Susan Chalela, MPT

Susan Chalela, MPT, is the founder of The Chalela Physical Therapy Institute for EDS and CCI/Cervical Instabilities. Susan received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the Institute of Physical Therapy in St. Augustine, FL, and has over 20 years of clinical experience as a licensed physical therapist. During her career she has been involved in multiple domains to include outpatient, orthopedics, sports medicine, aquatic therapy, ergonomics, neurological rehabilitation, industrial medicine, osteoporosis, APPI Pilates as well as dry needling.

In recent years, Susan has devoted herself to the study and treatment of patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and other hypermobility disorders. She works closely with Dr. Sunil Patel, one of the premier neurosurgeons specializing in CCI and other EDS-related spinal complications, and has helped his patients to successfully avoid surgery while regaining function and reducing pain. She also lectures nationally for the Chiari and Syringomyelia Foundation.

As someone who lives with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome herself, Susan understands the experiences of this patient population and works tirelessly to advocate for and advance the treatment of her fellow zebras. Her unique approach to physical therapy is based on her own experience surviving a stroke – while relearning to walk and talk, she learned about the importance of neuroplasticity and proprioception. Today she combines her expertise in biomechanics and neuroplasticity to successfully treat patients of all stripes.