About Fortitude Performance Physical Therapy
Strength Through Recovery
Our Commitment to Strength and Recovery
At Fortitude Performance Physical Therapy, recovery goes beyond pain relief — it’s about building strength, resilience, and confidence. Founded by Dr. Zach Dixon, a U.S. military veteran and Doctor of Physical Therapy, Fortitude is built on values that define military service: integrity, discipline, and perseverance.
Based in Highland Village, Texas, we proudly serve athletes, active adults, and members of our military and first responder communities across the DFW area with personalized, results-driven care that helps you move better, recover faster, and perform stronger.
Veteran-Owned. Performance-Driven. Patient-Focused.
We’re 100% veteran and family-owned, bringing accountability and purpose to every session. Each appointment is one-on-one for a full hour, giving you complete focus and a plan designed around your goals — not insurance limitations. Our cash-based model gives you freedom and flexibility, with customized treatment that blends manual therapy, dry needling, shockwave therapy, and performance training to help you get back to what you love — pain-free and stronger than before.
Meet Zach
Dr. Zachary Dixon, Founder
Dr. Zachary Dixon is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, U.S. Navy veteran, and founder of Fortitude Performance PT. He earned his DPT from UT Southwestern and now helps patients move better, recover faster, and perform stronger.
Before becoming a physical therapist, Zach served as a Navy EOD Technician — the elite “bomb squad” unit within special operations — where precision and peak performance were critical. That experience gave him a deep understanding of the physical and mental demands placed on athletes, tactical professionals, and high performers. At home, Zach is a husband of 12 years and father to two active kids — one passionate about baseball and football, the other a competitive equestrian jumper like her mom. He understands what it takes to keep active families and athletes healthy, resilient, and performing at their best. Zach specializes in manual therapy, dry needling, and shockwave therapy, using a targeted, evidence-based approach. He also offers lifting form checks, custom strength programs, and injury prevention strategies. Whether you’re a lifter, runner, rider, or just want to stay pain-free, Zach brings tactical discipline and personalized care to help you stay strong for the long haul.
What a DPT + CSCS Can Do for Athletes
A professional who holds both a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) offers athletes a powerful combination of medical expertise and high-level performance training. This dual credential bridges the gap between rehabilitation and peak athletic performance.
Injury Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation (DPT)
- Identify the root cause of pain or injury, not just symptoms
- Assess movement quality, joint mobility, tissue health, and biomechanics
- Provide manual therapy, corrective exercise, and pain management
- Establish clear, objective return-to-sport criteria
Strength, Power, and Conditioning (CSCS)
- Design progressive, evidence-based strength programs
- Safely load injured or previously injured tissues
- Improve speed, power, agility, and endurance
- Develop sport-specific conditioning plans.
The Rehab-to-Performance Bridge
This is where the DPT + CSCS combination truly stands out. Rather than stopping at pain relief or basic rehab, the athlete is guided through a seamless progression back to full sport demands.
- Transition from rehab exercises to athletic training
- Reintroduce sprinting, jumping, cutting, throwing, or lifting safely
- Reduce re-injury risk by restoring full capacity and confidence
Benefits Across Athlete Populations
Youth & High School Athletes:
- Injury prevention during growth spurts
- Proper movement mechanics before poor habits develop
- Safe introduction to strength training
College & Competitive Athletes:
- Faster, safer return-to-play timelines
- In-season load management
- Performance gains without sacrificing health
Adult & Recreational Athletes:
- Train hard without chronic pain
- Programs that respect past injuries
- Long-term athletic longevity
Why This Matters
A DPT + CSCS treats the athlete as a whole — not just a diagnosis or a fitness goal. By combining medical expertise with performance science, athletes receive smarter training, fewer setbacks, and better long-term results.
Why “Fortitude”?
“Fortitude” represents courage, resilience, and strength — qualities that define not only the military but also the recovery process. Every patient who walks through our doors is treated as a partner in their own progress, encouraged to push through challenges and build lasting results. We’re here to help you recover with purpose — and move forward with fortitude.
Ready to Get Started?
