum conditions, orthopedic injuries and overuse injuries.
  • Maintaining a clean, comfortable, private and quiet clinic, making it ideal for private consulting, educating and performing the latest physical therapy techniques.
  • Focusing on your individual needs, not the bottom line, because we are a small, physical therapist-owned and family-oriented clinic.
  • Treating one patient at a time in our private treatment room to make sure that you get the personalized care and attention you need.
  • Completing your treatment from start to finish with only exceptional doctorate trained and fully licensed Massachusetts physical therapists that have excellent skills, breadth of knowledge, and invaluable experience to help you reach your goals and succeed.


Read Our Patient Successes!