Patient Testimonials
I highly recommend Ray and APT!
After I was diagnosed with low back issues, physical therapy was recommended. I chose to have Appalachian Physical Therapy and Ray Metzger as my therapist. I had worked with Ray previously for shoulder issues and was well pleased with the results. With my back, I was diagnosed with stenosis and Ray laid out a plan for me. Ray is a true professional and explains the issues and the therapy program before starting the exercises. He is thorough and made me feel that we were on a path to ease the pain. After treatment with Ray, I am able to carry on with a normal schedule and any thoughts of surgery have been put aside. I highly recommend Ray and APT!
- Dave Powers
I am so thankful for the wonderful care I received and the amazing staff at Appalachian Physical Therapy!
When I came to PT, my back was a mess! I couldn’t stand for long periods of time or sit at all without terrible pain. Dr. Sean worked miracles on my back and got me to a point where I can have pain-free days which hasn’t happened since my teen years. He was great at giving me stretches and exercises that I can use to help my back long term on my own, even after I leave which is excellent. I am so thankful for the wonderful care I received and the amazing staff at Appalachian Physical Therapy!
- Kate Hollenburg
He is the gold standard physical therapist.
I came into APT with bad low back pain. After my first session, I went home with less pain. My activity level and ability to function are greatly improved. I have received excellent care from everyone in the office. Tracey and Ivy are very professional and friendly. They always smile and welcome me when I come in. Dr. Dave is the absolute best! He has made me feel so much better. He is the gold standard physical therapist. Kind, Caring, Funny! Not enough words for this PT.
- Mae Ball
Thank you Adam for the great care and encouragement.
Life was one day after another with moderate to severe neck pain and headache. It was draining and doing anything over what I had to do was overwhelming. Last weekend, my husband and I rode our bikes 22 miles. I experienced no neck pain or headache. Thank you Adam for the great care and encouragement. I feel good and strong again.
- Mary Hylton
I am back to leading a normal “MOBILE” life!
For the last 4-5 years, I had very limited mobility in my upper body. I had constant headaches and neck pain. My upper body was very sore and had intense pain just to touch. If I had to look behind me or to the side, I had to turn my whole body due to the stiffness. I had trouble reaching anything above me due to pain and strain on my neck. I started with Dr. Brooks exactly one month ago. Within the first few weeks of seeing her, my upper body started to loosen up. I never thought that I would ever get my mobility back without medication or surgery but I can proudly say, that after 4 ½ years of pain and agony, I am back to leading a normal “MOBILE” life! I can now exercise and have a good pain free life. Thank you so much!!
- Chimey Fitzpatrick
Today I have no pain and full range of motion!
Before coming to Appalachian Physical Therapy, I had neck pain down the left side of my neck and shoulder. It was hard to drive, work, or conduct daily activities. After several visits and receiving wonderful care, I noticed a big improvement and less pain. At each visit, personal care was taken to reevaluate my condition and treatment. Today I have no pain and full range of motion! I greatly appreciate the care and time Appalachian Physical Therapy has shown.
- Alisa Sims
Thank you Dr. Dave and staff of Appalachian Physical Therapy!
I was referred to Appalachian Physical Therapy by my dentist for popping in my jaw when opening and closing my mouth that was getting worse and may have had to have surgery. Dr. Dave evaluated me and immediately knew the cause of the problem and how to fix it through physical therapy. The popping was a little better even after the first visit and all better after a couple of weeks. Thank you Dr. Dave and staff of Appalachian Physical Therapy!
- Amos Black
I had no idea I would leave Appalachian Physical Therapy feeling this good!
I must say I had no idea I would leave Appalachian Physical Therapy feeling this good! I came here for problems with my jaw that that was taken care of as well as a few other areas that were treated as well. I feel so much better; legs, knees and my feet. Dr. Colleen is GREAT! Thank you Appalachian Physical Therapy so much!
- Gary Breeden
The staff are eager to make certain everyone is safe during this pandemic, constantly cleaning and sanitizing everything.
