Dr. Chris Thurston
PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, FAAOMPT
Senior Physical Therapist
Dr. Chris Thurston is a sports physical therapist dedicated to helping athletes and active individuals move better, recover faster, and perform at their highest level. His approach blends manual therapy, movement science, and performance-based training to ensure patients not only return to activity but come back stronger.
Chris is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), reflecting advanced clinical expertise in orthopedic care.
He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of South Florida and his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Florida. Throughout his career, Chris has worked with athletes across all levels, from youth sports to professionals, providing individualized, performance-driven care.
Chris has a strong passion for mentorship and education. He has served as a mentor in both sports and orthopedic residency programs and is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. In recognition of his commitment to teaching, he was awarded the Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award by the Florida Consortium of Clinical Education (FCCE) in 2024.
He has completed advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation through Emory University and APTA, as well as concussion management through Complete Concussion Management, Inc. His academic contributions include a poster presentation at a national AAOMPT conference titled, “The Manubrial Test: A Novel Assessment for Regional Interdependence in Adolescent Overhead Athletes: A Case Series.”
Outside the clinic, Chris is a proud Gator fan who enjoys exploring new food spots, discovering live music, and spending time with family and friends.
Certifications
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics (OCS)
- Certified Orthopedic Manipulative Therapist (COMT)
- Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual
- Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
- Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 Certified Golf
- Fitness Instructor
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- NeuFit Level 1 Certified