Bill Meritt, PT

 Certified in Orthopedic Manual Therapy

Bill Meritt’s interest in physical therapy started in college after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery and physical rehabilitation of his own. A two-time NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete in football at Taylor University in Indiana, Bill learned first-hand how important a role physical therapy can play in recovery from an injury.

After graduating cum laude with his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Taylor, Bill continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy in 2003. Since graduation, Bill has worked almost exclusively within the orthopedic setting, treating patients across the entire spectrum of the lifespan. Through continuing education he has enhanced his skills, and has developed a particular interest in using manual therapy techniques (specifically joint mobilizations and manipulations) in the treatment of patients.

Bill earned his Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy in 2011 through the Manual Therapy Institute. He is currently working on his Fellowship hours at Duke University Medical Center to earn the distinction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. Only 20 other physical therapists in North Carolina have earned this honor.

His treatment philosophy includes detailed patient examination, the use of manual therapy, and implementation of proper exercises to help patients decrease pain, increase range of motion, increase strength, and improve function. Bill looks at the source of the condition rather than just treating the symptoms for a more comprehensive and long-term approach to healing and success. “Once I can answer ‘why’ the patient is experiencing the symptoms, then I can start to correct any dysfunctions and imbalances contributing to the pain or limitation,” Bill says.

Bill is active in the community speaking with local sports teams and other organizations about injury prevention management and active-preventive techniques, with a special focus on shoulder and ACL injury prevention. He is especially pleased to live and work in the Lake Norman area, as he is a native of eastern Catawba County and graduate of Bandys High School. Bill and his wife, Alli, have two daughters, Kailyn and Ella. “I enjoy raising my family here and helping people in this area – many of whom I have known most of my life – achieve their physical goals and live active, fulfilling lives,” Bill explains.