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 Hillcrest professionals in one-on-one sessions.
Who We Are
We are a team of dedicated, licensed doctors of physical therapy here to help you reach your goals.
What We Treat
We offer a number of specialized therapeutic treatments that focus on relieving pain and improving function and range of motion.
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?
How long will my visits last?
What should I wear?
What should I bring with me?
How often do I need to come to physical therapy?
Do you take my insurance?
How do I schedule an appointment?
Should I ask my doctor about physical therapy?
Where Can I access New Patient Information?
Contact Us
4215 University Drive Suite B2
Durham, NC 27707
919-627-6627
Meet the Team
Michelle Christensen
PT, DPT, CLT
Julie Applewhite
PT, DPT
Brian Lawton
PT, DPT
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
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 Applewhite
PT, DPT
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 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.
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.
Request More Information
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.
