background:

Dr. Angela Santoro, DPT, who graduated from Trine University in 2018. Originally from Palmer, Alaska, she relocated to pursue her passion for helping others through physical therapy. Her diverse clinical experience spans athletics—including NFL combine prep, selective rehab, and college/high school sports—neurologic rehabilitation, orthopedic conditions, and manual techniques. She has also worked in rural Alaska to enhance her cultural awareness and now serves as Clinic Lead at Palo Cedro Physical Therapy in Northern California. Dr. Angela's passions include outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, running, weightlifting, yoga, and farming on her 160-acre property filled with goats, cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, and other animals. Her active life halted abruptly after her syringomyelia diagnosis, leaving her bedridden with debilitating symptoms. Despite her expertise, she faced repeated misdiagnoses, dismissals, and high medical costs, though some dedicated specialists continue advocating for her.

syringomyelia diagnosis:

At 37 years old I was living life at full speed- in the best kind of way. My life was full of energy, purpose and forward momentum. My days consisted of managing a thriving physical therapy clinic to spending my off days backpacking in the mountains and traveling with my husband. Movement defined me and life was limitless. 

June 9, 2025 changed everything. I began to experience an extensive catalog of debilitating symptoms that led me to a diagnosis of syringiomyelia. The action packed life that I thrived in came to a devastating stop as I was catapulted into functional loss. I was in and out of hospitals and bedridden for 4 months. My body was overwhelmed with widespread neurological and autonomic symptoms, including visual and auditory deficits, spasticity, clonus, tremors, weakness, neuropathic pain, respiratory difficulty, unstable vitals, bowel/bladder dysfunction, temperature intolerance in addition to severe limitations in all activities of daily living. Pain became a language that I learned far too fluently and unfortunately these symptoms only scratch the surface. Disturbingly, I was repeatedly dismissed and my symptoms downplayed by healthcare providers. Going to the doctor became devastating, however those experiences have only fueled my determination to confront and master this diagnosis. I am determined to heal. Every day is a form of therapy and I am steadily reclaiming my life.

I am honored to be a part of SAAC. SAAC has emerged as a strong and necessary advocate for the syringiomyelia community. There is still much the medical field must learn and progress begins by ending medical negligence. I stand with SAAC to amplify voices that deserve to be heard. 

I Refuse to Give Up. I Refuse to Settle. I Reclaim My Life. - Angela Santoro, DPT