About Denise Gerrity, PT, DPT
Cell biologist turned endurance athlete turned physical therapist—with a deep-rooted passion for movement, science, and human potential.
Denise brings a rare blend of scientific expertise, athletic experience, and clinical skill to the field of physical therapy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Auburn University, where she graduated with honors. Prior to Auburn, she was a collegiate cheerleader at Hawaii Pacific University before transitioning to rowing for Auburn’s crew team. As an undergraduate, Denise was a member of Medical D—Auburn’s pre-health professional society—and earned first place in the 2009 Auburn University Science Symposium for her podium presentation on gene vector delivery for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in canine models.
She went on to earn a Master’s in Biomedical Science from the University of Virginia under an NIH Cancer Training Grant. Her graduate research focused on the tumor microenvironment and the role of sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, in modulating cancer cell behavior. Her work earned first place at the University of Virginia Department of Pathology’s annual scientific retreat in 2012.
While deeply invested in scientific research, Denise ultimately felt a pull toward working hands-on with individuals to improve health and function. She entered the endurance sports world, training as an elite amateur triathlete and winning the 2014 U.S. Triathlon Open. She also led performance and training programs at Sportspectrum in Shreveport and co-founded the NCAA Women’s Triathlon Team at Centenary College, where she served as assistant coach through 2018.
Denise earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. During her time there, she was inducted into the Alpha Eta Honor Society and served as the APTA Core Ambassador for Louisiana as well as a national representative for the APTA Student Special Interest Group. Her approach to therapy is grounded in both science and movement—drawing on her background in cellular biology, neuromuscular training, and functional rehabilitation. She is a Certified Neurodevelopmental Therapist with additional certifications in Redcord suspension therapy, Functional Dry Needling, and manual therapy techniques.
Denise provides one-on-one, individualized care with a focus on identifying root causes and restoring long-term functional movement.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys yoga, backpacking, gardening, curating the perfect charcuterie board, a good sweat from her favorite workout classes, and sofa snuggles with her partner, pup, and two cats.
Experience
A distinctive blend of science, sport, and therapy
- Private Practice Physical Therapy:
- Extensive experience providing one-on-one physical therapy with a focus on neuromuscular re-education, movement retraining, and holistic recovery.Athlete & Performance Specialist
- Performance & Endurance Sports
- Years of experience training and competing as an collegiate and elite athlete, as well as coaching community and collegiate programs through a deep understanding of biomechanics, injury prevention, and performance optimization.
- Neuromuscular & Chronic Pain Rehabilitation
- Clinical expertise in treating complex movement disorders, chronic pain, and compensatory patterns using advanced tools such as Redcord therapy, dry needling, and manual neuromotor techniques.
- Biomedical Research Background
- Extensive academic research on cellular function, gene therapy, and tumor microenvironments—bringing a systems-level understanding to your recovery.
Education & Training
Academic and clinical foundations that fuel evidence-based care
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Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
LSU Health Sciences Center – Shreveport
▸ Alpha Eta Honor Society inductee
▸ APTA Core Ambassador for Louisiana
▸ National Student SIG Member -
Master of Biomedical Science
University of Virginia – NIH Cancer Training Grant
▸ First-place poster award, UVA Department of Pathology Retreat 2012 -
Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology
Auburn University – Graduated with Honors
▸ First-place podium, Auburn University Science Symposium 2010
▸ Research on gene vector delivery for Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy in canine models
▸ Member of Medical D pre-health society -
Specialized Clinical Certifications
▸ Functional Dry Needling Level I & II
▸ Certified Neurodevelopmental Therapist
▸ Redcord Neuromuscular Suspension Therapy