Dr. Gahr has over 30 years of experience treating patients with musculoskeletal and neurological deficits. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science and Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy, she obtained an Advanced Master Degree Summa Cum Laude in Adult Neurological Rehabilitation from Long Island University. She has experience with a wide-range of patient populations including strokes, traumatic brain injury, cardiopulmonary disease, spinal cord injuries, vestibular disorders and orthopedic and sports injuries. At Rusk Institute, she was a clinical instructor for the NYU PT department and developed a community outreach program for osteoporosis prevention of fractures. Melissa earned a Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation in 2016 after attending an intensive course sponsored by Emory University and the American Physical Therapy Association in Atlanta.

She is certified in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment of the Spine and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Vestibular Disorders Association. She also completed training to be an instructor in the CDC-endorsed program, “Tai Chi: Movement for Better Balance” by Dr. FuZhong Li of the Oregon Research Institute.

Over the past decade, her work has become focused in private practice treating musculoskeletal, spine and sports injuries. With a special interest and training in vestibular disorders, Melissa has developed highly successful vestibular treatment programs for patients with dizziness, inner ear disorders, balance and gait abnormalities and provided consultations for many local practices.