I first came to Appalachian PT in 2013 due to problems stemming from a motor vehicle accident in 2004. Was seen by Dr.Jon Cole who did needling that was very helpful. The staff at that time were friendly and professional, just as they are today. I slid on my mothers carport and injured my knee. I saw Dr. Linden Diass who has been extremely patient and kind and very thorough with her evaluation. I was in a LOT of pain. After several weeks, my knee injury improved greatly! I would highly recommend Appalachian Physical Therapy to anyone. The staff are eager to make certain everyone is safe during this pandemic, constantly cleaning and sanitizing everything. To all of you at APT, my sincere THANKS!
- Wanda Parker
Mission accomplished and I am back to normal.
Thank you Dr. Colleen for your excellent treatment. You are very knowledgeable and smart about what I need to feel better. Mission accomplished and I am back to normal. THANK YOU!
- Ole Melkerson
Outstanding understanding of pain and how to relieve it.
Top notch office from the office staff to Dr. Brewster. Outstanding understanding of pain and how to relieve it. Completed knee replacement and am on a full road to recovery thanks to Appalachian Physical Therapy. Highly recommend for anyone needing physical therapy!
- Tom Lazo
Bryan was very knowledgeable and made sure I understood everything during the whole process.
I am a repeat patient from several years ago. When asked where I planned on completing PT, it was an easy choice. I had bent my big toe back causing a deformity and constant pain. I had surgery to correct the issue. Bryan was very knowledgeable and made sure I understood everything during the whole process. I was able to return to work two weeks earlier than anticipated due to his efforts. Thanks Bryan and thanks Appalachian Physical Therapy!
- David Campbell
I am feeling much better thanks to Brooks and Appalachian Physical Therapy.
I came in because walking was painful and my doctor said it was due to referred pain from stenosis. I had worked before with Karen at Appalachian Physical Therapy and always got better. This time I worked with Brooks to strengthen my glutes and hips. After three weeks, I feel much better doing stretches to relieve back pain and strengthening exercises to help with hip muscle pain. I am feeling much better thanks to Brooks and Appalachian Physical Therapy.
- Jane Deaton
I have full confidence in my knee again!
When I first came to Appalachian Physical Therapy, I was 7 weeks out from my second ACL surgery on my right knee. I could barely walk down stairs and had trouble comfortable walking around without my brace. Now, 11 weeks since my first visit, I am back to how I was even before my ACL tore! Adam was so helpful, understanding and motivating. I have full confidence in my knee again! Hopefully I won’t have to come back but if I do, I know I will be in good hands!
- Natalie Nehmn
They listen to you.
When I started my treatment, I was very unstable walking and had discomfort in my low back. After completing this program, I feel so much better and am able to do more activities. Dr. Dave explains exactly the issue and why he is doing certain procedures. I have had many PT programs elsewhere but Dr. Dave spends more time addressing your specific needs than I ever experienced before. I highly recommend Appalachian Physical Therapy! They listen to you.
- Joan Guntang
Thanks to Dr. Sean and everyone at APT for all they did during my treatment period.
Thanks to Dr. Sean and everyone at APT for all they did during my treatment period. After 2 years of what I thought was knee problems, Dr. Sean found out it was fascial tissue issues. I noticed improvement with my first treatment. My balance and ability to do normal chores is greatly improved. Thanks to everyone at Appalachian Physical Therapy!
- Kathy Barb
Thank you Dr. Cole and staff for a very positive and successful experience!
I have always been very active, walking, cycling, yoga and going to the gym. A few weeks before turning 70, pain in my thigh was interfering with my ability to do any of these things. I chose Appalachian Physical Therapy after my doctor recommended PT to aid in my recovery. Being new to the area, I relied on online recommendation for PT clinics and decided APT was the place for me and I was right! Dr. Cole took a great deal of time to evaluate my condition and devise a treatment plan. He listened to what I had to say and gave me a clear understanding of what was causing my pain. After several weeks of therapy, I am happy to say that I have returned to my active lifestyle I had before surgery. Thank you Dr. Cole and staff for a very positive and successful experience!
- A. Hardy
I also really enjoyed the atmosphere here.
Before I came to see Karen, I had really bad lower back and hip pain. After being with her for the last month, I already see really good results with minimal back and hip pain as well as improved muscle strength. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere here. Karen is so encouraging and has a sense of humor. I am going to miss seeing her and everyone else.
- S. Comer
You are a great group of doctors!
