UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy

UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy The Department of Physical Therapy is a part of the College of Health Professions at the University o

PHYSICAL THERAPY
The Profession

Physical therapy is a unique and vital health profession concerned with health promotion, prevention of physical disabilities and the habilitation/rehabilitation of persons disabled by pain, disease, or injury. Physical therapy is defined as the examination, evaluation, intervention, and prevention of physical disability, movement dysfunction and pain resulting from injury, disease, disability, or other health related conditions. Physical therapy includes: (1) the performance and interpretation of tests and measurements to assess pathophysiological, pathomechanical, electrophysiological, ergonomic, and developmental deficits of bodily systems to determine diagnosis, intervention, prognosis, and prevention; (2) the planning, administration, and modification of therapeutic interventions that focus on posture, locomotion, strength, endurance, cardiopulmonary function, balance, coordination, joint mobility, flexibility, pain, healing and repair, and functional abilities in daily living skills, including work; and (3) the provision of consultative, educational, research, and other advisory services.

We’re proud to share that our own Dr. Joe Graves is now serving as a Co-State Advocate for APTA Geriatrics in the state ...
02/03/2026

We’re proud to share that our own Dr. Joe Graves is now serving as a Co-State Advocate for APTA Geriatrics in the state of Tennessee, helping advance care and advocacy for older adults at both the state and national levels.

In this role, Dr. Graves promotes geriatric-focused issues, courses, meetings, and Geriatric Special Interest Groups (SIGs), while serving as a liaison between APTA Geriatrics and the Tennessee chapter. His work strengthens the voice of physical therapy in supporting the unique needs of aging populations.

We’re grateful for Dr. Graves’ leadership, service, and continued commitment to geriatric physical therapy and advocacy!

🎉 Celebrating Our UTHSC Physical Therapy National Ambassadors! 🎉We’re proud to recognize the following physical therapy ...
01/30/2026

🎉 Celebrating Our UTHSC Physical Therapy National Ambassadors! 🎉

We’re proud to recognize the following physical therapy students who have been selected for the National Ambassadors Program — a highly competitive honor recognizing leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to advancing the profession:

Jaelon Banks, Isabelle Bumpus, Grace Byrd, Alyssa Carter, Zareia Ector, Merna Gerges, Ashleigh Harris, Rashelle Harris, Madison Kelley, Julia Kirkland, Koby Mitchell, Lauren Mitchell, Dannah Newsom, Haley Stewart, Briana Tipton, Sean Tuohy, Jasmine Watts, Jillian Wiggins, and Jayson Williams-McCoy.

As National Ambassadors, these students will represent both the physical therapy profession and UTHSC, serving as leaders and advocates within and beyond our campus community. Their selection reflects academic excellence, leadership potential, and dedication to service.

📸 Not all DPT2 students are pictured, as several are currently out on clinical experience.

We couldn’t be prouder of this group — congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

Last week in lab, our DPT1 students practiced manual muscle testing, continuing to build the hands-on skills that form t...
01/28/2026

Last week in lab, our DPT1 students practiced manual muscle testing, continuing to build the hands-on skills that form the foundation of physical therapy practice.

From proper positioning to grading strength accurately, these early lab experiences help students connect anatomy and clinical reasoning—one muscle at a time.

Great work by our DPT1s as they continue developing confidence and precision in the lab! 💪

❄️ Hello Winter ❄️Due to winter weather, campus is closed today. We hope everyone is staying safe, warm, and taking this...
01/26/2026

❄️ Hello Winter ❄️

Due to winter weather, campus is closed today. We hope everyone is staying safe, warm, and taking this unexpected pause as a chance to rest and recharge. Whether you’re bundled up at home or enjoying the quiet of a winter day, take care of yourselves and each other.

Stay safe, UTHSC PT family! 🧡

Last week, the APTA TN Memphis District gathered at the Church Health Center Community Room for an engaging presentation...
01/20/2026

Last week, the APTA TN Memphis District gathered at the Church Health Center Community Room for an engaging presentation hosted by Therapy Director Kevin Gibson.

The session, “Smart Grouping for Smarter Collaboration Using a Multi-Faceted Assessment Approach in Physical Therapy Education,” sparked thoughtful discussion around collaboration, assessment, and innovative approaches to PT education.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a great evening of learning and professional connection within our PT community.

