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SPORTS MEDICINE & REHAB SERVICES

get well with us

[Updated 3/23]

University Physical Therapy is THE choice for outstanding sports rehabilitation, physical therapy and occupational therapy services. With our nine locations in Blacksburg, West Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Dublin, Pearisburg, Radford, Roanoke, Salem & Daleville, Virginia, we are conveniently located throughout the New River Valley.

The staff at University Physical Therapy has two main objectives:

  1. We strive to provide quality physical therapy services with the best possible outcomes for our patients.
  2. 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

MikeGoforthMIKE 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.

TylerBowersockTYLER 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.

Orthopedic Care

  • Strains/Sprains
  • Neck & Head Aches
  • Low Back/Spine Conditions
  • Pre & Post Surgical Rehabilitation
  • Arthritis/DJD
  • Tendonitis
  • Surgical Repairs/Reconstruction

Orthopedic Care

  • 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

Sports Medicine

  • 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

Worker's Compensation / Rehabilitation

  • Work Rehabilitation
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Post-Offer Employment Testing
  • Work Conditioning
  • Ergonomic Analysis

Neurological Rehab

  • Stroke
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Parkinson’s
  • Head Injury

Specialty Programs

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Balance and Fall Prevention
  • Cancer Related Fatigue
  • TMJ
  • Patient Education

Treatments Offered

  • Manual Therapy
  • Joint Mobilization
  • Customized Exercise Program
  • Isokinetic Testing
  • Electrical Stimulation

Patient Forms

Patient Forms

For your convenience, you may print and complete these forms prior to your first visit.

New Patient Registration Form Packet | Download

This copy may be faxed, mailed or hand delivered to the clinic. DO NOT EMAIL FORM.

Internship Application Forms

Volunteer Intern Agreement (college level students | Download )

Student Observation Agreement (high school students | Download)

Physician Use

Physician Use

Prescription Form | Download

This copy may be faxed, mailed or hand-delivered to the clinic. DO NOT EMAIL PRESCRIPTION.

Forms

PAIN QUESTIONNAIRES

Functional Outcome Questionnaires

Please fill out the appropriate survey prior to your first visit.

Arm, Shoulder and/or Hand Pain | Download

Low Back Pain | Download

Lower Extremity Pain | Download

Neck Disability | Download

Monthly Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter

The Therapy Connection | Download

FAQ

For Additional Questions Please Contact Us

What is Physical Therapy?

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.

What Types of Physical Therapy are There?

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…

Who is a Physical Therapist?

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.

Can I choose where I want to have therapy?

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.

Do I need a physician referral to receive therapy?

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.

Does my insurance cover treatment?

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.

Does your facility submit claims to my insurance company?

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.

Your First Visit:

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.

What do I bring on my first visit?

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.

What do I wear?

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.

How long is each visit?

Each visit will last 60 – 90 minutes on average. Times vary due to the treatment and exercises being performed.

How often do I go to treatment?

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.

When will I see results?

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.

Did you know?

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.”

"This has been a great experience. The therapists were wonderful, kind, considerate as well as knowing their business so well. I'll always refer to others to this place."

West Blacksburg

“Awesome! I love the people and atmosphere. You guys are super!”

Donna

“Kelly is the whole University PT team. She was great and really worked hard rehabbing a dance injury. I saw significant improvement.”

West Blacksburg

Thanks to University PT. I feel that I am not only in much better shape, but that I can look forward to staying much more active in the future by continuing on the program given to me. Thanks.”

Blacksburg

“The staff is amazing and did an excellent job with my rehab. I am very pleased with my experience at the clinic. It could not have been any better. Thanks to all of you!!!”

West Blacksburg

“Thank you so much! You have made my life soooo much better!! I was able to do things I feared I would never do again. Thank you again.”

West Blacksburg

“This physical therapy experience was far better than any PT experiences I have had. The caring atmosphere and constant encouragement have made a huge difference. You guys are awesome! Thank you for everything!”

West Blacksburg

“Thank you so much for all your great work, encouragement, and patience with a graying middle aged man. I particularly appreciate the support through periods of frustration. Definitely helped me to stick with it when I was discouraged.”

Shawn, West Blacksburg

“The staff was extremely helpful and encouraging in helping with anything I needed. They made care convenient and easy to accommodate into my work schedule. They gave me guidance and the push I need to get back to normal. I am very happy that I did my physical therapy at this facility.”

West Blacksburg

“Everyone at this facility was wonderful to work with. I felt listened to and they really understood how to help me recover from my injury. They are all also really nice and fun to talk to.”

West Blacksburg

“Friendly staff and atmosphere. Responsive to my needs even to the point of choosing music I like. Results have been great. Thanks much!”

West Blacksburg

“Hello! I have never had therapy before so my first experience was a GREAT one! Everyone here is positive and caring! Melissa was kind, patient and always encouraging me (Kim as well)! Thank you for helping me through this month of PT!”

West Blacksburg

“Everybody was great to work with – efficient & kept me moving with much improved results and mobility”

West Blacksburg

“Good to have different PT’s working with me as each has new ideas for helping me. Everyone was friendly, willing to answer questions, explain procedures. Always took me right on time – happy not to have to wait. Everyone was knowledgeable. Appointments easy to get.”

West Blacksburg

“Pre-Hab on knee #2 (while rehabbing knee #1) made a huge difference.”

West Blacksburg

“Thank you guys so much for helping me get back to running! You all were very knowledgeable about everything I had questions on. Overall, it was a very positive experience!”

West Blacksburg

“This is my second visit to University Physical Therapy. The first was for plantar fasciitis which has not returned! I’m optimistic my recent work here will help improve my current issue.”

West Blacksburg
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