Expert Physical Therapy in Huntersville, NC
Start sooner, recover faster, and get back to doing what you love with Proactive Motion Physical Therapy in Huntersville. No referral required—schedule your one-on-one session today.
Don't Let Pain Keep You From Living Your Best Life
You deserve better than waiting weeks for appointments, rushing through sessions, or being passed off to assistants who don't know your story.
Stuck in the Wait-and-See Cycle
You've been dealing with neck pain, back pain, or knee discomfort for months—maybe years. You've tried rest, over-the-counter relief, even other therapies, but nothing creates lasting change.
Lost Time With People You Love
Pain limits your ability to play with your kids, keep up on walks, or enjoy the active lifestyle you once had. Every day that passes is another day you're not fully present.
Lost Time With People You Love
Pain limits your ability to play with your kids, keep up on walks, or enjoy the active lifestyle you once had. Every day that passes is another day you're not fully present.
Why Huntersville Residents Choose Proactive Motion PT
At Proactive Motion Physical Therapy, you're not a number. You're a person with unique goals, and you deserve a therapist who takes the time to truly understand your body and your life.
-
One-on-one sessions for a full hour—you'll work directly with your physical therapist every visit, never an aide
-
No referral needed—take advantage of direct access in North Carolina and start your care right away
-
Advanced expertise in dry needling, manual therapy, and orthopedic care with 16+ years of experience
Your Path to Recovery: Simple, Personalized, Effective
01
Schedule Your First Visit
Call us or book online—no referral required. We offer flexible hours and convenient scheduling to fit your life.
02
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.
03
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.
Conditions We Treat with Physical Therapy in Huntersville
Our expert team treats a wide range of conditions:
-
Chronic neck pain, back pain, and sciatica
-
Knee pain, hip pain, and joint dysfunction
-
Post-surgical recovery and sports injuries
-
Pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum recovery, and urinary incontinence
Hear From Our Huntersville Patients
Rated 5.0 Stars with 69+ Reviews
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!
Jessica Jannenga
2025-07-30
Elisa is an amazing therapist . I have gone to her for dry needling for years and she is an expert in her field! Experience and professional! I have less pain and better function with dry needling
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.
Franco T
2026-02-05
Elisa is wonderful. Painful, but wonderful. I have seen a difference from her treating my issue. Would recommend to anyone.
Meet Your Huntersville Physical Therapy Experts
Board-Certified Care You Can Trust
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
%20(1).jpg)
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.
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Physical Therapy
Do I need a referral to start physical therapy?
No! North Carolina allows direct access to physical therapy, which means you can schedule your first appointment without a physician referral. You can start your care right away and get the treatment you need faster.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring a valid ID, your insurance card (if applicable), a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records or imaging results. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement.
How long are physical therapy sessions?
Every session at Proactive Motion PT is one full hour of one-on-one care with your physical therapist. You'll never be passed off to an assistant or rushed through your treatment.
What is dry needling and does it hurt?
Dry needling is a technique that uses thin needles to release trigger points and relieve muscle pain. Most patients feel minimal discomfort—many describe immediate relief. Dr. Gillespie is extensively trained and certified in dry needling techniques.
Do you accept insurance?
We work with most major insurance plans. Contact our office at (704) 794-8012 and our team will verify your benefits and discuss your coverage options.
What makes Proactive Motion PT different from other physical therapy clinics?
We offer truly personalized, one-on-one care for a full hour every visit. Dr. Gillespie and Dr. Craig bring advanced certifications, 16+ years of experience, and a holistic approach that combines manual therapy, dry needling, and customized exercise programs tailored to your unique goals.