Caitlin Kneblik, PT, DPT
Dr. Caitlin Kneblik’s journey to becoming a physical therapist began with a life-changing injury during her freshman year at East Central University, where she played collegiate softball on scholarship. While sliding into a base at practice, she fractured her leg and spent six weeks non-weight-bearing in a boot, navigating campus on a scooter. As a pitcher, she was forced to relearn her mechanics from the ground up—especially how to properly drag her leg again. The physical therapy she received that summer not only restored her ability to compete but also sparked a new calling. What initially began as an interest in sports management evolved into a deep passion for helping others recover, rebuild, and return to the activities they love. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from East Central before working nearly two years as a physical therapy aide at Vince Physical Therapy.
Motivated to expand her impact, Dr. Kneblik pursued her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at University of St. Mary, graduating in December 2024. Now back at Vince Physical Therapy as a licensed physical therapist, she treats approximately 14 to 15 patients per day. Her caseload primarily includes older adults recovering from total knee and hip replacements, while also caring for younger athletes rehabilitating sports-related injuries. Drawing from her own experience as both an athlete and a patient, she brings authenticity, empathy, and encouragement to every session—especially when guiding patients through the difficult stages of recovery.
Dr. Kneblik deeply values the mentorship she received early in her career and is committed to paying it forward. She regularly hosts high school students at the clinic twice a week for observation and currently mentors one dedicated student in a “mini-internship” shadowing role. Inspired by a meaningful pediatric rotation in a school district during her doctoral training, she is exploring future certification in pediatrics to broaden her scope of care. Through clinical excellence, mentorship, and heartfelt compassion, Dr. Kneblik continues to transform her own recovery story into hope and healing for others.
• University of St. Mary, Doctor of Physical Therapy, December 2024
• East Central University, Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology
• PT
• DPT
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Total knee replacement
- Total hip replacement
- Sports injuries
- Softball injuries
- Football injuries
- Track injuries
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I really enjoy is getting to work with my patients and seeing them progress through their recovery. A lot of my patients love just talking and getting to interact with me and the other aides that help me. For many of them, this is probably the best part of their day, and I hope I can make it enjoyable for them too. I love being able to relate to my patients because of my own experience with physical therapy after breaking my leg. When patients ask if they'll ever get better, especially when they're starting out and things are really rough, I can tell them yes, it will get better, it just takes time and hard work. I can say I went through almost the same thing, and they appreciate knowing that I can relate. It feels good to know that this is the work I'm supposed to do and to see patients improve.