Charles A. Thigpen PT, PhD, ATC

Dr. Thigpen, Ph.D., PT, ATC, is a Clinical Research Scientist for ATI and Director of Observational Clinical Research in Ortho­paedics with the Center for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Sciences at the University of South Carolina. He holds adjunct appointments with Duke University Division of Physical Therapy, University of South Car­olina Department of Physical Therapy, and Clemson University Bioengineering. He serves as a Senior Facul­ty and mentor in the APTA credentialed sports and orthopedic residency, and is a co-founder of the APTA credentialed upper extremity fellowship for ATI and the Kansas City Royals.

Chuck completed his Ph.D. in Human Movement Science from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2006. He completed an M.S. in Human Movement Science with a concentration in Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy from UNC in May of 2003. He earned his B.S. in Physical Therapy from East Tennessee State University in 1997. Chuck played football at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga in 1991-92 before becoming a student athletic trainer through 1995.

Dr. Thigpen has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters related to the prevention and treatment of shoulder pain. He has over 200 national and international podium research presentations and numerous invited lectures as an expert in the manage­ment of shoulder pain. He has led funded clinical trials examining the treatment of shoulder and knee pain, as well as the injuries in the pitching shoulder. He is currently leading initiatives evaluating the effectiveness of physical therapy triaged clinical pathways to deliver the Triple Aim, of increased patient satisfaction, superior clinical outcomes, at the lowest cost.