Carly Cupernall’s journey into physical therapy began with a personal setback that ultimately became a defining moment in her athletic and professional life. A lifelong soccer player, Carly tore her ACL during her junior year of high school. Through months of physical therapy and time spent in the weight room, she not only returned to the field but emerged as a stronger athlete. That experience planted the seed for her future career, inspiring her to help other athletes return to sport with renewed strength and confidence.
Carly went on to play collegiate soccer at Stevenson University in Owings Mills, Maryland, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. The rigor of her academic program prepared her for the demands of graduate school, while her exposure to various areas of healthcare helped shape her direction. She worked as an emergency room scribe, shadowed surgical teams in the OR, and volunteered at Johns Hopkins in the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer Research Department. While each experience was valuable, none felt as fulfilling as her time as a rehab aide in an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Helping patients—many of whom reminded her of herself as an injured high school athlete—confirmed her calling.
Carly earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. She is passionate about injury rehabilitation and performance enhancement, especially for athletes. She has a particular interest in soccer-specific rehab and preventative care, as well as treating weightlifters and powerlifters, inspired by her own commitment to staying active post-graduation.
Looking ahead, Carly is committed to continued professional development. She plans to pursue certifications in strength and conditioning (CSCS) and dry needling to expand her clinical skill set. Her goal is to continue growing as a physical therapist, offering effective, evidence-based care that empowers patients to perform and live at their best.
Carly Cupernall brings a personal understanding of injury recovery and a passion for fitness into every treatment session. Her dedication to helping others move better, train harder, and return to sport stronger defines her approach to care.
