Dr. Thornton obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015, graduated from the Virginia Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Institute residency program in 2016, and obtained her Board Certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy in 2017. She practiced in Virginia for 4 years specializing in orthopedics, sports, and women’s health rehabilitation. She then completed a two-year Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship through Brooks Rehabilitation/University of North Florida and received the designation of Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy in 2021.
She currently practices as a full-time clinician at the University of Virginia Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road in Charlottesville, VA and serves as a mentor for the Virginia Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Institute. She is a member of the national American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) and the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AOPT). She is the chair of the AAOMPT History committee and is a member of the AAOMPT Early Professional Committee. She has been involved in a multitude of clinical research, mentoring, and teaching roles in both graduate and post-graduate level education.
Laura is a staff physical therapist at the UVA Orthopedic Center Therapy Services in Charlottesville, Va.