Erika Nelson-Wong, PT, DPT, Ph.D.

Biography 

​​​​Dr. Erika Nelson-Wong earned a B.S. in engineering physics from the Colorado School of Mines, M.S. and DPT from Regis University, as well as a Ph.D. in kinesiology with an emphasis in spine biomechanics from the University of Waterloo, where she studied predictive factors for low back pain development during prolonged postures. Her research agenda continues to focus on early identification, prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders in a variety of populations. Her clinical practice has included outpatient orthopaedics, home health care and industrial rehabilitation. She is active in multiple professional associations, including the American Physical Therapy Association, American and Canadian Societies for Biomechanics and United States Association for the Study of Pain. Nelson-Wong serves as associate editor for the Journal of Applied Biomechanics and is very active as a peer reviewer for multiple scientific journals.

Nelson-Wong completed a speciality certification in Integrated Behavioral Health through Evidence in Motion in 2023 and is also a May 2023 graduate of the Diversity Advocate Certification Program at Augustana University. Nelson-Wong teaches in the content areas of biomechanics, evidence-based practice, pain management and musculoskeletal management, practicing her teaching philosophy of engaging students to follow their curiosity, apply evidence to real-world scenarios and hone their critical thinking skills through self-directed inquiry. In her free time, Nelson-Wong enjoys being outside, rock climbing, trail running, bicycling and horseback riding.