When I first came to therapy, I was on a walker with a broken foot. I have two metal pieces in my ankle and was on pain meds and feeling very low in spirits since this was my first major injury. My first visit lifted me up knowing these folks here were going to see me through this injury. It was hard work and painful at first but after months of treatment and actual happy conversations with this group of great young people, I am leaving knowing I can fully recover and be able to walk again. Thanks to each and every person who aided in my recovery, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. You are a great group of doctors!
- G. Whorten
I am grateful for the friendliness and professionalism of the staff.
Before Starting at Appalachian Physical Therapy, I would wake up with pain in my shoulders and knee. It hurt to lift a cup of coffee to my mouth. Now I rarely have shoulder pain. I have not been awakened by pain. I have a much better range of motion. In addition to tremendous physical improvement brought on by the prescribed course of treatment, I am grateful for the friendliness and professionalism of the staff. I highly recommend this group.
- K. Okland
I give my highest recommendation without reservation!
I arrived with near constant neck, shoulder and radiating jaw pain after some 8 weeks of other medical intervention. In just 3 short weeks at Appalachian Physical Therapy, I am pain free. I attribute this to the exceptional personalized approach to my care here. The team really listens and considers appropriate care for your specific needs and tolerances and sends you home with a strategy for successful management. I give my highest recommendation without reservation! Thanks Appalachian Physical Therapy!
- Rebecca Moser
Their work is absolutely tops in the profession!
Karen Backall is a genius physical therapist who knows many disciplines to heal that only come with experience. She has healed me from extreme neck pain, back pain, knee pain and vertigo as well as torn muscles enabling me to avoid surgery. I was able to return to full function through her encouragement, demanding yet carefully tailored toolbox of treatments. I strongly recommend her and the entire office of professionals at Appalachian Physical Therapy for healing from injuries or surgery. Their work is absolutely tops in the profession!
- John Vann
I am thankful for the benefits of physical therapy. It is nothing short of a miracle.
After an auto accident that totaled my car, I was plagued with daily headaches, my L hand ached with pain and I had decreased grip strength. A month of physical therapy brought much welcomed relief to the pain! I did not suffer with a headache after the first visit. My range of motion in my neck has improved tremendously. By the last week of therapy, my head is nearly pain free and my grip strength has increased! I am thankful for the benefits of physical therapy. It is nothing short of a miracle. Thanks Appalachian Physical Therapy!
- Orpha Peachey
We would recommend Appalachian Physical Therapy to everyone!
Before we came, Jameson could not turn his head to the right to look at any of us. Now that we are finished, he will look to the right and actually would rather look that way. We are so happy and pleased with the outcome and would recommend Appalachian Physical Therapy to everyone!
- Brittany Quinlan
The staff was very professional and courteous. I will definitely recommend their services.
I came to Appalachian Physical Therapy due to a pulled muscle with pain in my low back. Dr. Whiteford did an assessment and easily identified my injury. After the first session including laser therapy I noticed a decrease in my pain. After three weeks I am now pain free! I am grateful for the therapy I received. The staff was very professional and courteous. I will definitely recommend their services. Thank you very much!
- Ben C.
I am again grateful for APT keeping me from going under the knife.
I am again grateful for APT keeping me from going under the knife. 4 years ago, almost to the day, I developed another ruptured disc. I will admit, surgery hadn’t risen to the level of last resort/mandatory and I credit APT for that. I so appreciate their cause and effect approach to my condition. So often, it seems modern medicine treats the effect without considering the cause. To date, my symptoms have cleared up. I will credit medicine for initial pain control but APT gets the credit for long term relief. My recent MRI showed my disc rupture from 4 years ago is completely healed.
- Tony W.
Very blessed and pleased
I was referred to Appalachian Physical Therapy a few months ago for both low back pain and limited motion as well as rotator cuff injury. The shoulders were painful at times and limited in motion. Golf was impossible due to both back and shoulder pain. Ray did a thorough evaluation and we began on a methodical approach to in office and at home program of physical therapy. I can truly say I enjoyed every visit for therapy and felt well cared for by Ray and his staff. As a result I have much less discomfort and increased mobility and now have started golf again. Very blessed and pleased.
- J. B.
