Dr. Joline Chang, PT, DPT, CSCS

Physical Therapist - Ballard

Orthopedic and Bike Fit Specialist

 

Who I am.

I’m a physical therapist, runner, climber, snowboarder, cyclist, ultimate frisbee player, foodie, dog owner, and enthusiastic collector of Google Maps pins.

I was born on the West Coast but spent most of my childhood and early adulthood in the Chicagoland area. Even while growing up in the Midwest, I always felt drawn back to the mountains, forests, and outdoor lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest. After earning my Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Governors State University, I finally made my way west and haven’t looked back.

These days, you’ll usually find me outside—running, climbing, hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, biking, or playing ultimate frisbee. Movement and adventure have always been a huge part of who I am, and being active has connected me with incredible communities and some of my favorite experiences. That’s also what draws me to helping others return to the activities they love.

When I’m not in the clinic or outside, I’m usually spending time with my partner and our dogs, or working through a never-ending list of restaurant recommendations. (Ask me about my Google Maps saved places at your own risk.)

My Why.

I’ve had my own fair share of injuries over the years—some of which temporarily sidelined me from the activities that are most important to me. Through those experiences, I’ve come to understand not only the physical challenges of injury, but also the mental and emotional frustration that comes with feeling disconnected from the things you love to do.

My path into physical therapy grew out of a combination of passions: strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, movement science, and pain science. I’ve always known I wanted to work in healthcare, but I was drawn to physical therapy because it offered something unique—a career centered around building relationships, listening to people’s stories, and partnering with them throughout their recovery.

I love helping people regain confidence in their bodies and return to the activities that bring purpose, joy, and connection to their lives. Whether that’s completing a race, getting back to climbing, preparing for a backpacking trip, or simply moving through daily life with less pain, I’m passionate about helping people reach goals that matter to them.

What I do.

I believe physical therapy should be individualized, collaborative, and empowering.

Every person who walks through the door has different goals, experiences, and motivations. My role is to help you understand your body, address the root causes of your symptoms, and build a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

I combine hands-on treatment, strength training, movement analysis, dry needling, and education to help people move more efficiently, recover from injury, and build resilience for whatever adventures lie ahead. I also utilize pain science principles when appropriate to help patients better understand their symptoms, reduce fear around movement, and build confidence in their recovery.

As both an athlete and clinician, I especially enjoy working with runners, climbers, outdoor enthusiasts, and active adults who want to continue doing what they love for years to come.

Specialties.

  • Running-related injuries

  • Bike Fit

  • Dry Needling

  • Climbing athletes

  • Hiking and backpacking athletes

  • Snowboarding injuries

  • Ultimate frisbee and field sport athletes

  • Shoulder injuries

  • Foot, ankle, knee, and hip injuries

  • Return-to-sport rehabilitation

  • Strength and conditioning for active adults

Where you’ll find me.

Outside the clinic, you’ll likely find me on a trail, at a climbing gym, on a snowboard, chasing a frisbee, exploring a new restaurant, or planning the next adventure with my partner and our dogs.

Education.

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy — Governors State University

  • Bachelor of Science — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength and Conditioning Association

  • Dry Needling Certified