Dr. Kathleen Melia, PT, DPT, CMP

Kathleen is a doctor of physical therapy, Pilates instructor, and founder of MovePhysioFit. Her areas of expertise include: manual therapy, movement and biomechanical analysis, postural re-training, injury prevention, strength training, and Pilates. She has a special interest in working with women prenatal and postpartum, and those with movement disorders/Parkinson's disease.

As a clinician, her passion for helping others stems from personal experience as an injured dancer often in physical therapy. She gained an understanding of the impact of injury, and brings that to each patient interaction. Her approach is that of achieving quality movement patterns from a holistic view. She integrates the principles of Pilates into treatment to rehab from injury, develop functional strength, or achieve fitness/wellness goals. Whether a weekend warrior, new mom, competitive athlete, or performing artist, she strives to get patients back doing the things they love. Kathleen lives in Vienna, VA with her husband and two boys.

Education:

Doctorate of Physical Therapy, New York University
Bachelors of Arts degree in Dance, University of Alabama

Professional Licensure & Certifications:

Licensed Physical Therapist - states of Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia
Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP)
CPR certified with American Heart Association
Member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science
Former Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through NSCA

Techniques & Post Professional Development:

Balanced Body® Pilates Instructor Training
Rocktape Fascial Movement Taping (FMT)
Graston Technique®
Mulligan Concept®
Dry Needling Training
Myofascial Decompression Training
Maitland-Australian Approach
Running Analysis Training UCSF

Techniques

Mulligan Concept

Mobilization with Movement manual therapy techniques were discovered and developed by Brian Mulligan F.N.Z.S.P. (Hon), Dip. M.T.. This simple yet effective manual approach addresses musculoskeletal disorders with pain free manual joint “repositioning” techniques during movement for restoration of function and abolition of pain.

Learn more at https://www.bmulligan.com/

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use to treat pain and movement impairments. The physical therapist inserts a "dry" needle, one without medication or injection, into areas of the muscle. Dry needling is not acupuncture, it is from modern Western medicine and evidence-based research.

Myofascial Decompression (MFD)

MFD increases the efficiency of motion with negative pressure tools through fascial mobility and neuromuscular re-education.

Learn more at https://www.cuptherapy.com/

Graston/IASTM

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization