My Locations
Specialties
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
- Rock Climbing
Biography
Dr. Jessica Hightower – Expert in Sports & Outdoor Athlete Rehabilitation
Dr. Jessica Hightower is a dedicated physical therapist with a passion for helping athletes and outdoor enthusiasts achieve peak performance and recover from injuries. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of South Carolina in 2020 and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Georgia State University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science. While at Georgia State, she competed as a Division 1 Beach Volleyball athlete, giving her firsthand experience with the dedication and physical demands required to perform at the highest level while staying injury-free.
Expertise & Special Interests
Dr. Hightower’s diverse clinical background stems from her time as a traveling physical therapist, where she completed 11 assignments across seven states in various clinical settings. This experience has equipped her with a broad skill set in treating patients across different ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Now, as she joins the ProMotion team in Columbia, she is eager to apply her expertise to help patients reach their movement and performance goals.
Her areas of specialization include:
- Sports Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation – Helping athletes return to peak performance through targeted rehabilitation programs.
- Climbing & Outdoor Athlete Performance – Specializing in treating rock climbers, hikers, paddlers, and endurance athletes to optimize movement and prevent injury.
- Comprehensive Movement Analysis – Using a whole-body approach to assess and improve biomechanics for long-term health and performance.
- Patient-Centered Rehabilitation – Developing individualized treatment plans that address both physical recovery and long-term wellness.
Passion for Climbing & Outdoor Sports
Dr. Hightower is an avid climber and outdoor enthusiast, which fuels her passion for treating athletes and active individuals. She understands the unique physical demands of climbing, running, biking, and endurance sports and works closely with patients to improve mobility, strength, and injury resilience. Whether helping climbers build grip strength, runners refine their mechanics, or paddlers prevent overuse injuries, she brings a specialized perspective to her patient care.
Life Beyond the Clinic
When she’s not working with patients, Dr. Hightower can be found climbing, running, biking, swimming, paddling, hiking, or camping—rain or shine. She also enjoys fueling her adventures by creating in the kitchen and baking sweet treats. Her active lifestyle translates into her approach to physical therapy, where she helps others return to the activities they love.
Education
Georgia State University - College of Education and Human Development
- Bachelor's in Exercise Science
University of South Carolina - Arnold School of Public Health
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
Certifications
Dry Needling
Affiliations & Memberships
Member - American Physical Therapy Association
