Clear Orthopedic Guidance When You Don’t Know Where to Start

For years, friends, family members, patients, and parents have called or texted me with the same urgent question:

“What do I do next?”

A daughter injures her knee and may have torn her ACL.

A parent needs a knee, hip, or shoulder replacement.

Someone has received a diagnosis but does not understand which specialist to see, what questions to ask, or how to prepare for rehabilitation.

That uncertainty is why I created TheOrthoDPT.

I’m Michelle Starks, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with nearly 30 years of orthopedic rehabilitation experience. I have worked with patients across the full recovery journey—from the hospital and home-health setting through outpatient physical therapy and the return to meaningful everyday activities.

I have also experienced orthopedic injuries from the family side. When someone you love is hurt, even people who understand healthcare can feel overwhelmed. Families need more than medical terminology. They need a clear starting point, informed questions, realistic expectations, and an organized plan.

TheOrthoDPT creates practical educational guides for patients, parents, athletes, and caregivers navigating orthopedic injuries, joint replacement, surgery, and rehabilitation. My goal is to help you understand the process, communicate more effectively with your healthcare team, and feel better prepared for the road ahead.