Derek Van Gerwen, PT, DPT

Derek earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2009 and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from UAB in 2012. He is a Certified Dry Needling Practitioner, an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, and has worked as an outpatient physical therapist since 2013.

His areas of interest include manual therapy and sports rehabilitation. Derek enjoys combining hands-on treatment with exercise-based care to help patients recover from injury, manage chronic pain, and return to the activities that matter most to them.

Outside the clinic, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife, Libby, and their two sons, Thomas and Max. He stays active through outdoor activities and sports such as ultimate frisbee, disc golf, running, biking, kayaking, and hockey.

“I became a physical therapist to combine my interest in biology and anatomy with my passion for an active lifestyle and my desire to help others. It is rewarding to see people progress—whether it is someone overcoming chronic pain or returning to sports after surgery. I enjoy learning what matters most to each patient and using a combination of hands-on treatment and exercise to help them reach their goals.”