Derek Clewley, DPT, PhD

Derek Clewley Photo
Associate Director, Duke Center of Excellence in Manual and Manipulative Therapy; Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery, Core Faculty

derek.clewley@duke.edu
919-613-9053

Dr. Clewley’s area of expertise and training is in orthopaedics and manual physical therapy. He has achieved board certification in orthopaedics and is recognized as a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.

He has a PhD with primary research interests including dry needling, manual physical therapy, and pain sciences. Dr. Clewley has extensive experience in the development of continuing education, residency, and fellowship post-graduate training programs.

He is the associate editor of BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders and a AAOMPT Board Member. 

Read a recent feature about Dr. Clewley. 

Education

  • PhD, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
  • DPT, Shenandoah University, 2007
  • MS PT, University of Montana, 2002
  • BS, University of Montana, 2000

Practice

  • Board certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists as an orthopaedic clinical specialist since 2006
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapists since 2010

Research

Dr. Clewley’s research interests focus on clinical applications in orthopaedic physical therapy, including manual therapy, dry needling, and pain sciences. He is currently part of an international team active in the development of clinical practice guidelines for neck pain. He collaborates and presents nationally. 

Selected publications

Awards and honors

  • Jan K. Richardson Excellence in Teaching Award:  Duke University, 2021

  • Physical Therapy Association of Georgia: Merritt Award for Exceptional Service and Achievement, 2014

  • Recognition of Excellence: BenchMark Rehab Partners, 2014

  • Clinical Instructor of the Year: Rocky Mountain University, 2013

  • Clinical Instructor of the Year: Georgia State University, 2008

  • Clinician of the Year: BenchMark Physical Therapy, 2007