Dr. Erica D. Franks,

a native of Atlanta, GA, has been practicing as a physical therapist in outpatient orthopedics since 2008. As the owner of Invigor Physical Therapy, established in 2014 to provide orthopedic care in patients' homes, she expanded her services in 2022 by opening w a gym space in Marietta, GA. Dr. Franks is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS), reflecting her commitment to excellence in her field.

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Her journey into orthopedic physical therapy has been profoundly shaped by a lifelong passion for movement and dance, along with transformative personal experiences. Captivated by the rhythm of dance from the age of four, she embraced various physical activities—including cheerleading, soccer, tennis, and swimming—fostering her love for movement.

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While pursuing a degree in Dance Arts at Howard University, Dr. Franks faced her own knee and ankle injuries during her third year. The compassionate care she received from physical therapists inspired her to shift her focus to Pre-Physical Therapy, marking the beginning of her commitment to helping others recover and thrive.

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In 1998, Dr. Franks was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a life-altering condition that reshaped her approach to health and wellness. This experience led her to embrace a holistic lifestyle, integrating exercise, diet, mental health, and overall well-being. Her personal journey has fueled her advocacy for non-inflammatory foods and holistic methods that enhance her patients' quality of life.

Dr. Franks earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA in 2008. In 2005 she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science/Pre-Physical Therapy; and Minor in Dance Arts from Howard University in Washington, DC. 

Dr. Franks was recently recognized and honored as the only physical therapist for Top Doctors of America for 2023 for demonstrating dedication, leadership and professional excellence. She was also awarded by the Atlanta Tuskegee University Alumni Club nonprofit the Pioneer Award 2023 for her contributions to society and impacting the lives of others in physical therapy. A passionate advocate for aspiring entrepreneurs, she is a published author of the eBook "How Do You Start a Physical Therapy Practice," where she shares insights, practical advice, and strategies for navigating the challenges of launching a successful practice. Through her writing, she aims to inspire and equip fellow entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive in the competitive healthcare landscape.

Dr. Franks clinical experience includes treatment of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine cases and Vestibular Rehabilitation at Genesis Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Luna On Demand Physical Therapy, Benchmark Physical Therapy, Select Physical Therapy, home healthcare with Gentiva/Kindred and inpatient rehabilitation at Emory University Hospital Midtown. She served as the Clinic Director at Genesis Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation-Cascade for 8 years.​

Dr. Franks also offers Virtual PT services, focusing on health and wellness components such as injury prevention, nutrition, and customized exercise programs, ensuring accessibility and continuity of care for her clients beyond the confines of a physical location.​

Dr. Franks clinical education has included: Certification in Dry Needling from the Dry Needling Institute (Cert. DN), Certification in Kinesio Taping (CKTP), Certification in Blood Flow Restriction Training from B Strong, Neural Mobility, Differential Diagnosis, Evidence Based Management of the Lumbopelvic-Spine, Orthopedic Certified Specialist Residency, Vestibular Rehabilitation with the American Institute of Balance, Shoulder and Knee Advanced techniques, Primal Reflex Release Techniques (PRRT), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Spinal Manipulation 1 & 2 with the Spinal Manipulation Institute, Manual Therapy and Self Care techniques, Concussion and Mild TBI, Post-operative Rehabilitation and Joint Replacement, Strengthening Core Stability, Pediatric Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Seminar, Nutrition Support for Injury and Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Weight Management and Special Topics in Dance Medicine with Atlanta Dance Medicine.​

Her interest and passion include working with athletes and dancers. She has 20+ years of extensive competitive and professional dance training including: Howard University dance program, Alvin Ailey Summer Dance Intensive, Super Bowl XXXIV Performing Dance Team, Dallas Black Dance Theatre Internship, Debbie Allen School of Dance Summer Intensive Internship, Ballethnic Dance Academy, Price Performing Arts Center Senior Company, Spelman Dance Theatre and Phyzix Urban Dance Theatre. While at Howard University, she performed works by: Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson, Eleo Pomare, Kim Bears-Bailey, Kevin Iega Jeff, Ronald Brown and Assane Konte. Dr. Franks currently dances in her spare time at Dance 101 in Atlanta, GA. In addition to dance, in high school she played soccer.​

In her spare time, Dr. Franks is devoted to working with students as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter. She is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), National Association of Black Physical Therapists (NABPT), Black Business Association (BBA), International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, Inc. (IADMS), Chamber of Commerce, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Epsilon Tau Sigma National Society of Allied Health, Golden Key International Honor Society Alumni Association, and Bill Gates Millennium Scholars Alumni Association. She enjoys giving back and has served as a clinical instructor and mentor for students. She currently serves as a partner with the Career Technical and Agricultural Education board at Benjamin E. Mays High School, assisting with the Sports Medicine pathway. Additionally, she serves as a sponsor for the Marietta High School Theatre program.​

In addition to dance and mentoring, she enjoys traveling, exercising, water sports, self-care and spending time with friends and family.

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