My Commitment To Your Health

Learn about my approach, values, and dedicated to your recovery.

My Story & Mission

My path as a physical therapist has grown over more than 41 years of hands-on work with people at every stage of life. I began in pediatric physical therapy, where I developed a deep appreciation for how gently supporting the body can make a meaningful difference. Over the years, my work naturally expanded beyond traditional physical therapy to include advanced manual and complementary approaches such as craniosacral therapy and integrative manual therapy. What has remained constant is my belief in listening closely to the body and offering care that is thoughtful, individualized, and supportive of each person’s unique healing process.

Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith is a licensed Physical Therapist in New Hampshire with more than 40 years of clinical experience helping infants, children, and adults improve movement, function, and quality of life. She is especially known for her work with complex, persistent, and difficult-to-treat conditions, and for supporting patients who have not found lasting relief through traditional physical therapy alone.

Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of New England and began her career in inpatient rehabilitation before transitioning into outpatient and specialty care. Over the decades, she has intentionally bridged evidence-based physical therapy with complementary and holistic manual therapy approaches, allowing her to address the body as an integrated system rather than a collection of isolated symptoms.

A Focus on Complex & Persistent Conditions

Michelle’s favorite clients are those with persistent injuries, chronic pain, and complex medical presentations, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and other connective tissue or nervous system–involved conditions. She takes time to look deeper, carefully assessing how the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and connective tissue interact and influence healing.

Her approach is especially helpful for individuals who feel stuck, frustrated, or unheard in conventional care settings. Michelle is known for her thoughtful evaluation style and her ability to identify contributing factors that are often overlooked.

In addition to adult care, Michelle has a deep passion for pediatric physical therapy, particularly working with infants and children experiencing:

Developmental delays
Torticollis and plagiocephaly
Early motor coordination challenges
Families appreciate her calm, attentive presence and her ability to create a supportive environment where children feel safe and parents feel informed and empowered.

Advanced Manual Therapy Expertise

Michelle specializes in advanced hands-on manual therapy, tailoring each session to the individual rather than relying on standardized protocols. Her areas of expertise include:

Craniosacral therapy

Myofascial release

Lymphatic drainage

Nerve tissue tension release

Integrative manual therapy techniques

She holds advanced training and certifications in:

Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)

Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT)

Torticollis and plagiocephaly treatment

These approaches allow Michelle to support both structural alignment and nervous system regulation, which is essential for long-term healing, resilience, and sustainable progress.

A Whole-Person Philosophy of Care

Michelle believes that effective physical therapy begins with listening.

Every treatment plan is personalized, respectful, and responsive to each patient’s history, goals, and capacity for healing. Her work is grounded in the belief that true recovery happens when people feel seen, supported, and actively involved in their care.

Her goal is not just symptom relief, but improved comfort, confidence in movement, and a greater sense of ease in daily life.

Life Beyond the Clinic

Outside the clinic, Michelle enjoys ballroom, lindy hop, and Latin dancing, along with travel, skiing, and singing with Voices from the Heart. These interests reflect her belief that movement is not just therapy, but a vital part of a full, vibrant, and meaningful life.