Dr. Brandon Paulus is an O2X On-Site Human Performance Specialist with the Chesterfield County Fire Department, where he supports the physical readiness and long-term health of first responders. In this role, he applies his clinical background and performance expertise to reduce injury risk, improve movement quality, and enhance resilience across the tactical population.  

Brandon is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, earning his degree from Radford University in 2015. He is board certified in orthopaedics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, credentials that reflect advanced specialization in musculoskeletal evaluation and manual therapy. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and holds certifications in dry needling, spinal manipulation techniques, and blood flow restriction training.  Before joining O2X, Brandon served as a physical therapist supporting military special operations within the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). In this role, he provided human performance, rehabilitation, and return-to-duty guidance for candidates across the pre-selection, selection, and operational pipelines. He worked closely with tactical teams to manage complex injuries, enhance performance durability, and ensure operators were prepared for the physical demands of high-consequence missions.  Brandon also built a diverse civilian clinical career treating individuals with a holistic, movement-centered approach. His work emphasizes injury prevention, pain management, functional restoration, and optimizing athletic performance.

In addition to his clinical practice, he serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he teaches and mentors the next generation of clinicians.  With extensive experience spanning special operations, clinical practice, and tactical human performance, Brandon is committed to helping tactical athletes and first responders perform at their best, both on and off the job.