Roy H. Bechtel

Roy H. Bechtel serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. A licensed physical therapist in California, Maryland, and New York, he maintains active clinical practice while contributing to academic programs through teaching, research, and institutional service.

His educational foundation includes:

• BA in Urban Studies from College of Wooster (1973)
• BS in Physical Therapy from University of Maryland, Baltimore (1979)
• MA in Physical Therapy from New York University (1982)
• PhD in Biomechanics from University of Maryland (1998) with dissertation on sacroiliac joint biomechanics

Dr. Bechtel's research centers on biomechanics and orthopedic rehabilitation, with deep expertise in sacroiliac joint function, low back pain mechanisms, and manual therapy techniques. His work bridges clinical practice and scientific inquiry, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to musculoskeletal disorders. He has pioneered investigations into electrotherapy applications, spinal biomechanics, and post-surgical rehabilitation protocols, maintaining strong connections between laboratory research and clinical implementation.

His publication record from 1991-2007 reveals consistent focus on biomechanical analysis of joints and rehabilitation interventions. Key trends include quantitative assessment of soft tissue responses to therapy, surgical outcome measurement, and neuromuscular control in orthopedic conditions. His work demonstrates methodological rigor in both laboratory-based biomechanics and clinically applicable assessments.

Notable recognitions include:

• Double Faculty of the Year award (1990 and 2011) from University of Maryland Physical Therapy Department
• Alumni of the Year (2011) from UMSOM Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
• 'Health Care Professional Hero' designation by Maryland Daily Record (2003)
• Inclusion in 'Who's Who Among America's Teachers' (2006-2007)

As an educator, Dr. Bechtel advised capstone projects in the post-professional DScPT program and taught foundational courses in kinesiology, biomechanics, and evidence-based practice for over a decade. His institutional service spanned admissions committees, technology initiatives, and graduate faculty roles. He served as ad-hoc reviewer for major journals including Physical Therapy, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, and Journal of Biomechanics, contributing significantly to scholarly discourse.

At the Frenkel Outpatient Rehabilitation Service (UMMC), Dr. Bechtel maintains clinical practice as a manual orthopedic physical therapist with 20 patient visits weekly (20% FTE). His clinical work directly informs his teaching and research, particularly in developing continuing education courses on manual techniques for hospital staff and the APTA of Maryland.