Dr. Leslie Shields, PT, DPT

Hi! I am Leslie, owner and physical therapist at A Just Balance Physical Therapy LLC. I knew I wanted to become a physical therapist at the age of 15 after I tore my ACL playing basketball. My physical therapist helped and encouraged me throughout my recovery.  With his help, I returned to high school athletics, although I gave up playing basketball competitively. I continued to run cross country and track, and was a part of 2 state championship teams. After high school, I attended Clemson University and was active in intramural sports until I graduated in 2002. I graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with my Masters in Physical Therapy in 2004. While working as a physical therapist, I returned to school and completed my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2008.

Throughout my physical therapy career, I have been passionate about Neuro Rehab, balance training, and reducing falls in the elderly. This became personal in the past few years as aging relatives began experiencing falls and injuries associated with falls.

In the fall of 2023, I reinjured my knee, requiring yet another surgical intervention. During this unexpected journey, A Just Balance Physical Therapy LLC was created. I realized I also wanted to utilize my skills and experience to help athletes in sport specific strengthening, improving athletic performance, and reducing risk of injury. I am excited to help you regain strength, mobility, and function and decrease risk of injury. 

I realized I can combine my love for neuroscience, neuroplasticity, balance, and coordination with athletic performance; it does not have to be either or. Actually, improving brain function (balance, coordination, reaction time, and processing) improves athletic performance. Elite athletes have elite brain function. Applied functional neurology significantly impacts athletic performance by targeting the communication pathways between the brain, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. This training optimizes how athletes perceive, process, and respond to stimuli, resulting in quicker, more coordinated, and more efficient movements.

Applied neurology/ Neurotraining is also an evidence-based treatment approach that speeds up recovery post-concussion and quicker, safer return to sport.

I am a wife and mom of 3 kids.  Some of my other interests include playing the violin, traveling, trying out local restaurants, walking barefoot on the beach, and cheering on the Clemson Tigers.