Emerald Coast Physical Therapy

Dr. McKinney graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy form the University of Alabama Birmingham in 2016. She has since completed further training to gain a specialty in pelvic floor dysfunctions and trigger point dry needling. In April 2019, Dr. McKinney and her husband, Brett, opened the doors to Emerald Coast Physical Therapy. You will often hear Dr. McKinney tell her patients that just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal. Dr. McKinney believes that education is power and invests in educating her patients, the community, medical professionals and future physical therapist. When not working she enjoys spending time with her 3 boys, one has 4 legs and the others have 2, traveling and discovering local eateries with her husband.

Robin has over 30 years of experience as a physical therapist. She received her Physical Therapy training in Stockton, California at the University of the Pacific. Upon graduation she moved to San Diego, CA and worked in a variety of settings treating clients in spinal cord rehab, outpatient stroke rehab, acute care hospital, sports medicine clinic, and outpatient orthopedic clinic. While working as a PT, she wanted to gain a better understanding of acute injuries and learn more techniques to add in recovery of her clients, so she became a certified Athletic Trainer. After 15 years in San Diego she moved to Niceville, Florida and continued to work in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy settings. She continually seeks ways to increase her knowledge and add more tools in assisting the recovery of her clients. Because of her prior history as a competitive gymnast and the enjoyment she feels working with balance and vestibular clients, this led her to become a vestibular certified therapist. She enjoys working with clients of all ages helping each one of them reach their recovery goals and return to living their best life. She utilizes many tools such as myofascial release techniques, functional dry needling, manual therapy, and therapeutic stretching and strengthening to aid in her client’s recovery. When away from work, Robin enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She enjoys working out, hiking, photography, learning new things and relaxing while watching a beautiful sunset at the beach or the mountains!

Dr. Joshua Stricklen grew up in Northwest MS where his hobbies were playing sports, hunting, and fishing with his dad and older brother, along with discussing the latest book he read with his mom. After high school, he attended Northwest MS Community College and obtained an Associate of Arts degree in Secondary Education in 2011. He then attended the University of Mississippi where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science in 2015. After working for a few years in residential construction with his dad, he attended the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences where he obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2021. After graduation, he moved to the panhandle with his fiancé and began working at Emerald Coast Physical Therapy. He is currently working toward his Manual Therapy Certification and will be certified in Dry Needling in December 2023. When Dr. Stricklen is not in the clinic he enjoys watching movies of any genre, the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Braves, and Ole Miss Rebels football and baseball teams. He also enjoys getting out in nature to hike, hunt, fish, and paddle board as a way to get exercise and relax.

Barb is a highly experienced physical therapist, having graduated from Arcadia University near Philadelphia, PA. She has successfully treated patients of all ages, with a wide range of orthopedic and sports injuries, and has extensive expertise in post-surgical rehabilitation. Her specialties also include treating gait and balance disorders, myofascial pain syndrome and crevicogenic headaches. With certifications in kinesiology taping from Rock Tape and dry needling, Barb's skill set is unmatched. She has previously worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer for high school and college athletics, futher endhancing her qualifications. Apart from her professional achievements, Barb has been a valued resident of Panama City since 2007. She relishes the opportunity to explore the local trails, beaches, camping sites, and loves spending time with her furry companions.

Chris was born and raised in northwest GA by two amazing parents, Rick and Debby, and a wonderful sister, Mandy, where he enjoyed playing various sports to include baseball, football, basketball, and soccer. After graduating from high school he attended Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN where he got an assocaites degree in Pre-Physical Therapy. Chris then transferred to Georgia Southern University where he earned a bachelors degree in Exercise Science in 2002. Upon completion of his bachelor's degree he moved back home to Dalton, GA and worked at Hamilton Medical Center in outpatient cardiac rehab for about a year and a half prior to deciding to go on to PT school. Chris attended PT school at the Medical College of Georgia where he earned his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy graduating in 2006. After graduation he moved to the FL panhandle where he has worked primarily in outpatient orthopedics but also has experience in home health care. He enjoys working with patients of all orthopedic diagnoses but his true passion is working with athletes and assisting them in returning to sports. After moving to the Destin area he met the love of his life, Tish, and married her in 2013. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, Andi in 2016 and then thier son Jace in 2018. He shares his love of sports with his family and enjoys coaching his children in soccer and baseball/softball and cheering on the Miami Hurricanes. When he does have some free time he trains in martial arts to include various forms of striking and grappling to improve his self defense and releave stress.

Dr. Travis Nelson earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Brenau University in 2022, following his undergraduate studies in Exercise Science at Murray State University in 2017. Prior to joining ECPT, Travis gained clinical experience in outpatient pediatrics and orthopedics in northeast Georgia and the Florida panhandle. His professional passion centers around helping individuals of all ages achieve their physical milestones and enhance their quality of life. In his free time, Travis enjoys drinking coffee and working on crossword puzzles, spending time at the beach and on the water, and embarking on new adventures, all with his best friend and most wonderful wife, Courtney.