Parkersburg, WV – Balance Center
Address & Contact
2012 Garfield Avenue, Suite 4BParkersburg, WV 26101 Get Directions phone: 304-917-3672 fax: 304-917-3696
Ready to get started with physical therapy?
We understand how frustrating it is to feel trapped by pain and limitations. Our team is here to listen to you and create a treatment plan to get you back to the life you love. Take your first step toward living a pain-free life.
Parkersburg, WV 26101 Get Directions
Meet the Staff
Chris Covert completed his undergraduate degree in Exercise physical therapistlogy at West Virginia University in 2005 and obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from WVU in 2008. Following this, Chris completed post-professional orthopedic physical therapy residency training through Evidence in Motion in 2010. His residency training had a strong emphasis in orthopedic manual physical therapy and integrating high-quality research into clinical decision making. In 2010, Chris became a Board-certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. In 2015, he completed manual physical therapy fellowship training through Sports Medicine of Atlanta with a focus on efficient medical screening with direct access patients, along with integrating movement sciences and manual therapy to obtain optimal outcomes for patients.
In 2018, he became certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation through the American Institute of Balance. This certification, (AIB-VR), focuses on treating patients with Vestibular issues such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Vestibular hypofunctions causing balance issues.
Chris has been working with Mountain River Physical Therapy from 2008 to present as a Physical Therapist, Director of Clinical Development, and Site Coordinator of Clinical Education for Student Internships. He is a Manual Therapy Fellowship Mentor for Nxt Gen Institute of Physical Therapy (2015 to present). He periodically assists in the manual therapy labs with WVU DPT students during portions of their orthopedic/musculoskeletal coursework. Chris also serves as a lab assistant for Temporomandibular and Craniofacial courses with Mariano Rocabado.
Chris is certified in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA Levels I and II), Functional Dry Needling Levels I,II,& III (Kinetacore), Mulligan Mobilization with Movement Techniques, and ASTYM.
Chris’s hobbies and interests include traveling, hanging out with family and friends, golf, fishing, hiking, watching sports, attending physical therapy conferences, and WVU sports. Chris is married to his wife, Missy Covert, who is an Occupational Therapist and the Occupational Therapy Team Leader at Camden Clark Medical Center – WVU Medicine. Chris and Missy have an 8 year old daughter, Aspen, who is involved in Soccer, AWANA, and loves swimming. They enjoy traveling together, outdoor activities, and watching movies. They attend Fellowship Baptist Church.
Hear what other Mountain River patients have to say.
Her physical therapist took the time to explain how her home exercises would help during therapy and after. “I have continued using the exercises even though I have finished with my therapy.” She was happy with her therapy and everyone involved. Really excited that the exercises continue to help her with her arthritis.

Thanks so much for everything you have done for me. You have a very professional staff in a laid back atmosphere. You all worked me hard and still cared for my well being. To Ed & Melody, thank you for making me feel as if I was your only patient. You guys are great! Thanks…

I just wanted to thank you again for getting to the root of my knee pain so quickly and finding the remedy that took my ugly limp away. With the limp I looked like an old sixty-one, now I will be able to chase down anyone within ten years of my age. I took a…

I am extremely satisfied with the care and treatment that Justin, his assistant Jeff, and all the other great people at Mountain River Physical Therapy (gave me). They are knowledgeable, kind, and encouraging. When you allow them to treat you back to full health, you will not be disappointed.

… I recently used your facility for recovery from surgery on my spine. I think because of the great people there and their ability to really help and care for the patient’s needs, I was able to recover faster than normal.

Last week I was in Biloxi & Pascagoula, MS with other Wood County Habitat for Humanity folks putting new houses together… No major back or leg problems. An entire year has gone by without my needing your attention/care. I can now go up 2 flights of stairs without needing the railing.

I have done physical therapy a few times and I have never ever worked with such wonderful and kind people as you.

I can honesty say your staff and their buoyant attitudes made going to physical therapy an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I commend their professionalism and dedication to their patients.

You just can not imagine how much I appreciate you and your wisdom! If you had not found my torn patella tendon, I’d still be falling and the problem would have never been fixed!

Your smile and laughter kept my spirits high… while your expertise helped me get back on my feet. You have my thanks and gratitude for all the time you spent assisting my recovery.
