Doug Kelsey is a distinguished physical therapist, educator, inventor, and author based in Austin, Texas, with a career spanning several decades dedicated to advancing the field of physical therapy and promoting health and fitness. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Doctor of Philosophy in Allied Health from Pacific Western University. Kelsey’s extensive educational background laid a solid foundation for his multifaceted career.
In 1983, Kelsey co-founded Corley & Kelsey Rehab Services, operating as Sports Center Physical Therapy, a practice devoted to assisting individuals with orthopedic and sports injuries in restoring their active lifestyles. Over three decades, he guided the clinic in providing innovative rehabilitation services, establishing it as a leading institution in the field. His commitment to patient care and rehabilitation excellence significantly impacted countless individuals seeking to regain mobility and function.
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Kelsey’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Paradigm Health Systems International, Inc. in 1996, where he served as Founder and President until 2005. The company produced and marketed the Newton Speed Trainer, an innovative device stemming from Kelsey’s second patent in anti-gravity technology. This venture underscored his dedication to integrating technology with therapeutic practices to enhance patient outcomes.
In 2010, Kelsey founded The Kelsey Group, Inc., a health and fitness educational and consulting company aimed at helping individuals achieve and maintain fitness as they age. Through this platform, he has continued to influence the health and wellness community by providing valuable resources and guidance on maintaining an active lifestyle. His work emphasizes the importance of lifelong fitness and proactive health management.
Beyond his clinical and entrepreneurial endeavors, Kelsey has made significant contributions to academia. From 1996 to 1999, he served as an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, teaching in both undergraduate and graduate programs in the Department of Physical Therapy. Earlier, between 1986 and 1992, he was an instructor at Texas State University, where he taught courses in Functional Anatomy, Orthopedics, and Spinal Mobilization. His dedication to education has influenced a generation of physical therapists, enriching the field with his knowledge and experience.
Kelsey’s inventive prowess is evident through his development of groundbreaking therapeutic devices. He invented the world’s first anti-gravity exercise device, receiving a patent for the ZUNI Incremental Weight Bearing System in 1993, and later patented the Newton Speed Trainer in 2001. These innovations have contributed to advancements in rehabilitation techniques, offering new avenues for patient care.
As an author, Kelsey has published extensively in scientific journals and contributed chapters to physical therapy books. He manages a blog at DougKelsey.com and has authored several books, including “The Little Book of Sparks,” “The Runner’s Knee Bible,” “Build a Rock Solid Core: Stop the Sit Ups and Save Your Spine,” “The Back Pain Toolbox: 27 Things You Can Do to Relieve Lower Back Pain,” “The 90 Day Knee Arthritis Remedy,” “If It’s Tight It Ain’t Right; Why Stretching May Be the Last Thing to Do When Your Hamstrings Feel Tight and What to Do Instead,” “7 Steps to a Flatter Belly,” and “Better Hips, Better Life.” His publications provide practical advice and insights into physical health and rehabilitation, reflecting his commitment to patient education and empowerment.
