Dr. Suze-Elisha
Principal DPT OCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Specialist In Orthopedics
Dr. Suze-Elisha Principal is the daughter of Haitian immigrants, born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Elmont, NY. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Resources from Stony Brook University before completing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the New York Institute of Technology.
After graduation, she lived in Maryland for eight years, working in outpatient rehabilitation, where she advanced to Clinic Director and led the growth and management of multiple clinics.
In April 2020, during the global pandemic, she founded Principal Physical Therapy® to create a patient-centered practice grounded in individualized care and clinical excellence. She now serves as owner and lead clinician, specializing in orthopedic and pelvic health rehabilitation, with a focus on adult and running athletes and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Experience: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedics, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Manual Therapy Instructor/Mentor to New Graduates, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist.
QUOTE
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11
Core Values
I’m guided by faith, growth, and purpose. I believe in honoring God by using my gifts to serve others, lead with integrity, and build meaningful impact through my work. Whether caring for patients, educating my community, or growing my businesses, I value connection, stewardship of my independence, and creating a legacy that reflects compassion, excellence, and intention.
Favorites
My favorite podcasts: The Secret to Success, The Game by Alex Hormozi.
My favorite books: The Bible, The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.
As the owner and lead clinician at Principal Physical Therapy®, I deliver personalized orthopedic and pelvic health rehabilitation. As a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, I specialize in working with adult and running athletes and in treating pelvic floor dysfunction, helping patients restore strength, confidence, and return to meaningful activity. I like treating distance runners, Achilles tendinopathy, neck/back pain, and total shoulder replacements
Patients often come in feeling unheard, rushed, or believing they simply have to live with pain or dysfunction. I’m passionate about changing that experience by delivering individualized care that restores strength, confidence, and agency over their bodies. My mission is to replace uncertainty with understanding and help patients realize that progress—and possibility—are always within reach.
Working for myself allows me to be responsive, creative, and intentional in how I serve others while continuously growing as both a clinician and business owner.
Outside of work, I enjoy time with family, traveling, singing in my church choir, and working out at the gym.
Ryan Shanahan
B
Dr. Principal is such a caring, intelligent and compassionate practitioner. Not only did she help me resume my normal activities; she did so with such kindness, curiosity and deep expertise. I’m so grateful to have found her and for her support, and will be back!