Patty Trela, PT, DPT, CMPT, SCS, Cert.DN, P.T. Sports Residency Coordinator:
Dr. Trela is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with a focus in Sports Medicine physical therapy and rehabilitation. Dr. Trela has been a practicing physical therapist at the University of Utah Sports Medicine Clinic, now the University Orthopaedic Center, since 1990. She graduated from Temple University with a B.S in Physical therapy (1986) and then Creighton University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (2005). Additionally, she is Certified in Orthopedic Manual therapy through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. Dr. Trela is an ABPTS board certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS). She is also certified in trigger point dry needling. She has won awards: 2008 Utah Physical Therapist of the Year award and the Orthopedic Center Bone award. Dr. Trela has published 1) APTA's "CCCE reference manual for Physical Therapists", 2002 and 2) “ Injuries and Rehabilitation in Kayaking and Canoeing”, Chapter 40 in Women in Sport, IOC Encyclopedic Book of Sports Medicine, 2000. She developed the “Build a Bone” Program at the UUOC in 2005, an osteoporosis prevention and treatment program; which is currently run by the University of Utah Wellness and Integrative Health.
Dr. Trela primarily sees patients at the University of Utah Orthopaedic Center where she treats most musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and sports related injuries. She also sees patients at the Orthopedic Injury Clinic where she works as part of a multidisciplinary acute injury team. She helped develop the Sports Residency Program and currently coordinates this program. Dr. Trela also serves as a Commissioner for CAPTE and has been a CAPTE site visitor since 2000.
In addition to her clinical position, Dr. Trela is an adjunct instructor within the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic training where she teaches courses related to orthopedic and sports physical therapy.