Michael Ricchiuto, PT, MPT, MBA, EMT-P, Founder

Michael graduated from the University of Delaware in 1996 with a B.A. in Biology and then received a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Chatham University in 2001 and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 2024. Michael has been providing outstanding outpatient orthopedic and neurological physical therapy services for 19 years throughout the communities of the Pittsburgh area where he was born and raised.

In 2007 Michael founded Physical Therapy Now LLC, an outpatient physical therapy clinic with the intention of providing one-on-one individualized and specialized physical therapy care to those who are injured and ill. Michael has embraced wellness as a focal point for integrating physical therapy services to meet the physical and mental demands of the injured patient in today’s healthcare environment. This goal directed care must integrate into the patient’s individual lifestyle. Michael realized that maximizing a patient’s physical goals can not be achieved without comprehensive analysis of a patient’s life and direct time spent with the patient. Michael continues to achieve excellence in rehabilitation while implementing the latest and most effective physical therapy techniques.

Heather Zinger, MPT at PTN Penn Avenue Clinic

Heather has been practicing advanced orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy for over 20 years earned her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. Heather holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience and has been implementing the latest advancements in physical therapy to achieve high results for her patients. Heather’s specialties are complex management of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine, and pelvis, hip, knee, and shoulder dysfunction, the female athlete, complex post surgical foot and ankle conditions, and orthopedic sports performance conditions.

As a mentor for colleague’s and students Heather prides herself on building strong relationships with her patients and understanding the mental, physical, and social challenges that patients have in dealing with musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Nicole Costa DPT, PT, OCS at PTN Fox Chapel Clinic

Nicole Costa DPT, PT, OCS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist with 10 years of experience in outpatient, orthopedic, neurological, sports, and geriatric rehabilitation. She earned her doctorate of physical therapy from Chatham University and her bachelor of science degree and exercise science from the University of Pittsburgh, both Magna Cum Laude.

Nicole has treated a wide range of patient populations throughout her career, including various athletes at all levels, performing artists, postoperative patients, and individuals with neurological and neuromuscular conditions. She has a particular background and dance medicine, gymnastics, and performing arts rehabilitation, informed by her own experience in dance and gymnastics. In recent year, she has expanded her practice to include geriatric and neurologic populations, bringing the same individualized, one-on-one approach to patients across all age groups.

Outside of the clinic, Nicole enjoys gardening, knitting, baking, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and two dachshunds.

Nicole is currently accepting new patients at Physical Therapy Now’s Fox Chapel office.

Dr. Austin Awes DPT, Orthopedic, Neurological, and Sports Medicine Physical Therapist

Austin completed his undergraduate studies in 2016 at the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Athletic Training. He then received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Slippery Rock University in 2021. Austin’s areas of practice include Orthopedic, Neurological, and Sports Medicine Physical Therapy. He brings a background of each to his current practice at PTN. He has treated a wide scope of sports related injuries as well as neurological conditions during his clinical and work experience in both the athletic training and physical therapy settings. As a former baseball player, Austin has a strong interest in injury prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries. He is currently pursuing a specialty certification as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. Austin is currently accepting new patients at our Fox Chapel office.

Dr. Greg Lydon, DPT, PT Orthopedic, Neurological, and Sports Medicine Physical Therapist

Greg graduated with his Doctorate from Chatham University.  He has experience in outpatient orthopedic, sports medicine, post-operative care, home health, integrated post-rehabilitation personal training, and skilled nursing.  Greg began his journey while studying during his first clinical rotation with PTN and has grown to specialize in the unique conditions of patients in the community.  Greg serves both the community at Fox Chapel and Penn Avenue office locations as he is accepting new patients.

Becky Simcic BA, Practice Administrator at PTN

Becky Simcic is the Practice Administrator at Physical Therapy Now, where she helps patients confidently navigate the financial, insurance, and administrative side of physical therapy care. With more than 20 years of experience in physical therapy medical billing, insurance benefits, and healthcare operations, Becky plays a critical role in making sure patients have the support they need to begin care, stay consistent, and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Becky attended Geneva College and joined Physical Therapy Now in 2014. Since then, she has helped develop and implement patient care systems, business processes, and operational strategies that improve access to physical therapy services and make the patient experience smoother from start to finish.

For many patients, understanding physical therapy insurance benefits, copays, deductibles, HSA funds, employer-funded healthcare contributions, and private-pay options can feel overwhelming. Becky is here to simplify that process. She works closely with patients to answer financial and insurance questions, explain available options, and help maximize their ability to receive the physical therapy care they need.

Her goal is simple: to remove barriers to care so patients can focus on healing, recovery, strength, mobility, and long-term wellness. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing pain, improving movement, or trying to return to work, sports, or daily activities, Becky helps make the administrative side of care clear and manageable.

At Physical Therapy Now, Becky’s experience in physical therapy billing, insurance verification, patient access, healthcare administration, and practice operations helps support a patient-first environment where clinical care and financial clarity work together.

Have questions about your physical therapy benefits or payment options? Becky is ready to help you take the next step toward starting care with confidence.

Mike Hewitt, BS Elite Sports Personal Trainer, PT Technician, and Coach

Physical therapy technician and strength trainer Mike Hewitt has been assisting with patients and training clients for over ten years at PTN. Whether you are a new patient beginning or finishing physical therapy, Mike has you covered with smooth transition to post-rehabilitation and complete goals for wellness. Mike works very closely with his clients of all ages and skill levels to make sure they achieve their  wellness goals.

James Smith, BS, Elite Personal Trainer and Coach

James graduated with a BS in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania in 1994 and received his personal trainer certification from the National Acadamy of Sports Medicine in 2019. James is a qualified personal trainer specializing in strength training, weight loss, mobility, injury prevention, and sustainable fitness programs for adults of all fitness levels. With a client-centered approach, he helps individuals build strength, improve confidence, increase energy, and develop long-term exercise habits that fit their lifestyle.

Known for creating safe, effective, and personalized training programs, James works collaboratively with the physical therapists at PTN  to provide results with clients who want to lose weight, gain muscle, improve athletic performance, recover from setbacks, or simply feel better in their daily lives. Each session is designed around the client’s goals, current fitness level, medical history, and movement ability.

Whether you are new to exercise, returning after an injury, or looking to take your training to the next level, James provides professional guidance, accountability, and motivation every step of the way. James’ mission is to help clients move better, feel stronger, and achieve lasting results through smart, evidence-based fitness training.

Christina Beggan, BA, Elite PTN Yoga and Fitness Instructor