Connor Hesselbirg
PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Connor received his doctoral degree in physical therapy from Stony Brook University, and completed his undergraduate degree in exercise science at Salisbury University, where he also ran cross country and track – though he grew up playing soccer.

In between college and graduate school, Connor coached his high school cross country team alongside his former coach and mentor. Around that same time, he also took on new running challenges of his own, starting with running his first marathon in 2017.His greatest achievement to date is winning (!) the Salisbury Marathon in 2021 and setting a course record, only three years after collapsing during that same race due to heat exhaustion.

As a runner himself dealing with his own training aches and pains, Connor understands the commitment it takes to perform at one’s best. He notes that to have a PT that knows what you’re going through and knows how to help you get better can be crucial for an athlete’s road to success and recovery, and that is what inspired him to pursue physical therapy – so he could help athletes get back to doing what they love.

The Skinny

  • Hometown: Kings Park, NY
  • College: Salisbury University
  • My teams: NY Yankees, NY Giants, NY Islanders, Oregon college sports 
  • Best way to stay active:  Running and more running, plus occasional hikes with friends
  • Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones

What I Like:

  • About working at FLPT: the work environment with how welcoming and cheerful the staff are to the patient’s and each other.
  • About FLPT patients: their drive and commitment. It is inspiring to be around hard working people that want to better themselves, whether it’s for upcoming races or for everyday life activities we may take for granted.
  • About running:  running is a community that brings all kinds of people together. Running is not like most sports where it can be competitive, but also has incredible sportsmanship and everyone is congratulating each other on their accomplishment, regardless of how fast or what place you get.