EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS:
Doctor of Physical Therapy, 2010, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Institute of Health Professions (Boston, MA) 
Doctor of Education, 2024, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Master of Education in Secondary Education, 2006, University of Florida

Owner/Founder of Embody Orthopedic & Sports PT, 2015
Certification in Dry Needling (Cert. DN)-Spinal Manipulation Institute, American Academy of Manipulative Therapy, 2014

Certification in Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT)-Spinal Manipulation Institute, American Academy of Manipulative Therapy, 2018

Titleist Performance Institute Medical 2 Certified, 2019

Graston Certified Practitioner, 2020
Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner, 2014

Registered Yoga Teacher-RYT 200

Active Member, APTA, 2008

ABOUT MELISSA:
Dr. Melissa M. Powers, a graduate of the University of Florida and Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, is passionate about helping patients live pain-free. In the final year of her doctorate, Melissa completed a year-long internship in manual therapy, receiving specialized training and mentorship in joint mobilization/manipulative treatment techniques for the spine and extremities. Since then, Melissa has specialized in orthopedic manual therapy, studying dry needling, spinal manipulation, myofascial release techniques, cupping, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

With over 16 years of experience, Melissa remains fascinated by the complexity of the musculoskeletal system and the challenge of treating a wide range of orthopedic conditions. She believes her approach to therapy is unique in today's healthcare environment, as she works closely with patients, evaluating each injury in relation to the entire body and the whole person. Melissa finds great joy in achieving superior results with patients dealing with pain or movement dysfunction who perhaps have been unsuccessful in other PT clinics. 

Outside her physical therapy practice, Melissa is an avid marathon runner, cyclist, and yogini. She also loves hiking with her husband, two children, and hounds!