About Us

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Dr. Jessica (Barhorst) Smith earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University (CMU) in Health Fitness and Rehabilitation in 2003. Immediately following she continued with courses in a Masters of Exercise Science program at CMU. In 2005 she returned to the Dayton area working as an exercise physiologist for Kettering Sports Medicine in their Sport Acceleration program. With her ACSM Health Instructor certification she also worked as a personal trainer for Neolimits, Centerville. In 2006 she was accepted in the inaugural University of Dayton (UD) Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. At the University of Dayton she served as a GA instructing in the program’s cadaver lab and as a tutor. Throughout her formal education with UD she began specialization in the foot and ankle during her clinical experiences and independent study. Upon graduation she earned the programs highest honor, the Student Achievement Award. In 2009, she joined Orion Physical Therapy Specialists. Here she continued her specialization in lower extremity biomechanics and fabrication of custom orthotics. Jessica has completed the coursework toward Manual Therapy Certification through the University of St. Augustine. Her primary areas of interest include running injuries and prevention, footwear, biomechanical video analysis, lower extremity problems, nutrition and recovery.

While attending the University of Dayton, she took part in research and co-authored a publication titled, “Glenohumeral Range of Motion and Lower Extremity Flexibility in Collegiate-Level Baseball Players”. She is second author for a case study titled, “Reconstruction of a Retracted Extensor Hallucis Longus (EHL) Laceration by Split Tendon Lengthening of the EHL and Tendon Augmentation with a Dermal Scaffold.”Jessica has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy program since 2009. She has taken part in teaching Orthopedics I and II labs, Orthopedics I and II problem based learning, Advanced Therapy, Medical Diagnostics problem based learning, and co-teaching undergraduate PT Seminar. She also serves as adjunct faculty at Touro College teaching a 4-day course in Foot and Ankle. Jessica has assisted in continuing education through Orion Physical Therapy Specialists, specifically, Integrated Rehabilitation of the Lumbar Spine and Pelvis and Integrated Rehabilitation of the Cervical Spine. Jessica has enjoyed speaking and lecturing in the community and yearly for the University of Dayton Triathlon Club on running injuries and footwear.