Expert Knee Pain Physical Therapy in Huntersville, NC
Struggling with knee pain that won't quit? At Proactive Motion Physical Therapy, Our Doctors of Physical Therapy delivers hands-on, one-on-one manual therapy and orthopedic care designed to get you back to the activities you love — faster. No referral required. No aides. Just expert, personalized treatment from a clinician with 16+ years of experience serving the Huntersville and Lake Norman community.

Knee Pain Is Holding You Back — And It Doesn't Have To
Too many active people in Huntersville settle for vague diagnoses, rushed appointments, and cookie-cutter treatment plans that never get to the root of the problem.
You're Being Rushed
Fifteen-minute appointments with an aide instead of your therapist leave you guessing — and your knee still hurting. You deserve a clinician who actually listens and evaluates what's really going on.
The Pain Keeps Coming Back
You've tried rest, ice, and generic exercises. Maybe even another clinic. But without identifying the root cause, the pain returns — and your favorite activities stay on hold indefinitely.
You Don't Know What to Do Next
Between conflicting advice and a long wait for a specialist referral, it's hard to know who to trust or where to start. There's a better, more direct path to recovery right here in Huntersville.
Why Huntersville Chooses Proactive Motion for Knee Pain
Proactive Motion Physical Therapy was built for people who want real answers and lasting results. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy combines advanced manual therapy, dry needling, and Graston Technique with a fully personalized treatment plan — all delivered one-on-one, every session. Looking for knee pain physical therapy near me? You've found it.
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One-on-one care with Our Doctors of Physical Therapy every visit — no aides, no hand-offs, no surprises
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16+ years of orthopedic physical therapy experience with advanced certifications in manual therapy, dry needling, and Graston Technique
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Direct access in North Carolina — no referral required, so you can start sooner and recover faster

Your Path to Recovery: Simple, Personalized, Effective
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Schedule Your First Visit
Call us or book online—no referral required. We offer flexible hours and convenient scheduling to fit your life.
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Get Your Personalized Plan
Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment, listen to your goals, and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.
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Recover and Stay Moving
Through hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted exercises, we'll help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to what matters most.
Knee Pain & Lower Extremity Conditions We Treat
Our knee pain physical therapy in Huntersville addresses a full spectrum of lower extremity conditions — from acute injuries to chronic, nagging pain that limits your daily life. Using a combination of manual therapy, dry needling, soft tissue work, and progressive exercise, Our Doctors of Physical Therapy gets to the root of the problem so you can move without limits.

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Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain), Meniscus Injuries, IT Band Syndrome & ACL Recovery
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Hip Pain, Hip Impingement (FAI), Labral Tears & Hamstring Strains
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Achilles Tendinopathy, Plantar Fasciitis, Ankle Sprains & Shin Splints
Hear From Our Huntersville Patients
Rated 5.0 Stars with 69+ Reviews
Meet the Expert Clinicians Behind Proactive Motion Physical Therapy
Board-certified. Hands-on. Deeply experienced.
Dr. Elisa Gillespie, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, COMT, LMBT

Owner & Physical Therapist
Since 2009, Dr. Gillespie has provided orthopedic physical therapy with advanced hands-on training in dry needling, manual therapy, Graston Technique, and massage therapy. She believes the best time to take care of your body is now—and specializes in helping patients recover faster, move better, and stay active through personalized, one-on-one care.
Dr. Lauren Craig, PT, DPT, OCS
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Physical Therapist & Pelvic Floor Specialist
Dr. Craig is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist with over 16 years of experience and specialized training in pelvic health. Her compassionate, patient-centered approach empowers women to reclaim confidence and wellness through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, urinary dysfunction, pelvic pain, and menopause. She is passionate about filling the gap in pelvic health support.
​Visit Us in Huntersville Near Birkdale Village
We're conveniently located just 8 minutes from downtown Huntersville and 5 minutes from Birkdale Village. Stop by or give us a call today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first appointment at our Huntersville clinic.
Do I need a referral to start physical therapy at Proactive Motion?
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No referral is required. North Carolina allows direct access to physical therapy, so you can call or schedule online and start care as soon as we have availability — no waiting on a doctor's order.
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What can I expect during my first knee pain evaluation?
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Your initial session is a comprehensive, one-on-one evaluation with Our Doctors of Physical Therapy They'll review your history, assess your movement and strength, identify the root cause of your pain, and outline a personalized treatment plan before you leave.
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What is manual therapy, and will it help my knee pain?
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Manual therapy includes hands-on techniques like joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and myofascial release to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve joint function. It's a core part of how we treat knee pain at our Huntersville clinic and is frequently combined with dry needling and targeted exercise for best results.
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Do you accept insurance?
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Please call us at (704) 794-8012 or email frontdesk@proactivemotionpt.com to confirm current payment and pricing options. We're happy to discuss what works best for your situation.
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How long are sessions, and how often will I need to come in?
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Each session is dedicated, one-on-one time with your therapist — not shared with other patients. Visit frequency depends on your condition and goals, and will be clearly outlined in your personalized treatment plan.
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Do you offer pelvic floor physical therapy?
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Yes. Dr. Lauren Craig, PT, DPT, OCS specializes in pelvic floor therapy for conditions including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, diastasis recti, postpartum recovery, and menopausal pelvic health — all at our Huntersville location.