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.

🎃 Halloween vibes straight out of Pulp Fiction!Our DPT student Jakevious Rosser and the team at Memphis Physical Therapy...
11/04/2025

🎃 Halloween vibes straight out of Pulp Fiction!

Our DPT student Jakevious Rosser and the team at Memphis Physical Therapy brought serious movie magic to the clinic last week — trading scrubs for suits and channeling the iconic Pulp Fiction crew. 💼🕶️

Jakevious has been doing an incredible job throughout his clinical experience, providing excellent patient care while bringing positivity and professionalism to every interaction. We love seeing our students thrive in the clinic — and have a little fun along the way! 👏

🎃 What’s scarier than an Ortho II Exam on Halloween?Students dressing up like Dr. Cody Whitefoot! 👻From double flannels ...
11/03/2025

🎃 What’s scarier than an Ortho II Exam on Halloween?

Students dressing up like Dr. Cody Whitefoot! 👻
From double flannels and rolled-up pant legs to glasses perched on the head, our DPT students went all-in this year — capturing every bit of the “Cody Energy.”

We can’t decide what’s more terrifying: the accuracy of the outfits or how many nailed the look perfectly. Either way, it’s all in good fun — and a great reminder that even in the middle of Ortho II, our students know how to have a little PT-style Halloween fun. 💪

Happy Halloween from the UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy! 🎃

👋 Meet Dr. Chris Mike Agbelie!We’re excited to welcome Dr. Chris Mike Agbelie to the UTHSC Department of Physical Therap...
10/31/2025

👋 Meet Dr. Chris Mike Agbelie!

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Chris Mike Agbelie to the UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy!

Dr. Agbelie holds a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Before transitioning into academia, he worked as a physical therapist, and his scholarship now spans neuromuscular rehabilitation, behavioral health, and health services research.

What inspired you to become a physical therapist and educator?

“I was drawn to physical therapy and academia by the opportunity to meet the rehabilitation needs of varied communities; helping people function better in a world where medical advances are extending life expectancy.”

What’s one thing you’re most excited about at UTHSC?

“UTHSC’s direct and indirect impact on thriving communities is unmistakable; its footprint in advancing health through research, education, and service is both broad and deeply felt.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with students from your experience as a clinician and educator?

“Stay curious and collaborative. The best solutions in rehabilitation come from interdisciplinary thinking and a commitment to lifelong learning.”

When you’re not teaching or treating, what do you love to do for fun?

“I enjoy being outdoors, especially paddleboarding, kayaking or hanging out near water and playing soccer whenever I get the chance.” 🌊⚽

We’re so excited to have Dr. Agbelie bring his experience, energy, and enthusiasm to the UTHSC DPT team! 🧡

👋 Meet Dr. Joe Graves!We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Joe Graves to the UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy!Dr. Graves br...
10/29/2025

👋 Meet Dr. Joe Graves!

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Joe Graves to the UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy!

Dr. Graves brings a wealth of experience in geriatric physical therapy and a passion for helping patients live with strength, confidence, and independence. He has also spent the past four years teaching PTA students, and now joins UTHSC to continue shaping the next generation of clinicians.

What inspired you to become a physical therapist and educator?

“I was inspired to be a physical therapist having seen family members go through PT. The impact of physical therapy went beyond recovery from an injury and expanded my view of healthcare. When considering the field of physical therapy, I saw an opportunity to acquire a wealth of knowledge and skills that allow me to connect with the patient while delivering quality care.”

What’s one thing you’re most excited about at UTHSC?

“Having taught PTA students over the last four years, I am excited to teach DPT students at UTHSC. I am also excited to learn from my colleagues who are experts in various aspects of physical therapy.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with students from your experience as a clinician and educator?

“From my experience as a clinician and an educator, I would advise students to have an open mind and to be open to new opportunities. With an open mind, you are able to see people and see things from different perspectives and it makes you a well-rounded person. By being open to new opportunities, you are able to embrace new environments that challenge you to grow.”

When you’re not teaching or treating, what do you love to do for fun?

