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Derek James Clewley

Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy
311 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Dr. Clewley is an educator, clinical researcher, physical therapist, and mentor in the DPT program. His specific area of expertise and training is orthopaedics and manual physical therapy.  He has achieved board certification in orthopaedics, and is recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. He has a PhD with primary research interests in health seeking behavior, pain science, manual therapy, clinical practice guideline development and implementation, and dry needling.  Dr. Clewley has extensive experience in the development of continuing education, residency, and fellowship post graduate training programs.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery · 2021 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy, Orthopaedic Surgery

Recent Publications


Caution is necessary in interpreting musculoskeletal physiotherapy intervention outcomes: a methodological review of physiotherapy neuromusculoskeletal reviews.

Journal Article J Man Manip Ther · June 2025 OBJECTIVES: The physiotherapy literature lacks high-quality, registered systematic reviews (SRs) and 'trustworthy' randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It is unknown whether considering quality and 'trustworthiness' impact publication bias, heterogeneity, ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Effect of dry needling on pain and function in the management of subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists · 2017 - 2025

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Education, Training & Certifications


Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions · 2018 Ph.D.
Shenandoah University · 2007 D.P.T.