Dr. Helen Harrod Clark, PT, DPT
Performance Physical Therapist
Specialties: runners, pelvic floor, pregnancy & postpartum, barbell lifting, blood flow restriction training, breathing mechanics, rock climbing, surfing, dry needling
Dr. Helen Harrod Clark, PT, DPT is a physical therapist with a deep-rooted passion for movement and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Helen’s journey to becoming a performance physical therapist began in high school where she became deeply interested in pursuing strength training to promote her own running performance in cross country and track. Her research and training programming brought her from last place in her races to top 7 on her team. This early experience of unlocking her own potential ignited a passion for helping others discover what they’re truly capable of achieving.
She continued competing in cross country at the University of New England, where she earned her Exercise Science degree before pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Tufts University School of Medicine. Since graduation, Helen has continued pushing her own boundaries through endurance racing. In 2023, she began competing in triathlons, completing sprint and Olympic distances with the goal of someday completing an Ironman.
Helen’s professional journey began in 2017 as a personal trainer, where she developed an eye for biomechanics and refined her approach to strength and conditioning programming. This foundation taught her that sustainable performance optimization requires more than just fixing movement patterns - it demands a comprehensive understanding of how the body adapts and thrives.
Her treatment philosophy centers on education and empowerment. Helen believes everyone deserves to understand how their body works and develop simple, sustainable habits that enhance performance and longevity. This holistic approach means she addresses far more than just movement, integrating education around nutrition, sleep hygiene, and stress management into her treatment plans. Her goal isn’t just helping clients recover from injury or return to sport - it’s teaching them how to optimize their performance long-term while building resilience against future injuries.
In 2018, Helen co-founded Breathe to Perform, recognizing that breathing was being overlooked as a performance tool. The company focused on improving breathing mechanics and educating university athletes and professionals about respiratory physiology to enhance aerobic capacity and build resilience. Her experiences in speaking and teaching through Breathe to Perform further strengthened her belief that small, foundational changes can create profound performance breakthroughs.
Helen’s holds certifications in Dry Needling, Blood Flow Restriction Training, and LSVT BIG for individuals with Parkinson’s.
Outside the clinic, you’ll likely find Helen running, surfing, rock climbing, hiking, or swimming. She approaches her personal adventures with the same curiosity and energy that drives her professional practice, constantly seeking new skills and experiences that can enhance the care she can provide her clients.
Helen looks forward to working with you to build sustainable practices that help you tackle your goals and continue pushing the boundaries of what you’re capable of achieving. Whether you’re recovering from injury, chasing a personal record, or simply wanting to move better for life, she’s committed to helping you discover new heights in your performance.
