Hi, my name is… Sandi Salazar, and I am a physical therapist and owner of FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center’s Phoenix location (fyzical.com/phoenix).
I’ve lived in North Phoenix nearly all of my life and I love it because…I am able to be active year-round and I absolutely love our sunsets. We moved here from Wisconsin when I was eight years old and I couldn’t imagine growing up anywhere but here.
A typical day in my life includes…Hitting the ground running with a good workout. After my workout, it’s time to enjoy my coffee and some quiet time to start my day with my head in a good place. Then the day really begins—making sure my high school senior makes it out of bed and off to school on time, getting the pups breakfast and snuggle time, and off to work. I am so fortunate to have my practice, FYZICAL, so close to home and in such a vibrant community at City North. Once I’m at the clinic it’s “game on” and nonstop from start to finish. I’m so lucky to do work that I absolutely love and am rewarded every day with helping someone get back to living and loving their life. My day goes by so fast, every day is different, and I work with truly amazing people. With my son off to college now and my daughter graduating high school this year, life is changing rapidly. As I’m approaching the empty nester phase, I’ve had the opportunity to return to playing my favorite activity, volleyball, and am looking forward to enjoying more quality time with my husband of 20 years.
My family is…My world. I have two amazing kids that I absolutely adore, an involved and caring husband, and I am fortunate to have my parents and siblings close by.
One thing I cannot live without is…My myofascial release treatments which I liken to my body’s fountain of youth. I love it so much that I have been practicing the unique approach to myofascial release for about 15 years now. I feel better than I did 20 years ago and have seen it transform so many of my patients’ lives as well.
My favorite movie I could never get tired of watching and why…As an 80s child, “The Breakfast Club” never gets old, but there are so many good options that bring back such great memories. And, you can’t be named Sandi without loving “Grease”!
When I was younger, I wanted to be…A professional athlete. All I ever cared about when I was younger was sports, and it didn’t matter what sport. That’s why I love my work so much—I get to help people discover their inner athlete every day.
The song I would sing at Karaoke night is… “Sweet Caroline.” It just makes you happy.
The one person who motivates me is…I don’t have one specific person as there are so many amazing people to learn from. I do enjoy listening to the “Live Inspired” podcast with John O’Leary as his personal story is amazing. He always has incredible people that he interviews that motivate you to want to be a better person.
The last thing that made me laugh out loud was…Netflix Is a Joke Radio on SiriusXM. There are some great comedians on there.
The perfect day…Would have a good workout, great food, and hanging with my family.
My favorite local nonprofit is…Cancer Support Community of Arizona. As an ovarian cancer survivor, they provide resources and community when you need it most.
My life is…Amazing. I get to do work I love every day and have an incredible family and group of friends.
The best gift I’ve ever received was… I do love homemade gifts, so I will go with the most recent that my daughter made me for Christmas. I love daisies and she took the time to paint daisies on a green canvas tote for me.
My dream vacation would be…The beach anywhere, but if I had to pick, Santorini.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received…The golden rule: Treat others how you want to be treated.
