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.

🎓 Dr. Barry DaleBoard Certified in Orthopaedics & SportsWe’re proud to spotlight Dr. Barry Dale, an Orthopaedic Clinical...
02/25/2026

🎓 Dr. Barry Dale

Board Certified in Orthopaedics & Sports

We’re proud to spotlight Dr. Barry Dale, an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), who also serves as Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy.

Dr. Dale’s clinical and research interests in overuse injuries strengthen our program’s emphasis on movement analysis, injury prevention, and performance optimization. His leadership reflects a commitment to advancing both patient care and physical therapy education. 🦴

📐 Physical Evaluation Procedures II LabLast week in lab, our DPT1 students were getting hands-on with lower extremity go...
02/24/2026

📐 Physical Evaluation Procedures II Lab

Last week in lab, our DPT1 students were getting hands-on with lower extremity goniometric measurement, because precision matters! From hip flexion to ankle dorsiflexion, they practiced lining up landmarks, reading angles, and refining technique one degree at a time.

Measuring range of motion might look simple, but accuracy takes focus (and maybe a few “hold still!” reminders 😄).

Great work to our DPT1s as they continue building the foundational skills that turn assessment into confident clinical decision-making. 🦵

🎓 Dr. Kim CarterNeurologic Clinical SpecialistWe’re proud to highlight Dr. Kim Carter, a Neurologic Clinical Specialist ...
02/23/2026

🎓 Dr. Kim Carter

Neurologic Clinical Specialist

We’re proud to highlight Dr. Kim Carter, a Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) who leads our neurologic coursework at UTHSC. Her expertise in neurologic rehabilitation brings depth, precision, and real-world application to the classroom.

Through her leadership, students gain a strong foundation in managing complex neurologic conditions with confidence and evidence-based reasoning. 🧠

Last, but certainly not least, we’re proud to recognize Dr. Joe Graves, a Geriatric Clinical Specialist whose interests ...
02/20/2026

Last, but certainly not least, we’re proud to recognize Dr. Joe Graves, a Geriatric Clinical Specialist whose interests extend into research exploring the intersection of spirituality and health.

His thoughtful approach to aging, advocacy, and whole-person care models for our students the importance of addressing both physical and human dimensions of rehabilitation. 🧡

Today we’re excited to highlight another Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Dr. Kyle Huffman, whose work integrates geriatri...
02/18/2026

Today we’re excited to highlight another Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Dr. Kyle Huffman, whose work integrates geriatric care with a strong emphasis on pain neuroscience education.

His commitment to helping students understand pain through a biopsychosocial lens strengthens their ability to treat aging populations with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based reasoning. 🧠

White Coat Ceremony: DPT c/o 2028 On May 2nd, we’ll celebrate one of the most meaningful milestones in our students’ jou...
02/17/2026

White Coat Ceremony: DPT c/o 2028

On May 2nd, we’ll celebrate one of the most meaningful milestones in our students’ journey, the White Coat Ceremony for the DPT Class of 2028.

This ceremony marks their commitment to professionalism, compassion, and service as future physical therapists. It’s a moment of pride not only for our students, but for their families, faculty, and the communities they will one day serve.

If you’d like to support this special event and help us make the day meaningful for the Class of 2028, you can give here:
🔗 https://give.uthsc.edu/campaigns/44134/donations/new?a=10639592&value=100&designation_id=physi_w

Thank you for investing in the next generation of UTHSC Physical Therapy. 🧡

At UTHSC Physical Therapy, we’re proud to highlight faculty who have achieved board certification through the American B...
02/16/2026

At UTHSC Physical Therapy, we’re proud to highlight faculty who have achieved board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Over the coming weeks, we’ll spotlight our Clinical Specialists and the advanced expertise they bring to our students and the communities they serve.

This week, we’re featuring our Geriatric Clinical Specialists, beginning with Dr. Carlos Clardy, whose leadership and experience continue to shape excellence in the care of older adults.

We’re proud to spotlight Dr. Carlos Clardy, a Geriatric Clinical Specialist whose background in acute care brings depth and realism to our program. Through his teaching and work with the CHIPS simulation center, he helps students bridge classroom knowledge with the complex demands of hospital-based practice.

Dr. Clardy’s clinical insight and mentorship prepare our students to care for older adults with confidence in high-acuity settings. 🏥

📣 Partner Highlight: Peak Potential PT & Wellness Hosting Modern Manual Therapy Course!We’re excited to spotlight one of...
02/10/2026

📣 Partner Highlight: Peak Potential PT & Wellness Hosting Modern Manual Therapy Course!

We’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible clinical partners, Peak Potential PT & Wellness, who will be hosting Dr. Erson Religioso III for a two-day continuing education course this spring.

Dr. E will be teaching Modern Manual Therapy’s update to Spinal Manipulation, offering 16 CEUs in most states and bringing evidence-informed, practical techniques straight to clinicians looking to elevate their practice.

📍 Location: Peak Potential PT & Wellness — 930 W Polar St, Suite 5, Collierville, TN
📅 Dates: March 21–22, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM both days
🎓 Student discount available

If you're looking to sharpen your spinal manipulation skills or update your manual therapy approach, this is a fantastic learning opportunity right in our Memphis community.

Thank you to Peak Potential for supporting high-quality education and for your ongoing partnership with UTHSC Physical Therapy!

🎓 Board Certification Spotlight Series 🎓At UTHSC Physical Therapy, clinical excellence doesn’t stop at licensure. Many o...
02/09/2026

🎓 Board Certification Spotlight Series 🎓

At UTHSC Physical Therapy, clinical excellence doesn’t stop at licensure. Many of our faculty have pursued board certification, demonstrating advanced expertise, commitment to lifelong learning, and leadership within the profession.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting faculty members who have attained board certification—sharing their specialties and what this achievement means for patient care, education, and professional growth.

For those preparing to take the next step, 2026 Initial Board Certification Exam Dates are scheduled for February 25 – March 18, with exam day guidance available through the specialty boards.

Whether you’re considering board certification now or in the future, we’re proud to celebrate the faculty who model excellence and mentorship for the next generation of physical therapists.

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! 💪

Address

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram