Chelsea Burdick, DPT & Owner of BURD Physical Therapy named BEST Physical therapist in Rochester

We are proud and excited to share that Chelsea Burdick, DPT has been awarded the 'Best Physical Therapist' in Rochester Community Choice 2025 Awards. Community Choice Awards is an annual recognition ceremony where Rochester area residents vote in a wide range of categories. This recognition is special because the people of Rochester chose, nominated, and voted for Dr. Burdick.

Chelsea and Adam Burdick opened BURD Physical Therapy's first clinic in 2019. In 2025, BURD PT now has 3 clinics in the Rochester area - Webster, Pittsford, and Fairport.

BURD Physical Therapy has worked with patients over the years with the goal of lasting results through traditional and innovative physical therapy treatments.

We sat down with Chelsea Burdick to look back at her journey as a physical therapist and what she hopes for BURD's future.

What do you think makes a good physical therapist according to you?

A good physical therapist is someone who empathizes with the individual’s pain, impairment or weakness. It is someone who lends a hand and a listening ear, not only regarding the person’s physical problems but sometimes other problems life hands them. It’s someone who is creative and willing to think outside the box when it comes to helping each individual person. A good physical therapist takes the person’s individual goals into account and shares their passion with reaching those goals.  

What made you want to become a physical therapist?  

Like many physical therapists, I was very involved in sports while growing up. I experienced an injury at 14 that sidelined me from an entire soccer season. I spent 8 weeks on crutches and had my first experience with going to physical therapy. As eager as I was to get back onto the field, this experience opened my eyes to this career and how rewarding it can be.

What is your favorite part of helping patients through their recovery? 

My favorite part of helping others is when they come into the clinic, eager to share good news about something they were able to do that they have not been able to do before. Their goals become our goals, and we share the joy and excitement when they reach them. 

What keeps you passionate about physical therapy?

I enjoy being in the outpatient setting and being able to treat a wide variety of conditions. It allows me to develop a strong relationship with all of my patients, and it allows me to stay connected with the community. What keeps me going is seeing how much of a positive impact we have on others. 

BURD Physical Therapy among Top 3 Physical Therapy Clinics in Rochester

We are also excited to share that BURD Physical Therapy was named among the Top 3 Physical Therapy Clinics in Rochester in the Community Choice Awards.

What is in the future for BURD Physical Therapy?

The future of BURD PT is a positive one. I hope we continue to grow and be able to help as many people in our community as possible. I hope that we become a leader in the healthcare world and that the general public begins to think of physical therapists as injury prevention specialists, rehabilitation specialists and experts in human movement. 

Thank you to everyone who nominated, voted and trusted us!

Check out all the 2026 winners of the D&C Community Choice and learn more about the Democrats and Chronicles Community Choice Awards.