Personalized Therapy & Wellness Programs

Outpatient Physical Therapy

Freestanding Durham Location

If you’re looking for outpatient physical therapy in Durham, look no further. At our Durham location, it’s our goal to make your physical rehabilitation and recovery a great experience. Whether looking for pain relief from injury, illness or surgery, or to fight disease with specialized therapeutic treatments, the right care is here in Durham. Best of all, first class care is provided exclusively by highly trained professionals in one-on-one sessions.

Hillcrest Who We Are

Who We Are

We are a team of dedicated, licensed doctors of physical therapy here to help you reach your goals.

Meet the Team

Meet the Team

What We Treat

We offer a number of specialized therapeutic treatments that focus on relieving pain and improving function and range of motion.

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Wellness Programs

You’re invited to get healthier and stay well, right here at our convenient Durham location. Whether you’re trying to get into better shape or you want to maintain your physical fitness, Hillcrest Physical Therapy and Wellness is exactly what you’re looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect on my first visit?
At your first visit, you will check in at the front desk and be asked for any completed paperwork and/or doctor’s orders. If you were unable to download and complete the new patient forms from our website, you will be asked to complete these forms. You will then meet your physical therapist. The physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation that will include history, postural assessment, neurological screening, and additional tests for a more specific understanding of your condition. Your physical therapist will use the information from the evaluation to develop a treatment program customized to meet your individual needs. You will then undergo an initial treatment.

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How long will my visits last?
The initial evaluation and treatment, which is the longest, will last approximately 60-75 minutes if you have not completed the new paperwork prior to coming. Please come 20-30 minutes early to fill out. Otherwise, visits will be scheduled for 45-60 minute sessions one-on-one with a physical therapist. Your physical therapist may ask you to come early to warm up prior to each session in order to optimize each session’s time.
What should I wear?
In general, be sure to bring or wear loose-fitting comfortable attire such as T-shirt, shorts, and athletic shoes to allow for evaluation and movement of the affected area. In the event that you forget to wear the appropriate clothing, gowns, shorts, and shirts can be borrowed. For example, if you are coming with a problem of your neck, upper back, or shoulders, a tank top or loose top is recommended. Shorts or loose pants are recommended for back, hip, knee or foot problems.
What should I bring with me?
For your first visit, please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, doctor’s prescription, list of current medications and list of surgeries, and any paperwork you have filled out (click here for forms needed unless you plan to arrive early to fill out). If you have any operative reports, MRIs, CT scans, or X-ray results, you may bring those as well. Also, if you are using any type of splint, brace, crutch, or walker, those should come with you too.
How often do I need to come to physical therapy?
The frequency of your sessions depends on your specific situation and is determined after your initial evaluation with your physical therapist. The front desk will help you schedule your appointments before you leave.
Do you take my insurance?
Prior to your first visit, our insurance coordinator will call your insurance company to determine your particular coverage and requirements. We will advise you of this information before your start your physical therapy treatment.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please call us at 919-627-6700 to make your first appointment.
Should I ask my doctor about physical therapy?
ABSOLUTELY! We recommend talking to your doctor about any conditions that could benefit from physical therapy. You may also call us to discuss your problem and potential benefits of our services.
Where Can I access New Patient Information?

Contact Us

4215 University Drive Suite B2
Durham, NC 27707

919-627-6700

919-627-6627

rehab.durham@hillcrestptw.com

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Meet the Team

Hillcrest Michelle

Michelle Christensen

PT, DPT, CLT

Hillcrest Brian

Brian Lawton

PT, DPT

Hillcrest Sarah

Sarah Miller

M.Ed. Office Coordinator and Billing Specialist

Michelle graduated from the University of Arkansas with her Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and Biomechanics and went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University. As a former Division 1 track athlete, she enjoys treating athletes of all levels in reducing and recovering from injury and improving overall performance and mechanics. She takes a very hands-on approach to care for her patients and takes gratification in developing a personal relationship with each patient. Michelle is certified in Dry Needling, Cupping, and the Graston Technique. She has also taken extensive continuing education including Postural Restoration, running mechanics, and different manual techniques. Michelle is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist specializing in the treatment and management of lymphedema. Michelle lives in Hillsborough with her husband, two young kids, and a dog. She enjoys all things sports, especially cheering on her Duke Blue Devils and Arkansas Razorbacks, chasing after her kids, sewing, and cooking.

