Our Team
Dr. Lauren Gass
Dr. Lauren Gass is the founder of Return 2 Play and loves being able to help the athletes of the Lake Norman/Charlotte area excel.
Dr. Gass completed a sports physical therapy residency with UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX where she had interactions with various sports, including the NHL Dallas Stars and a 6A high school varsity football team. Lauren graduated from East Carolina University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training at Emory & Henry College, where she competed as a DIII long-distance swimmer. In addition to her formal training, Lauren also achieved a strength and conditioning specialist certification.
You will often find Lauren exploring new places to run, bike, or swim outside of work. In addition, she loves to travel with her husband and son, whether to the beach to relax or the mountains to ski.
Runners with Hip or Knee Pain
Group Fitness or CrossFit Athletes with Low Back Pain
Swimmers with Shoulder Pain
High School/College Athletes Post-ACL Surgery
Tennis or Golf Players with Elbow Pain
Cyclists with Knee or Hip Pain
Postpartum Women Trying to Return to Running
Football Players with Neck Injuries
Gymnasts with Wrist, Elbow, or Shoulder Pain
Basketball Players with Ankle Sprains or Achilles Tendon Injuries
What I specialize in
Dr. Harpreet Singh
Dr. Harpreet Singh is a passionate physical therapist with over a decade of experience, specializing in postpartum care and pelvic floor dysfunctions, including incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and advanced certifications in pelvic health and Trigger Point Dry Needling, allowing her to provide comprehensive, specialized care.
As one of the few pelvic floor therapists in the Charlotte, NC area offering a full spectrum of treatments under one roof, Dr. Singh is committed to helping women regain strength, confidence, and well-being. Beyond treatment, she is an advocate for greater awareness and positive change in women’s health. Her dedication, expertise, and holistic approach make her a trusted resource in postpartum rehabilitation and orthopedic care.
What I specialize in
Pelvic Physical Therapy
Oncology Rehabilitation
Back and Neck Pain
Chronic Pain
Medical Therapy Yoga
Adult Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
Orthopedics
Peri and Post-partum Musculoskeletal Pain
Post-prostatectomy
Urinary Incontinence
Low Back, Sacroiliac, and Hip Pain
Orthopedic Surgery
Cervicogenic Pain/TMJ dysfunction
Headaches and Migraine
Dr. Jess Kaplowitz
Dr. Jess Kaplowitz is an orthopedic physical therapist who loves helping people reach their desired functional and athletic goals. She completed her Bachelor of Exercise science at The University of Scranton (yes, like The Office), where she also played division III field hockey. Jess then relocated to DeSales University to obtain her Doctorate of physical therapy. She met her now husband while in physical therapy school and they moved to the Charlotte area several years ago, after spending several travel physical therapy years in and around the southeast, falling in love with the Charlotte area.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and with their new pup Frankie, and staying active at your local HIIT gym or training for another half marathon.
What I specialize in
high school/collegiate field athletes
post op ACL or meniscus return to play
triathletes with low back or hip/knee pain
ankle sprains
crossfit or HIIT group fitness athletes
runners
intro to strengthening or lifting
total knee replacement
generalized strength and mobility conditioning
Dr. michael reyes
Dr Michael Reyes graduated with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Gannon University in Ruskin, FL. He received his bachelors of science in kinesiology from Oregon State University. Michael has experience working with athletes of all levels including collegiate and professional athletes. He has a passion for empowering individuals and helping them reach their goals!
In his free time Michael enjoys spending time with his fiancee and their dog Milo. He also enjoys working out, running, playing pickleball, and cooking.
Post op ACL reconstruction/meniscus repair
Acute/chronic knee pain
Runners
Combat sport athletes
Neck Pain
Shoulder injuries
Athletes returning to play
Low back pain
What I specialize in
Gretchen DiJohn, LMBT
Gretchen is a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist with certifications in Clinical Neuromuscular and Structural Bodywork. She graduated from NC Massage School and specializes in cupping therapy, sports massage, TMJ treatment, prenatal and infant massage. With a background in soccer, long-distance running, CrossFit, and kickboxing, Gretchen brings a deep understanding of athletic needs to her practice.
Passionate about the versatility of massage therapy in promoting stress relief and aiding in recovery, Gretchen believes massage is beneficial for everybody and every body type. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, staying active with workouts, and exploring the mountains.
What I specialize in
Prenatal
Body Maintenance
Low Back Pain
Sciatic Like Pain
Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
TMJ (jaw pain)
Headache/Migraine Relief
Shoulder Pain/Range of Motion
Half/Marathon Training Prep
Abdominal
Ian HEaton
Ian Heaton is a Licensed Massage and Bodywork therapist in North Carolina with a certification in Clinical Neuromuscular and Structural Bodywork. He attended NC Massage School in Cornelius, and he attended Elon University for his degree in kinesiology.
While in college, he fell in love with anatomy and physiology, and while in massage school, he fell in love with applied neuromuscular therapy. Because of that, he chose to specialize in neuromuscular therapy and sports massage with a main focus of pain management and injury rehabilitation. If you’re in pain or looking to improve performance, then he's your guy! He's here to help you get back to the activities you love, pain-free.
When he's not in session, he's either reading, listening to/playing music, or playing with his 5-year-old husky, Spatula. He's as goofy as his namesake!
Low Back Pain
Headaches
Neck Pain
Breath/Abdominal work
Joint Immobility
Injury/Workout Recovery
Tendon/Ligament Treatments
Body Maintenance
Bodybuilders
Athletes
What I specialize in
Hannah Baker
executive Assistant
Hannah is currently a senior at Converse University, pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Sports Management. She’s also studying American Sign Language and Social Entrepreneurship, proving that she’s not only multi-talented but also incredibly driven!
Outside of her impressive academic achievements, Hannah is a standout athlete on the Converse Acrobatics and Tumbling team. Originally from Concord, North Carolina, she brings 12 years of competitive gymnastics experience to the table. When she’s not busy with school or sports, you can find her enjoying beach days, rocking out at concerts, or cheering at sporting events with her loved ones.
With her diverse skills and vibrant energy, Hannah is ready to make a positive impact and provide top-notch support. Her goal is to enhance the overall patient experience, bringing a fresh and organized approach to our operations.