SPORTS MEDICINE & REHAB SERVICES
get well with us
University Physical Therapy is THE choice for outstanding sports rehabilitation, physical therapy and occupational therapy services. With our eight locations in Blacksburg, West Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Dublin, Pearisburg, Radford, Roanoke & Salem, Virginia, we are conveniently located throughout the New River Valley.
The staff at University Physical Therapy has two main objectives:
- We strive to provide quality physical therapy services with the best possible outcomes for our patients.
- We are committed to providing consistent effective coverage and services to competitive and recreational athletes.
UNIVERSITY PHYSICAL THERAPY IS UNIQUE IN THE NEW RIVER VALLEY
- We offer extended hours of treatment for greater convenience
- We promote independence and control throughout the patient’s time in physical therapy
- We believe strongly in educating the patient to prevent further injury
- We offer individualized plans of care to get you back faster
- We specialize in caring for most musculoskeletal injuries, especially the unique injuries that occur in athletics
- A hands-on approach to assessment and treatment of certain kinds of physical conditions
- We offer appointment times for initial evaluations typically between 24-48 hours of calling
University Physical Therapy has opened several locations throughout the New River Valley to offer the best care and convenience possible to our neighbors in the surrounding areas.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is to provide the highest quality therapy through personalized care and education. We support creative and individualized therapeutic planning, education and intervention. Our personalized approach ensures patient comprehension and enhances proper treatment progression to maximize patient wellness.
Insurances We Accept
University Physical Therapy is continuously adding new health plans. Please call one of our offices and inquire if your plan is not listed. Insurances not listed may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Anthem Health Keepers
- Cigna (case by case)
- Mamsi
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Southern Health
- TriCare
- Worker’s Compensation
GETTING TO KNOW US
MIKE GOFORTH, MS, ATC, OWNER
Michael W. Goforth, MS, ATC has been with University Physical Therapy since 2000 in the capacity of equity owner and consultant. Goforth is also the head athletic trainer for Virginia Tech Football and Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine where he oversees a staff of 11 Certified Athletic Trainers, 10 graduate assistants and nearly 60 students and interns.
In addition, Goforth works closely with team physicians, team chiropractor, nutritionist, sport psychologist and a host of other specialists.
Goforth came to Virginia Tech in 1998 from Hamilton Medical Center where he directed the Sports Medicine Outreach program as well as the Bradley Wellness Center. Prior to that, he was the Director of Sports Medicine at Tusculum College where he was involved in industrial medicine, high school outreach, in-house physical therapy services as well as caring for the Pioneer athletes involved in 13 sports.
Michael graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. He received his Masters in Sports Administration from Virginia Tech and is pursuing a Doctorate degree in Health Education.
Goforth takes great pride in the training he has received while in college from two of the all-time great athletic trainers, Jerry Robertson (ETSU) and Eddie Ferrell (VT)
“I have been blessed to have studied under two great athletic trainers who were even better gentlemen. The experience and knowledge I gained from those two are immeasurable and I am forever indebted.” – Mike Goforth
In addition to his busy professional life, Goforth is married to his wife Tracy and has two sons; Ethan and Luke. Both boys are very active in baseball, football, wrestling and basketball. Goforth’s favorite activities include coaching youth baseball, caring for the local baseball fields and any outdoor activities with his family.
TYLER BOWERSOCK, DPT, CSCS, OWNER
Tyler Bowersock, DPT, CSCS, joined the University Physical Therapy team in 2010 opening the Roanoke clinic and the Salem clinic shortly thereafter. As the director of the Roanoke clinic, Tyler treats a diverse patient population ranging from high school athletes to elderly men and women eager to maintain a high quality of life. Tyler and his enthusiastic team of health and administrative professionals work together to help serve the needs of the community.
Tyler has worked as a physical therapist since earning his doctorate degree from Ohio University in 2006. There he gained valuable experiences such as working on NIH studies in the motor control lab studying low back pain and ACL tears in female athletes.
Previously Tyler earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton in Exercise Science. Also during his time as a student-athlete at Dayton, Tyler earned four league championships and served as captain his senior year leading the Flyers to a mid-major National Championship.
Tyler maintains his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification helping him stay on top of cutting edge training for developing and preventing injuries in athletes and also continuing to compete himself. He continues to push his physical limits by completing 24-hour adventure races and half and full distance Ironman triathlons.
Tyler resides in Roanoke with his wife Allison and son, TJ. They are a fitness oriented family willing to climb mountains in the Blue Ridge or compete on the greenways. They are known to place in local races earning them the nickname of the Bowersock Dynasty.
“Don’t count the days, make the days count!” – Tyler Bowersock
Services
Additional programs are available. Contact us for information on additional or specialty programs you may need.
