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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.

Hope Andersen

2026-03-17

I have had absolutely positive experiences with Dr. Elisa who is, in my mind, nothing short of a miracle worker. She identified the problems in my shoulder and foot which have made me immobile and worked with me in short time, through dry needling, cupping, massage and other tools, to get me back on my feet and back in the pool. She is so knowledgeable and thorough as well as being clued in to how I am responding to treatments. I totally recommend her.

Jacinta Munster

2026-03-07

When I say I was stuck in a horrible pain flare, I’m not exaggerating. I spent months dealing with relentless facial, TMJ, and neck pain and truly felt at the end of my rope. My dental office mentioned Dr. Elisa, and I decided to give her a try. I’ve had dry needling many times before, but her work is on an entirely different level. The precision, the depth of knowledge, and the confidence in her technique are unlike anything I’ve experienced. She treats areas others simply don’t, and it makes a real difference. For TMJ especially, her care has been life-changing. I finally feel relief, hope, and a path forward after a very long stretch of pain. I’m incredibly grateful and will absolutely remain a patient. If you’re struggling with TMJ or facial pain, she is someone you want on your care team. I cannot praise her enough. And the entire team! Brittany is also amazing. They are just a warm and inviting. Thank you guys. You helped more than you can imagine!

Dana Malone

2026-02-27

I have been going to visit Elisa Gillespie since around 2015. I was sent to her when I fell down the stairs after my knee gave out. I was unable to straighten my leg due to athletic injury in my teen years. She introduced me to dry needling, which alleviated my pain more than anything else I had ever taken orally, or had tried physically. I was not even 40 and was told by doctors there was nothing they could do. I received a knee replacement at 43 and had a long recovery process due to one leg was shorter than the other for most of my life- the hip pain was unbearable most of the time. Not only did Elise's work help alleviate the pain, but she also gave me sound advice to eliminate future issues and never once judged me for not following Dr. directions. I am now 52 and I am able to walk long distances, Hike, and stretch without severe pain. THANK YOU Elisa for allowing me to spend time with my family instead of in my bed wishing I was more active. MAKE AN APPT TODAY if you suffer from chronic pain. you will NOT regret it. Dana Malone

Christina Kessler

2026-02-26

I highly recommend Elisa. She is very knowledgeable and great at what she does!

Sarah Crewdson

2026-02-17

Lauren is the best! I am having my third baby this year and was having terrible pain with simple activities like walking and getting dressed. This pain started around 20 weeks of my pregnancy. At 26 weeks I couldn’t take it anymore and went to Lauren for pelvic floor physical therapy. I could l not recommend her more! I have almost no pain now and I’ve only seen her twice. Because of her I can enjoy this time being pregnant and not be in constant pain.

Michelle Kennerly

2026-02-06

I’ve been seeing Elisa over a span of 7 years, and she always delivers the best care and treatment. Her skills in needling are unmatched! Her personable visits are warm and inviting. I highly recommend this clinic for your self care needs.

Mandy Self-Sparrow

2026-02-06

Elisa is an excellent physical therapist. She is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and takes the time to truly evaluate what’s going on instead of rushing through an appointment. After just a few sessions, I noticed significant improvement. She used a combination of manual therapy, tool-assisted soft tissue work, dry needling, and specific corrective exercises tailored to what I needed. I’ll be honest — dry needling is not the best feeling in the world ;-) — but it was absolutely effective and worth it! If you’re looking for a PT who has multiple tools in their toolbox and truly understands the body, I highly recommend Elisa.

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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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