Tracy E. Boles

Tracy Boles is a Physical Therapist at VSI Physical Therapy with 25 years of physical therapy experience. She treats post-surgical spine patients, sports injuries, and general orthopedic conditions, and she returns to VSI after three years practicing abroad.

During any patient interaction, Tracy starts by listening. In her experience, the patient usually gives the clearest picture of what is going on before any hands-on testing begins, so the first visit is about hearing the whole story. From there she looks at the whole body rather than only the painful area, as the root cause of a painful symptom is often located somewhere other than where it hurts. Much of her treatment is education: what the tissue is actually doing, how to load it safely, and how to change the everyday body movements that keep re-aggravating it. The treatment plan follows what her findings show and the next step that the patient is ready for.

She is passionate about helping patients who are undergoing post-surgical spine rehabilitation, sports injuries, and orthopedic conditions involving the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and neck. She is certified in dry needling and uses it alongside hands-on, manual therapy and functional exercise where it fits for the patient. When Tracy is asked about a patient milestone she is proud of, she does not describe a finish line. She describes someone standing up out of a chair without pain. It’s the small victories that can make big differences right away.

Tracy practiced at VSI Physical Therapy from 2021-2023 and then spent three years practicing in Hong Kong, working as a solo practitioner supporting the diplomatic community at the U.S. Consulate. In her career, Tracy has spent nine years overseas supporting the diplomatic community in Thailand, Italy, and Hong Kong. She was drawn back to VSI because she truly values working within this team and environment. Tracy describes VSI PT as a cohesive team of therapists who genuinely care about patients and are passionate about learning and growing in their practice.

Tracy’s athletic background and love for skiing, tennis, and track drew her to pursue physical therapy as a career. Before starting PT school, she coached high school track and field for three years, finding a passion for helping other people train and rehab from injuries. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling, reading, and listening to live music.