Alex Vandegrift, DPT, CSCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy with a focus on hip preservation and return to sport rehabilitation.
Alex Vandegrift, DPT, CSCS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist who helps athletes, active adults, and individuals recovering from hip injuries return to movement with confidence. Her clinical approach combines evidence based rehabilitation with strength and conditioning principles to support long term joint health, performance, and injury prevention.
At Oceanside Physical Therapy, Alex works closely with patients experiencing hip pain, hip impingement (FAI), labral injuries, post surgical recovery, and movement limitations that affect both daily life and athletic performance. She develops individualized care plans that address biomechanics, mobility, strength, and functional movement to help patients move better and stay active.
A Personal Journey That Inspires Her Work
Alex’s passion for hip preservation and rehabilitation is deeply personal. As a former Division I soccer player, she experienced hip related injuries firsthand, including hip impingement (FAI), and understands the challenges that come with recovery while maintaining an active lifestyle.
Her own rehabilitation journey shaped the way she approaches patient care today. Alex understands both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery and works to create a supportive environment where patients feel confident throughout the process. Whether preparing for competition or simply wanting to stay active without pain, she helps patients build strength, resilience, and trust in their bodies.
Education and Professional Training
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Alex combines her doctoral level physical therapy education with advanced performance training knowledge, allowing her to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and athletic movement. Her background supports patients through every stage of recovery, from early rehabilitation to higher level functional training and return to sport progressions.
Clinical Focus and Areas of Interest
Hip preservation and hip rehabilitation
Return to sport rehabilitation
Post surgical hip recovery
Strength and conditioning based rehabilitation
Movement analysis and injury prevention
Sports performance and functional training
Active adult and athletic injury recovery
Alex collaborates closely with the Oceanside Physical Therapy team to support patients throughout every phase of care, from early rehabilitation to long term performance and joint protection.
A Patient Centered Approach
Alex believes successful rehabilitation goes beyond symptom relief. Her treatment philosophy focuses on understanding each patient’s goals, lifestyle, and movement patterns to create a plan that supports lasting results. She emphasizes education, progressive strengthening, and practical strategies patients can use both inside and outside the clinic.
Patients appreciate her supportive and motivating style, as well as her ability to translate complex movement concepts into clear and actionable steps. By combining clinical expertise with performance based training, Alex helps patients return to the activities they love with confidence and improved movement quality.
Who Alex Treats
- Competitive athletes (soccer, running, tennis, golf and more)
- Active adults
- Weekend warriors
- Post-operative patients
- Seniors wanting to stay strong, mobile, and independent
- Anyone recovering from hip, core, knee, or lower-extremity injury
No matter your age or activity level, her goal is the same — to help you move better, feel stronger, and return to what you love.
Conditions Alex Commonly Treats
- Hip impingement (FAI) & labral tears
- Core muscle injuries
- Hip stability & glute dysfunction
- ACL tears & post-op rehab
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
- Sports-related overuse injuries
- Strength deficits and movement inefficiencies
- Post-surgical recovery