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Inside view of Proactive Motion Physical Therapy clinic with equipment and exercise space.

MEET OUR TEAM

Our therapists bring decades of combined experience, advanced orthopedic and pelvic health training, and a shared commitment to personalized, one-on-one care. We’re here to help you recover, rebuild, and stay in motion - through every stage of life.

Elisa Gillespie, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, COMT, LMBT

Meet Dr. Elisa Gillespie

Owner | Physical Therapist | Massage Therapist

Your body deserves care that’s as active and committed as you are. Since 2009, Dr. Gillespie has provided orthopedic physical therapy with advanced hands-on training to help you recover faster, move better, and stay moving - all in a personalized, one-on-one setting.

Education:

B.S. - Rehabilitation Science

DPT - Northeastern University (2009)

Board Certification:
OCS - Orthopedic Physical Therapy, 2014; renewed 2024

 

Advanced Certifications

CMTPT - Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist, Dry Needling

COMT - Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Maitland approach

Graston Technique Certified (Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization)

 

Additional Licensure:

LMBT - Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. Completed a 600-hour program, Therapeutic Massage Training Institute, Charlotte, NC (2017)

Headshot of Dr. Elisa Gillespie, physical therapist and owner of Proactive Motion Physical Therapy in Huntersville, NC.
Lauren Craig-1_(2) (1).jpg

Lauren Craig, PT, DPT, OCS

Meet Dr. Lauren Craig

Physical Therapist | Pelvic Floor Specialist

Dr. Lauren Craig, PT, DPT, OCS, is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist with over 16 years of experience and a specialized focus in pelvic health.

 

Her passion for this work began with her own experiences during pregnancy and postpartum, when she recognized a critical gap in support and care for women navigating pelvic health challenges.

 

Since then, she has been deeply committed to helping patients manage a wide range of pelvic conditions—including urinary and bowel dysfunction, diastasis recti, pelvic pain, postpartum and postsurgical recovery, and menopausal changes—with empathy and expertise.

 

Dr. Craig is known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach, empowering women to reclaim confidence and wellness through every stage of life.

Your Partner in Proactive Care

Dr. Gillespie believes the best time to take care of your body is now - not after pain sidelines you.  Since 2009, she has been helping active people recover from injuries, manage stubborn pain, and prevent setbacks before they happen.

Her approach blends the precision of advanced certifications with the perspective that every patient is unique. Every session is hands-on, fully focused on you, and tailored to where you are and where you want to be.

Why Patients Choose Proactive Motion

Patients often come to Dr. Gillespie looking for more than just a list of exercises. They want a therapist who listens, understands their goals, and partners with them from start to finish.

 

Conveniently located in Lake Norman near Birkdale Village in Huntersville, Proactive Motion makes it easy to access the care you need close to home.

 

Plus, you’ll always work directly with Dr. Gillespie — never an aide or assistant — so your plan stays consistent and your progress stays on track.

SEE WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING

Don’t take our word for it - check out our Google Reviews to hear from people we’ve helped move better, recover faster, and stay active.

Chelsea Demarest

2026-01-14

After years of neck pain I was skeptical to try doing physical therapy yet again. However, working with Dr. Elisa has been life changing. Her dry needling and at home exercises have dramatically improved my quality of life. I no longer have constant neck pain and can get through my day without having to take ibuprofen to get by. Needless to say, I would strongly recommend Dr. Elisa!

Matthew Lyons

2026-01-13

I highly recommend Proactive Motion Physical Therapy! I’ve been seeing Dr. Elisa for shoulder pain, and the results have been incredible. She is exceptionally thorough, starting with a customized consultation to build a plan that fits my lifestyle. ​Dr. Elisa's approach is comprehensive—combining targeted dry needling with a specific exercise program. Since starting treatment, my mobility has significantly improved and my pain has decreased tremendously. If you want a therapist who truly listens and uses a variety of effective techniques to get you back to 100%, go see Proactive Motion Physical Therapy.

scott barfield

2026-01-12

Dr. Gillespie exhibits a level of professionalism that is truly commendable. She takes the time to thoroughly understand each patient’s concerns, she created a tailored treatment plan specialized for me. Her extensive knowledge in Orthopedic health and dry needling is evident, and I appreciated how she explained the process and its benefits clearly, I have always felt very comfortable throughout the last couple of years under her care. What sets her apart is her genuine dedication to patient well-being. She is attentive, empathetic, and provides a supportive environment where I felt at ease to ask questions. It's clear she genuinely cares about her patients' outcomes. Thank you Dr. Gillespie!!

Brianna Griswold

2026-01-10

I’ve worked with Elisa for the past two and a half years. She is personable, kind, knowledgeable, thorough and thoughtful. Dry needling, cupping, and targeted exercises help keep my body mobile and flexible. Elisa makes it easy for me to enjoy my active hobbies and progress in them.

Kim Brooks

2026-01-03

Elisa was highly recommended by a friend. I am so glad I went to see her for my chronic neck pain/tight traps. She is very knowledgeable and treated me with dry needling, massage, stretches and preventative exercises. I can't believe the improvement in my range of motion and pain. She also has flexible scheduling. If you are looking for a physical therapist, I highly recommend Elisa!

jaclyn gnatovich

2025-12-22

Would give 20/10 if possible! Im a dental hygienist that has had neck issues for years, tried everything out there, nothing was helping my pain until my chiro suggested I start seeing Elisa for dry needling! My neck pain SO much better, even after the first session- it was truly life changing. Elisa is very talented, kind and funny! And so knowledgeable! I love how she caters exercises to what I need specifically to get results and always makes me feel comfortable- additionally i appreciate the facility has adequate parking and always very clean!

Steve Runkel

2025-12-19

Elisa has been fantastic. I've been struggling with tennis elbow for well over a year now. She introduced me to dry needling and has designed an exercise program to help me finally get past this. She is terrific at explaining the underlying problems and how the process will help address my elbow issues.

Don’t wait for pain to slow you down. With advanced training, hands-on care, and a focus on your goals, Dr. Gillespie is here to help you recover faster and stay active for the long term right here in Lake Norman.

READY TO WORK WITH AN EXPERT WHO GETS IT?

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