Professional Bio
Dr. Melissa Tolbert is an Assistant Professor at Western Kentucky University's Department of Physical Therapy. She has been a practicing physical therapist for 11 years, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2010 followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2012, both from the University of Evansville. She has experience in both an outpatient orthopedic clinic and in-patient hospital setting. Dr. Tolbert received her Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist in 2016 and a Therapeutic Pain Specialist in 2017. As a practicing clinician, she served as Clinical Instructor to physical therapy students and Clinic Director.
At WKU's DPT program, her course teachings include Gross Human Anatomy, Physical Assessment I-III, and Spine Assessment and Intervention, amongst others. She has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Orthopedic Section since 2012, as well as the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association. Additionally, she became a member of the Education and Pelvic Health Sections in 2022. Dr. Tolbert’s research interests include pain neuroscience, dry needling, running, anatomy, and education.
At WKU's DPT program, her course teachings include Gross Human Anatomy, Physical Assessment I-III, and Spine Assessment and Intervention, amongst others. She has been an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Orthopedic Section since 2012, as well as the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association. Additionally, she became a member of the Education and Pelvic Health Sections in 2022. Dr. Tolbert’s research interests include pain neuroscience, dry needling, running, anatomy, and education.
Physical Therapist (PT)
Special Interest Groups
AESIG, AFSIG