Last week, our DPT1 students began Gross Anatomy, a defining and deeply meaningful moment in their journey to becoming p...
01/16/2026

Last week, our DPT1 students began Gross Anatomy, a defining and deeply meaningful moment in their journey to becoming physical therapists.

Led from the PT perspective by Dr. Rick Kasser, this course is more than an introduction to structure and function, it’s an opportunity to learn through the incredible gift of body donation. Each donor represents a life lived, a story carried, and a final act of generosity that allows our students to learn with depth, humility, and purpose.

As students enter the lab, they do so with gratitude and respect, recognizing that the knowledge gained here will shape how they care for patients for the rest of their careers. We are profoundly thankful to the donors and their families, whose selfless contributions make this education possible.

This is where learning becomes responsibility, and where professionalism begins.

Last week, our DPT3 students officially kicked off their 4th clinical experience, and we couldn’t be prouder of how they...
01/14/2026

Last week, our DPT3 students officially kicked off their 4th clinical experience, and we couldn’t be prouder of how they’re stepping into this next phase of their training.

As they move back into the clinic, we’re excited to see them apply everything they’ve learned in the courses here at UTHSC, from clinical reasoning to hands-on skills, while continuing to grow in confidence and professionalism. They’ve been doing great work, and we can’t wait to hear about the experiences, challenges, and wins they’re encountering along the way.

Keep learning, keep asking questions, and keep doing what you do best, we’re cheering you on every step of the way. 💪

⭐ Also, special shoutout to Faith Kiphut and Amy Braese for continuing to do an incredible job of placing our students in their clinical experiences!

In Physical Evaluation Procedures II, our DPT1 students are building foundational examination skills, starting with a pr...
01/12/2026

In Physical Evaluation Procedures II, our DPT1 students are building foundational examination skills, starting with a primer in carpal palpation.

Learning to identify and palpate the intricate structures of the wrist takes focus, repetition, and a strong understanding of anatomy. These early hands-on experiences help students connect what they learn in the classroom to what they’ll soon apply in the clinic.

Strong foundations start here, and our DPT1s are off to a great start. 🖐️

❄️ Sledding Into the New Year Like… ❄️The UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy is gliding into 2026 with gratitude, exci...
01/01/2026

❄️ Sledding Into the New Year Like… ❄️

The UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy is gliding into 2026 with gratitude, excitement, and momentum! To our students, alumni, faculty, and clinical partners—thank you for an incredible year of learning, service, and growth.

Here’s to new opportunities, new challenges, and new achievements as we continue moving forward together.

Happy New Year from your UTHSC PT family! 🎉🛷💙

🎓 Advancing Teaching Excellence at UTHSCOur faculty continue to invest in growth, innovation, and excellence in teaching...
12/20/2025

🎓 Advancing Teaching Excellence at UTHSC

Our faculty continue to invest in growth, innovation, and excellence in teaching, strengthening the learning experience for our students across the program. Here’s a snapshot of recent accomplishments:

🏅 8 TLC Medallions completed: Recognizing sustained engagement in teaching and learning development
📘 7 faculty members participating in the Teaching Excellence Institute: Deepening skills in pedagogy and course design
📚 LaToya Green attending the SoTL Retreat: Advancing scholarship in teaching and learning
🎥 Five Minute University videos created by 3 faculty members: Sharing teaching insights through concise, impactful media

We’re proud of our faculty’s dedication to continuous improvement and their commitment to shaping exceptional learning environments for future physical therapists. 🧡

✨ Happy Holidays from the UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy! ✨As the semester winds down and the year comes to a clos...
12/19/2025

✨ Happy Holidays from the UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy! ✨

As the semester winds down and the year comes to a close, our faculty want to send a heartfelt Happy Holidays to all of our students, alumni, clinical partners, and friends of the program.

Thank you for the hard work, resilience, and dedication you’ve shown throughout the year—from the classroom to the clinic to the communities we serve. We’re grateful for each of you and proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.

Wishing you a season filled with rest, joy, connection, and well-deserved celebration. ❄️💙

From our UTHSC PT family to yours: Happy Holidays!

Rehab Etc Ready!DPT3 student Anna Hicks finished a strong clinical experience at Rehab Etc with mentorship from Jim Hamb...
12/14/2025

Rehab Etc Ready!

DPT3 student Anna Hicks finished a strong clinical experience at Rehab Etc with mentorship from Jim Hambrick, growing her confidence in outpatient care. 🏋️‍♀️

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930 Madison Avenue , 6th Floor
Memphis, TN
38103

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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