ABOUT

Melinda Halford is a licensed physical therapist with more than 25 years of experience integrating science, movement, and mindfulness into patient care.

She holds postgraduate certifications in Lymphedema Therapy (CLT), McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT), Integrative Lifestyle Medicine (ILM), and Medical Therapeutic Yoga (PYT).

Before founding Front Porch Physical Therapy, Melinda created and directed Skyland Physical Therapy in Asheville, NC—one of the region’s early niche clinics for specialized PT and OT care.

Her background in dance, yoga, and movement science gives her a unique ability to help people reconnect with strength, balance, and joy in movement.

CLINICAL APPROACH

Melinda’s work blends holistic physical therapy with integrative and lifestyle medicine. She uses a whole-person model, addressing the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and emotional aspects of health to help clients identify and resolve the root causes of pain or dysfunction.

Her approach unites conventional rehabilitation with mindfulness, breathwork, and lifestyle strategies.

Melinda partners closely with each patient to build personalized programs that empower self-healing and long-term wellness.

BACK GROUND AND PHILOSOPHY OF CARE

Melinda’s lifelong connection to movement began in the arts. With a Master of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography and a foundation in Movement Therapy, she taught and choreographed throughout the Southeast before transitioning to physical therapy in 1998.

Her passion for healing lies in helping others rediscover confidence in their bodies and their natural capacity to heal.

“All people have an innate ability to heal themselves,” Melinda says. “My role is to help identify the root problem through clinical diagnostics and create the conditions that allow healing to happen—through movement, awareness, and partnership.”