Robert Gillanders, PT, DPT, OCS

Physical Therapist

The decision to pursue physical therapy as a career seemed to be a natural decision for Robert, given both his upbringing by parents who were actively involved in healthcare and his formative years spent primarily in swimming pools, on soccer fields, or falling off bikes. Robert believes the role of the physical therapist is part teacher, part caregiver, part expert, and maybe even part stand-up comedian. For him, the act of helping people with a big smile on his face does not grow old. Robert has learned to view himself as a mechanic for the body. Good physical therapy is about keeping things simple—finding out why the machine is breaking down, and then teaching the client how to take an active role in fixing the problem.

Physical therapy is a partnership in that way. Most times, the body is challenged by a variety of issues that collectively lead to breakdown. This is why Robert takes the time to thoroughly evaluate his clients and map out a plan of care that addresses each of these issues.

He believes a hands-on approach to physical therapy is essential. To this end, he has continued to pursue manual specializations through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy. At NAIOMT, Robert has been taught by international master clinicians the manual techniques needed to stretch joints, mobilize tissues, and re-educate muscles and movement patterns. He also believes that physical therapy entails more than just what happens inside the clinic, which led Robert to become an ergonomics specialist.

Robert received his Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Saint Augustine and Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Marymount University. He is a Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS), Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS), Active Release Treatment Techniques (ART) therapist, and Running Medicine specialist.

Robert is a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. He has presented educational ergonomic seminars for organizations that include the National Institutes of Health and Georgetown University. He is a frequent guest speaker at sports medicine conferences and athletic event expos, and he is a consultant for local running and triathlon clubs and teams.

Outside the clinic, Robert enjoys spending time with his family and friends and competing in endurance events. His accomplishments include more than 25 marathons/ultra-marathons, four Boston Marathons, the Grindstone 100-mile trail run, a 100-mile mountain bike race, and the Savage Man Triathlon.