Education
Dr. Nathan J. Savage has an extensive educational background, having earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Utah, a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Utah. This robust academic foundation has shaped his approach to clinical practice and research. Throughout his career, Dr. Savage has pursued various specialized certifications to enhance his clinical expertise. He is a board-certified clinical specialist in both orthopedic and clinical electrophysiologic physical therapy, and he holds a certification in musculoskeletal sonography. In addition, Dr. Savage’s pursuit of lifelong learning is evident in his participation in continuing education, where he engages in a wide range of training programs, including certifications in dry needling, manual therapy, and neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound. His commitment to ongoing education reflects his dedication to staying at the forefront of clinical and research advancements in physical therapy.
Professional Experience
Dr. Nathan J. Savage has built a distinguished career in both clinical practice and academia. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Winston-Salem State University, where he teaches various courses related to orthopedic physical therapy, manual therapy techniques, and research methodology. Dr. Savage has also served as the owner of the Academy of Sports Training & Physical Rehabilitation in Browns Summit, North Carolina, a role he has held since 2003. In this capacity, he provides expert care in sports rehabilitation and physical therapy. Additionally, he has worked as a managing physical therapist at Total Rehab, Inc. in South Ogden, Utah, and as a staff physical therapist at Foothills Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. His professional experience spans over 20 years and includes hands-on work in musculoskeletal ultrasound, electrophysiological testing, and manual therapy. Dr. Savage’s clinical and academic roles have allowed him to mentor numerous students and clinicians, providing valuable guidance in both research and professional practice.
Research Interests
Dr. Nathan J. Savage’s research interests focus primarily on advancing physical therapy practices through innovative technologies and treatment methods. He is particularly interested in musculoskeletal ultrasound, dry needling interventions, and electrophysiological assessment in the context of orthopedic physical therapy. His research aims to develop and validate new clinical techniques that improve patient outcomes and the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions. One notable area of his work is ultrasound-guided dry needling, which has shown promise in treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Dr. Savage is also involved in exploring the accuracy and efficacy of sonographic evaluations, such as lumbar segmental motion and meniscal extrusion during physical therapy procedures. His research also includes the application of ultrasound in musculoskeletal examinations and physical therapy education, with a focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and training techniques for students and clinicians. Overall, his work seeks to bridge the gap between traditional rehabilitation practices and emerging technologies to enhance patient care and clinical decision-making.
Research Skills
Dr. Nathan J. Savage possesses a broad range of research skills, particularly in the areas of clinical electrophysiology, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and physical therapy interventions. His expertise in musculoskeletal sonography allows him to conduct in-depth research into the application of ultrasound technology in physical therapy, particularly in assessing joint movement and soft tissue conditions. Additionally, his proficiency in dry needling interventions and electromyography provides a strong foundation for conducting studies that investigate the effectiveness and safety of these techniques in clinical settings. Dr. Savage is skilled in designing and executing observational and experimental research studies, data analysis, and the development of research protocols. His ability to apply these research skills to real-world clinical problems is a hallmark of his work. He is also experienced in mentoring students and junior researchers, guiding them through the process of conducting clinical research. Dr. Savage’s multidisciplinary approach to research, combining physical therapy, electrophysiology, and ultrasound, enables him to develop novel solutions to improve therapeutic interventions and patient care.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Nathan J. Savage has received numerous awards and honors for his exceptional contributions to the field of physical therapy. Some of his notable awards include the Outstanding Student Researchers Award for his research on sonographic evaluation of lumbar segmental motion, the 1st Quarter Innovative Practice Award for his work on ultrasound-guided dry-needling interventions, and the Bill Sheppard Master Teacher Award for excellence in teaching. Dr. Savage has also received the Faculty Mentorship Award from the Delta Research and Education Foundation for his mentorship efforts in the All of Us Research Matters Workbench project. His dedication to research excellence has also earned him the Outstanding Technology in Research Poster Award for his work on medial tibiofemoral joint space palpation. In addition, he has been selected as the faculty speaker at the White Coat Ceremony by both the Class of 2023 and 2024. These accolades reflect Dr. Savage’s commitment to advancing both research and education in physical therapy.
Conclusion
Dr. Nathan J. Savage’s career embodies the perfect blend of clinical expertise and research innovation. His work in musculoskeletal ultrasound and dry needling interventions has significantly advanced the field of physical therapy. With over 20 years of experience, he continues to make valuable contributions to both clinical practice and academic education. His extensive research interests and impressive skills in electrophysiology, sonography, and rehabilitation technology set him apart as a leader in the field. Dr. Savage’s contributions to physical therapy are recognized not only by his peers but also by the numerous awards he has received throughout his career. As a teacher, mentor, and researcher, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication to improving patient care and advancing the profession. His ongoing work promises to have a lasting impact on the future of physical therapy and rehabilitation.