- Strains/Sprains
- Neck & Head Aches
- Low Back/Spine Conditions
- Pre & Post Surgical Rehabilitation
- Arthritis/DJD
- Tendonitis
- Surgical Repairs/Reconstruction
- Injury Assessment, Treatment, Education & Prevention
- Athletic Training Outreach
- Gait Analysis
- Knee, Shoulder, Foot and Ankle Rehab
- Overhead Athlete (Throwing Injuries)
- Sports Performance Enhancement
- Kinesiotaping
- Personal Training
- Endurance Training
- Injury Assessment, Treatment, Education & Prevention
- Athletic Training Outreach
- Knee, Shoulder, Foot and Ankle Rehab
- Overhead Athlete (Throwing Injuries)
- Sports Performance Enhancement
- Personal Training
- Endurance Training
- Work Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Post-Offer Employment Testing
- Work Conditioning
- Ergonomic Analysis
- Stroke
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Parkinson’s
- Head Injury
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Balance and Fall Prevention
- Cancer Related Fatigue
- TMJ
- Patient Education
- Manual Therapy
- Joint Mobilization
- Customized Exercise Program
- Isokinetic Testing
- Electrical Stimulation
Patient Forms
For your convenience, you may print and complete these forms prior to your first visit.
New Patient Registration Form Packet | Download
Internship Application Forms
Volunteer Intern Agreement (college level students | Download )
Student Observation Agreement (high school students | Download)
Physician Use
Prescription Form | Download
This copy may be faxed, mailed or hand delivered to the clinic. DO NOT EMAIL PRESCRIPTION.
Forms
FAQ
For Additional Questions Please Contact Us
Physical Therapy (PT) is the treatment of disorders with physical agents and methods such as therapeutic exercises, mobilization, electrical and light modalities to assist in rehabilitating patients and restoring normal function after illness or injury.
Physical therapy is a necessary tool to bring a patient back to their full, physical potential. Physical therapy care focuses primarily on the rehabilitation of motor skills, range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Physical therapy also focuses on teaching preventative measures to patients in order to prevent further injury and pain.
Physical therapists can address a number of different needs. Specialized treatments include:
Manual Therapy
Therapeutic Exercise
Spine Care & Rehabilitation
Sports Related Injuries & Conditions
Pain Management
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Post MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) Rehab
Work Related Injuries & Evaluations (i.e. FCE’s)
Cancer Related Fatigue
Balance & Fall Prevention
and many others…
A Physical Therapist is a person who is licensed in the examination, testing and treatment of persons with pain and loss of function. A licensed physical therapist will have graduated from an accredited physical therapy school and passed state licensure.
Yes. The choice of where you receive therapy is always yours. While the majority of our patients come to us by physician referral/recommendation, many clients request to see us due to our strong clinical reputation in the community.
Yes. A physician referral is required by your health insurance plan for you to be seen by a licensed therapist. We also offer treatments, services and/or products that do NOT require a referral and are available on a self pay basis.
A referral must be obtained for physical therapy. Insurance coverage differs with each carrier. Most will pay for a significant percentage of your treatment. As a courtesy, we will call your insurer to give you an idea of your coverage. We encourage you to also call your insurer to confirm the coverage and benefits we quoted. Some physical therapists provide certain treatments that are NOT covered by insurance, but are available on a cash payment basis. If this is an available option for your treatment, we will inform you in advance.
As a service to our patients, we will gladly file claims with your insurance company on your behalf. In order to appropriately submit these claims, we will need to obtain a copy of your insurance identification card to ensure that we have the necessary information.
On your first visit to the clinic, your therapist will conduct an evaluation of your problem. This process usually lasts between 60-90 minutes. The evaluation is necessary to create a program designed specifically to address your needs for a full recovery.
On your first visit you will need to bring a few things. You will need to bring the referral slip from your doctor. You will also need to bring your insurance cards and a Photo I.D. If you are getting therapy as a result of a worker’s compensation claim or an automobile accident, you will also need to bring your claim information, including claim number. Please make sure to arrive 15 minutes early on your first visit to fill out any necessary paperwork.
You want to be as comfortable as possible when you go in for your appointment. Most therapists will recommend that you come in sweatpants or shorts, a T-shirt or tank-top and sneakers.
Each visit will last 60 – 90 minutes on average. Times vary due to the treatment and exercises being performed.
The regularity of your visits will be determined after your initial evaluation, but most patients have 2-3 visits each week scheduled. You can also continue your treatments at home using information provided by your therapist.
Most patients will notice a difference by the 2nd or 3rd visit. Obviously, everyone is different and response times to treatment may vary. If you feel that you are not progressing on schedule, please consult your therapist and express your concerns.
Modern day physical therapy was developed in London in the 1890’s
Many physical therapy clinics have athletic trainers on staff
Your therapist works closely with your doctor to ensure your treatment is “just what the doctor ordered.”
Links
PT&Me is an educational site for patients interested in or considering physical, occupational, and/or hand therapy.
An integrated approach towards the evaluation, management & treatment of soft tissue injuries in the workplace. From Hiring to Retiring.
VCOM/ Virginia Tech Sports Medicine
University Physical Therapy clinicians participate in continuing education events in conjunction with the sports medicine fellowship.
Virginia Physical Therapy Association (VPTA)
The Virgnia Physical Therapy Association (VPTA) is a component of the American Physical Therapy Association. It’s goal is to is to advance excellence, quality, and accessibility of physical therapy through advocacy, education, research, and services.
National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
The mission of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is to enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers and to advance the athletic training profession.
Biodex Balance System
The Biodex Balance System SD has been designed to meet the needs of everyone looking to improve balance, increase agility, develop muscle tone and treat a wide variety of pathologies.