Julie received her doctorate of physical therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is certified in Balance Based Torso Weighting, which is a wearable garment that helps improve balance and decrease the risk for falls. Julie also specializes in all aspects of amputee rehab, including phantom pain management, strength/balance training, and gait training with a prosthesis. Julie prides herself on establishing personal relationships with patients in order to cater treatment sessions to an individual’s needs and preferences. Julie lives in Durham with her husband and two energetic young boys. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her kids, yoga, reading, outdoor activities, and is a member of a local clogging team.

Brian is passionate about the field of Physical therapy and enjoys working to address the root cause of patient’s impairments. He graduated from ECU with a doctorate in Physical Therapy and since has worked to hone his skills as a physical therapist with extensive continuing education. He is a LSVT certified practitioner for Parkinson’s Disease, certified in Dry Needling, and has spent years working with patients with various Vestibular impairments. Brian lives in downtown Durham with his wife and two young children. He enjoys camping, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Sarah attended UNC Charlotte where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology then moved to Georgia to complete her Master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership at Valdosta State University. Sarah strives to create a welcoming atmosphere so every patient feels comfortable when they arrive. When she’s not watching UNC basketball, she enjoys playing volleyball, working out in the yard, and traveling. Sarah lives in Hurdle Mills with her husband and three dogs, Minnie, Luna, and Archer.

Meet the Team

Hillcrest Michelle

Michelle Christensen

PT, DPT, CLT

Michelle graduated from the University of Arkansas with her Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and Biomechanics and went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University. As a former Division 1 track athlete, she enjoys treating athletes of all levels in reducing and recovering from injury and improving overall performance and mechanics. She takes a very hands-on approach to care for her patients and takes gratification in developing a personal relationship with each patient. Michelle is certified in Dry Needling, Cupping, and the Graston Technique. She has also taken extensive continuing education including Postural Restoration, running mechanics, and different manual techniques. Michelle is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist specializing in the treatment and management of lymphedema. Michelle lives in Hillsborough with her husband, two young kids, and a dog. She enjoys all things sports, especially cheering on her Duke Blue Devils and Arkansas Razorbacks, chasing after her kids, sewing, and cooking.

Julie received her doctorate of physical therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is certified in Balance Based Torso Weighting, which is a wearable garment that helps improve balance and decrease the risk for falls. Julie also specializes in all aspects of amputee rehab, including phantom pain management, strength/balance training, and gait training with a prosthesis. Julie prides herself on establishing personal relationships with patients in order to cater treatment sessions to an individual’s needs and preferences. Julie lives in Durham with her husband and two energetic young boys. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her kids, yoga, reading, outdoor activities, and is a member of a local clogging team.

Hillcrest Brian

Brian Lawton

PT, DPT

Brian is passionate about the field of Physical therapy and enjoys working to address the root cause of patient’s impairments. He graduated from ECU with a doctorate in Physical Therapy and since has worked to hone his skills as a physical therapist with extensive continuing education. He is a LSVT certified practitioner for Parkinson’s Disease, certified in Dry Needling, and has spent years working with patients with various Vestibular impairments. Brian lives in downtown Durham with his wife and two young children. He enjoys camping, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Hillcrest Sarah

Sarah Miller

M.Ed. Office Coordinator and Billing Specialist

Sarah attended UNC Charlotte where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology then moved to Georgia to complete her Master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership at Valdosta State University. Sarah strives to create a welcoming atmosphere so every patient feels comfortable when they arrive. When she’s not watching UNC basketball, she enjoys playing volleyball, working out in the yard, and traveling. Sarah lives in Hurdle Mills with her husband and three dogs, Minnie, Luna, and Archer.

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Hillcrest’s Continuum of Care offers you a choice for your rehabilitative care needs.

In addition to outpatient therapy, our continuum of senior care services also includes inpatient, after-hospital therapy in both Durham and Raleigh.

YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER: