Melissa Hines, PT

she/her/hers

Dr. Melissa Hines is a licensed physical therapist in Massachusetts and the founder of Wellest, a pelvic health and integrative physical therapy practice dedicated to whole-body healing and compassionate care.

Melissa’s journey into physical therapy began in high school, after witnessing her mother go through breast cancer treatment. Despite her strength and resilience, Melissa’s mother was told by her care team that she was “at the end of the road” when it came to rehabilitation—yet she could barely lift her arm. That moment left a lasting impression. Melissa knew there had to be more. It became clear to her that women’s health was being overlooked, especially in recovery, and she set out to change that.

She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Simmons University, graduating magna cum laude. Early in her career, Melissa discovered pelvic floor therapy—an entire specialty she hadn’t been exposed to during PT school. At the time, few practitioners were treating pelvic health conditions, and she was drawn to the challenge, complexity, and the opportunity to provide hope where many had been dismissed. Her very first patient was an 18-year-old woman experiencing debilitating vaginal pain—someone who had been written off by provider after provider. From that moment, Melissa knew she had found her calling.

Melissa has completed extensive post-graduate training in pelvic floor physical therapy through the prestigious Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She is also trained in John Barnes Myofascial Release, Barral Institute Visceral Manipulation, Upledger Craniosacral Therapy, and is a certified GYROTONIC® instructor. She combines these holistic modalities with a strong foundation in orthopedic care, creating a thoughtful and intuitive approach to every treatment.

In addition to her clinical work, Melissa is co-founder of the Institute for Pelvic Health, an accredited online platform dedicated to educating nurse practitioners, midwives, and OBGYNs in pelvic health—helping to expand awareness and competency in this critical field. Wellest also hosts in-person training for healthcare professionals throughout the Boston area.

Melissa lives with her own autoimmune conditions, which has further fueled her commitment to listening deeply to patients and thinking outside the box when it comes to healing. Her personal experiences have shaped the core of Wellest’s mission: to normalize pelvic floor therapy, offer truly expert care, and ensure that no one is told they are "at the end of the road" when healing is still possible.

Melissa loves to read, be by the ocean, spend time with her family, and spread awareness about pelvic health.