A little about me:

Dr. Chelsea Moehlenbrock, PT, DPT has always had an interest in the human body, movement, and the arts. This steered her in the direction of becoming a physical therapist. Since starting her physical therapy career in 2017, she has worked in multiple settings with a variety of populations and diagnoses. She has experience working with all ages and abilities, but finds working with performing artists and outdoor enthusiasts most rewarding.

Chelsea grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. She found her way to Grand Junction, Colorado after spending a year doing travel physical therapy contracts. Moving to the Grand Valley has enabled her to expand her repertoire of outdoor recreational activities including canyoneering, skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry hiking, and mountain biking. She also enjoys stand-up paddle boarding, camping, playing her ukulele, cooking, contra dancing, and traveling.

Education

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy - Elon University
  • Bachelor's of Science, Applied Physiology & Kinesiology - University of Florida
  • Minor in Dance - University of Florida
  • Certificate of Dance in Medicine - University of Florida
  •  Certified Pilates Instructor - Pilates Sports Center, Encino, CA

Dance Training

  • University of Florida Dance Department (2009-2013)
  • Ballet Spartanburg Pre-Professional Program (2001-2009)
  • American Dance Festival, summer intensive (2007, 2008) 
  •  Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, summer intensive (2005, 2006)  
  • South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, summer intensive (2003, 2004)  
  • Carolina Ballet Theater (1997-2001)

More of my story:

I was a serious student both at school and at the dance studio, so I know very well what it is like to have a packed schedule and every bit of free time was spent studying. I was always striving for good grades and wanted to excel in everything I did.

However, when I developed several overuse injuries that kept me from participating in dance, I was completely distraught. I learned very quickly that it was not helpful to try to push through pain. I felt like a part of me had been lost when I couldn't dance. There were so many questions. When would I be able to dance again? Would I ever be able to dance again? What if I never actually get better? I felt like the healthcare providers didn't fully understand where I was coming from since they had no experience with dancers. They didn't speak my language.

After working with physical therapists, doctors, and my dance teachers, I learned how to better care for my body. I took time, but I did fully recover. I developed a new appreciation for my body and how training it in different ways was beneficial. I found that the exercises provided to help heal my injuries actually made me even better in my dancing too!

It is those experiences that guide my work as a dance physical therapist today. There is SO much more we can be doing as dancers to keep our bodies healthy and take our dancing to the next level. This involves not only the physical training aspect, but also the mental training and nutritional aspect of caring for yourself as an artistic athlete.

Sometimes we don't know where to start.

Sometimes it's as easy as reaching out.

Book a free consultation with me here.

I'd love to get to know you!