Danielle Melgarejo Email & Phone Number

I have always been obsessed with how the human body moves and the incredible things it can accomplish. My active lifestyle naturally led me down the path toward physical therapy, but it wasn’t until I truly became engaged in patient interaction that I realized that what I truly love about this field is that it is rooted in building relationships. I revel in the opportunity to develop and foster relationships with my patients so that they can better understand their bodies and their capacity to heal.My journey as a movement expert began with my role as an aide at Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy in Irvine, CA where I assisted in modality application and cueing patients through their therapeutic exercises. Fast forward to two years later when I was promoted to Lead Exercise Specialist, which afforded me the additional responsibility of training new-hires and being the intermediary between patients, support staff, and management. My curiosity in different settings across the lifespan led me to volunteer roles at facilities such as the United Cerebral Palsy, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and Rock Steady Boxing -- a boxing program for individuals with Parkinson's Disease. In December 2020, I graduated with High Honors from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, CA. During my clinical internships in outpatient orthopedics, pediatrics, and home health, I leaned into discomfort. While I had a solid foundation for clinical practice, I wanted to consistently be challenged by my clinical instructors and patients in order to grow. I will continue to practice this as a lifelong learner in my profession.When I am not in the clinic, you can find me climbing a rock wall, cooking up a new recipe, playing tug-of-war with my miniature schnauzer, or tuning in to my favorite podcasts (PT Pintcast, Dare to Lead with Brené Brown, Pelvic PT Rising).What are a few of your favorite podcasts related to physical therapy (or anything else that excites you)?