“I enjoy playing games such as Wordle or Sudoku. I also play basketball occasionally and enjoy schooling the youngsters on the court.” 🏀

We’re so excited to have Dr. Graves bring his experience, energy, and enthusiasm to the UTHSC DPT team! 🧡

Calling all PTs! 🩺Help interview prospective DPT students for UTHSC’s admissions process — your experience helps us sele...
10/27/2025

Calling all PTs! 🩺

Help interview prospective DPT students for UTHSC’s admissions process — your experience helps us select the next generation of physical therapists.

📅 Saturday, November 15th

Interested? Fill out the form in our story to sign up!
Your perspective makes a difference. 🧡

DPT3s on Clinical Experience III! 🦴Our third-year students are out across the country for their final clinical experienc...
10/13/2025

DPT3s on Clinical Experience III! 🦴

Our third-year students are out across the country for their final clinical experiences — putting years of hard work, study, and hands-on practice into motion!

From outpatient orthopedics to acute care and specialty settings, you’ve prepared for this moment. Trust your training, lean into the learning, and remember — you’ve got this! 💪

Don’t be nervous — you’re ready. We’re so proud of all that you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see the difference you’ll make in clinics and communities everywhere. 🧡

💥 Leading the Way in Bone Stress Injury Research | APTA TN Fall Meeting 2025 🦴We were thrilled to have Dr. Barry Dale an...
10/09/2025

💥 Leading the Way in Bone Stress Injury Research | APTA TN Fall Meeting 2025 🦴

We were thrilled to have Dr. Barry Dale and Perri Johnson Jr. from UTHSC present at the APTA Tennessee Fall Meeting 2025!

Their session on Tibial Bone Stress Injuries (BSIs) gave attendees an in-depth, evidence-based look at how to assess, diagnose, and manage this challenging condition among athletes and active individuals.

Dr. Barry Dale, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at UTHSC, and Perri Johnson Jr., a PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering, are advancing our understanding of overuse injuries through their impactful research and clinical insight.

We’re so proud to have such dedicated professionals leading the charge in improving patient care and advancing our profession! 👏

📣 Alumni & Friends GatheringWe had a wonderful evening of connection and celebration at the UTHSC Department of Physical...
10/04/2025

📣 Alumni & Friends Gathering

We had a wonderful evening of connection and celebration at the UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy Alumni & Friends Event last Friday at Owen Brennan’s in Memphis! 🎉

This event was the perfect chance to reconnect with classmates, meet fellow alumni, and strengthen our PT community.

🧡 Thank you to everyone who came out to make the night so meaningful — we loved seeing you!

🙌 This past weekend, our DPT students stepped up to serve by volunteering with the Memphis District of APTA TN at the So...
10/03/2025

🙌 This past weekend, our DPT students stepped up to serve by volunteering with the Memphis District of APTA TN at the Southern Heritage Classic Career Fair!

It was a great opportunity to connect with the community, share about the PT profession, and inspire future health care professionals. 🧡💚

Our UTHSC DPT students had a wonderful time at Latin Fest this past weekend at Overton Square!This annual celebration of...
10/01/2025

Our UTHSC DPT students had a wonderful time at Latin Fest this past weekend at Overton Square!

This annual celebration of Latin culture, music, dance, and food was the perfect backdrop for our students to connect with the community and share about Clinica Esperanza — a UTHSC-run clinic serving uninsured and underserved patients in Memphis.

We’re so proud of our students for representing our program, promoting health, and learning through service while embracing the joy of cultural celebration!

🧡🖤 Goodbye (for now), Class of 2026 🧡🖤Today we send off our incredible DPT Class of 2026 as they step out of the classro...
09/29/2025

🧡🖤 Goodbye (for now), Class of 2026 🧡🖤

Today we send off our incredible DPT Class of 2026 as they step out of the classroom and into clinics across the country. You’ve poured countless hours into your studies, supported each other through the challenges, and grown into compassionate, skilled future clinicians.

While this chapter in the classroom has closed, a new one begins — where your knowledge, character, and resilience will shine as you care for patients and continue to learn from real-world experience.

We’ll miss seeing your faces on campus every day, but we can’t wait to follow your journeys, cheer you on from afar, and welcome you back as the clinicians you’re becoming.

Go make us proud, Class of 2026. The best is yet to come. 💪✨

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