Clare Kinney's journey to physical therapy began earlier than most. As a middle schooler dealing with nagging overuse injuries, she found herself fascinated by the rehabilitation process — and quickly realized that physical therapy combined her love for the human body and movement with the opportunity to help others, especially athletes like herself. From that point forward, Clare made intentional decisions to pursue a career in the field. During her undergraduate years at Roanoke College, she deepened her passion for biomechanics and injury through research, using her experiences as a member of the track and field team to conduct a study on low back pain in collegiate pole vaulters.
Clare earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Roanoke College and completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at the Medical University of South Carolina.
During her clinical training, Clare had the opportunity to work with both collegiate and professional athletes. She completed a rotation at an outpatient clinic housed at Appalachian State University, treating collegiate athletes across multiple sports, and gained professional-level experience working with the Pittsburgh Pirates — exposure that gave her valuable insight into the demands of elite-level baseball and overhead athletics.
Clare has a well-rounded clinical foundation and is passionate about continued growth in all areas of sports and orthopedic rehabilitation. She has a particular interest in the upper extremity and baseball-related injuries, an area she continues to pursue through ongoing education and clinical experience. Her background as a former track and field athlete, combined with her research experience and diverse clinical training, allows her to approach patient care with both curiosity and a deep appreciation for the demands of sport.
