Christopher Carcia, PT

Christopher Carcia, PhD, PT, received his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. He then worked full-time in an outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine practice in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut, area for 10 years. In 1999, Dr. Carcia earned his post-professional master’s degree in physical therapy, with an emphasis in orthopedics, from the Institute of Health Professions at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2002, Dr. Carcia completed his PhD in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in sports medicine, at the University of Virginia. After completing his PhD, Dr. Carcia accepted a faculty position in the Department of Physical Therapy at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During his time at Duquesne, Dr. Carcia was granted tenure and served as department chair and director of a PhD program in rehabilitation science.

Since 2021, Dr. Carcia has worked full-time at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and serves as the founding director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. At CMU, Dr. Carcia teaches kinesiology and musculoskeletal physical therapy. His research focuses on the kinesiology and clinical biomechanics of the upper and lower extremities. Dr. Carcia has published more than 50 papers in peer-reviewed journals, contributed to several book chapters, and given numerous national and international presentations.

Despite being a full-time academic, Dr. Carcia has remained engaged in clinical practice on a part-time, limited basis throughout the years and is proud to work for Intermountain Health in the Grand Valley. He feels strongly that continued clinical practice not only enhances his teaching and research but also ensures he remains current in the field.

He is certified as an orthopedic specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

When not at CMU or IMH, Dr. Carcia enjoys spending time with his family, visiting with friends, and riding his bike or hiking.