Kelly Grimes, DPT, GCS, OCS

Kelly Grimes, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, and geriatric clinical specialist. Her experience lies in orthopedics particularly related to the spine, scoliosis, hyperkyphosis (increased outward curve of the mid/upper back as seen from the side view), other spine structural changes, and running-related injuries. She treats scoliosis across the lifespan and across the continuum of care including exercise only, exercise with bracing in adolescents, and pre-and post-surgical care.

Her highest aim is to partner with patients in a collaborative manner and work together to uncover the problem at hand and make sound and compassionate decisions to improve their quality of life.

Prior to joining UC San Diego Health, she was a physical therapist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center where she co-developed a program for non-operative scoliosis and spine management with a multi-disciplinary team including surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and orthotists. This program delivered patient care, community and conference education and research on scoliosis management.

Kelly completed fellowships in movement science and manual therapy at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, where she also completed an orthopedic residency. She earned her doctorate degree in physical therapy at Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment.

In her free time, Kelly enjoys running, coffee, riveting documentaries, heart-to-hearts with family and friends, delicious meals with loved ones and being a mom to her daughter, Annie.

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