Still Hurting After Trying Everything?
You've rested, stretched, and pushed through the pain — but it keeps coming back. You deserve more than a quick fix and a generic exercise sheet.
Pain That Keeps Coming Back
Frustrated by Care That Feels Generic
Your Favorite Activities on Hold
You've rested, stretched, and pushed through discomfort, but relief never seems to last. Recurring flare-ups interrupt your routine and leave you wondering what will actually help.
Rushed appointments and the same exercise sheet leave you with unanswered questions. Without a plan that reflects your symptoms and goals, you're left guessing how to move forward.
Skipping workouts, cutting runs short, or struggling through daily tasks takes a toll. Pain keeps getting in the way of the activities you enjoy and the progress you've worked hard to make.
Why Huntersville Chooses Proactive Motion PT
At Proactive Motion Physical Therapy, we treat the whole picture — not just the symptom. Dr. Elisa Gillespie brings 16+ years of orthopedic expertise, advanced dry needling certification (CMTPT), and a full toolkit of hands-on techniques so you get real, lasting results from day one.
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One-on-one time with a Doctor of PT every single visit — never an aide or assistant
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No referral required — North Carolina direct access means you start care right away
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A holistic approach: dry needling, manual therapy, Graston, cupping, and personalized exercise — all under one roof

"Dry needling may have been what brought me in, but along the way she's used everything from manual therapy and joint mobilization to cupping, scraping, KT tape, exercises, and movement education. Today I often forget I even have TMJ."
— Kelly C.
Your Path to Pain-Free Starts Here
You've rested, stretched, and pushed through the pain — but it keeps coming back. You deserve more than a quick fix and a generic exercise sheet.
Step 1 — Tell Us What's Going On
We start with a thorough one-on-one evaluation to understand your pain, your history, and your goals. No rushed intake. No assumptions.
Step 2 — Get a Plan Built for You
Your therapist designs a hands-on treatment plan — which may include dry needling, manual therapy, cupping, or therapeutic exercise — tailored specifically to your body and what you want to achieve.
Step 3 — Get Back to What You Love
With consistent, focused care and a clear home program, you'll rebuild strength, restore mobility, and return to running, lifting, or daily life with confidence.
Conditions We Treat with Dry Needling & PT
From stubborn back pain and sports injuries to headaches, TMJ, and pelvic health challenges, our team treats the full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. If you've been searching for dry needling near me or specialized physical therapy in Huntersville, NC, you've found the right place.
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Spine & neck pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, and TMJ dysfunction
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Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and foot injuries — including rotator cuff tears, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and ACL recovery
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Pelvic health conditions including incontinence, diastasis recti, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery

Real Results from Huntersville Patients
5.0 stars across 105 Google reviews
"I had never had dry needling before and she made me feel extremely comfortable and relaxed. She has significantly helped my symptoms over a very short period of time. Highly recommend!"
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Emily Rothermel
"I was very nervous about dry needling, but she was so thorough in explaining how it worked that it wasn't scary. She also gave me exercises to do at home. My neck is greatly improved."
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Jean Aswell
"I came to see Elisa for migraine relief and I couldn't be happier with the results. After my first treatment, I could tell a major difference in my pain level. Highly recommend!"
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Bryce Abernethy
Meet the Doctors of Physical Therapy Behind Your Results
Expert care. Real credentials. Always one-on-one.

PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, COMT, LMBT
Dr. Elisa Gillespie
Owner & Physical Therapist. Dr. Gillespie brings 16+ years of orthopedic PT expertise with advanced certifications in dry needling (CMTPT), Maitland manual therapy (COMT), Graston Technique, and massage therapy (LMBT). Her one-on-one approach blends precision and personalization to treat neck and back pain, headaches, TMJ, sports injuries, and more.
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PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Lauren Craig
Physical Therapist & Pelvic Floor Specialist. Dr. Craig is a board-certified orthopedic PT with over 16 years of experience and a deep specialization in pelvic health. She supports women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, diastasis recti, incontinence, pelvic pain, and menopausal changes — with compassion, expertise, and a patient-first approach.
Visit Us in Huntersville, NC
Conveniently located near Birkdale Village and Northcross Shopping Center — just minutes from I-77 off Northcross Drive.
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15905 Brookway Drive, Suite 4206 (2nd floor), Huntersville, NC 28078 | (704) 794-8012 | frontdesk@proactivemotionpt.com | Mon–Tue: 7 AM–7:30 PM | Wed: 9 AM–2:30 PM | Thu: 7 AM–7 PM | Fri: 8 AM–3:30 PM | Sat–Sun: Closed | Free parking available. Elevator access to 2nd floor.
Your Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know before your first visit to Proactive Motion PT.
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Do I need a referral to start physical therapy or dry needling?
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No referral needed. North Carolina's direct access law means you can schedule directly with us and begin care right away — no waiting on a physician order.
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What is dry needling and is it the same as acupuncture?
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Dry needling is a physical therapy technique that targets trigger points — tight, irritable knots in muscle tissue — using a thin filiform needle to release tension, reduce pain, and restore normal movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and neuromuscular science. Dr. Gillespie holds advanced certification (CMTPT) in this technique.
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What should I expect at my first appointment?
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Your first visit is a thorough one-on-one evaluation with your Doctor of PT — not an aide or assistant. We'll review your history, assess your movement, discuss your goals, and often begin hands-on treatment in that same session. Most patients leave their first appointment with a clear plan and real hope.