Very thankful for the staff and Dr. Dave for taking care of me
Looking back it has been two months since my PT started at Appalachian Physical Therapy. I had upper and lower back pain that was causing problems with my daily activities and sleep. Dr. Dave in the Strasburg office and staff have been wonderful to work with. Dr. Dave did fascial manipulation, dry needling and provided an array of exercises and stretches to strengthen my muscles and relieve pain. From my first day in October, I had a 7/10 pain. Today when I graduated, my pain is a 0/10. Very thankful for the staff and Dr. Dave for taking care of me.
- Alesia H.
Linden did an excellent job handling my rehab and recovery.
I came to Appalachian Physical therapy in July for a strained Achilles tendon. Linden did an excellent job handling my rehab and recovery. She is very professional and motivated me during my office sessions as well as my in-home exercises. Well Done Linden!!
- Dominick P.
Thanks to everyone for helping me feel better.
I am glad I came to Appalachian Physical Therapy. The staff was great! My leg pain at night has significantly improved. Sharp pain in legs is much better also. No medication involved is great. Colleen was my physical therapist. She couldn’t have been better. Thanks to everyone for helping me feel better.
- Judy R.
It is amazing what the physical therapist can do for patients here.
When I came in with arthritis in my ankle, I could not walk without pain in every step. After just a few visits, I have no pain and no limp. It is amazing what the physical therapist can do for patients here. Thank you Bryan for all your help in making my problems manageable and much better.
- Johnny R.
Thank you both for all that you have done and for helping me get my life back!
Before therapy, I couldn’t even bear weight on my ankle, let alone walk or function. After working with Dave (and Dan) I am back to a normal life. I can walk, go up and down stairs and finally drive! The routines and exercises they had me do (both in the clinic and at home) were very helpful and I could feel myself getting stronger. Thank you both for all that you have done and for helping me get my life back!
- Ginger E.
I am extremely pleased with the PT I got for my shoulder.
I am extremely pleased with the PT I got for my shoulder. I can use it now without pain. I am also pleased with the staff at Appalachian Physical Therapy. They are so friendly and nice. Colleen has always been able to help with any problems that arise. I highly recommend this practice.
- June S.
These folks put you through an excellent exercise program.
I couldn’t walk hardly at all without sitting down and resting every 50 feet. I could not rotate my body at all without grimacing with pain. After surgery and therapy at Appalachian Physical Therapy, I feel like my old self and even better again. No more pain and now have ease of maneuverability. These folks put you through an excellent exercise program. I’m a full proof example. I would recommend these therapist to anybody.
- Delmas H.
Karen brought my body back to life. Literally.
Once again, Karen has helped me heal. This time the pain and stiffness were in my neck and shoulders, most likely from too much weed-pulling. The exercises and point-on therapy definitely helped, as always.
I appreciate the opportunity to post this thank you for others to see. She helped me through my recovery of a still undetermined autoimmune disease five years ago. After being mostly bedridden because of pain and little energy for over a year, a doctor in Florida put me on a medication that worked. By then, my muscles were so weak, I could barely walk. This is when Karen brought my body back to life. Literally.
Karen inspired me to continue the Oh-So-Fun exercises at home as well, even though I always complained whenever she adds more to my list. I am 72 years old and because of Karen Backall, I am now able to do more physical activity than when I was 62! Paddleboard, walk 5 miles without tiring, tug the bottom sheet over our mattress on the bed all by myself! Amazing!Through her uplifting, persistence and support, (for example: “Kare”, show me the right way to get up from the floor…Good girl!) her incredible knowledge of the human body, (for example: Here…Look at this skeleton and you can see how these muscles connect to those muscles) she knows the names of all the muscles, bones, etc…, as well as how they support one another.
Thank you once again, Karen, for being there for me through thick and thin. With deepest appreciation.
- Karen K.
This is the most wonderful place I have ever taken therapy.
This is the most wonderful place I have ever taken therapy. The people treat you like family. They gave me the best therapy I could have asked for on both my shoulder and hip. When I first started, I could only walk with help but now I can walk on my own with no assistance. Each therapist has the most up to date knowledge and I believe that this really aided in my strength and healing. Annie was most caring and kind and has a wonderful personality. With Annie’s creativity and knowledge I was able to begin performing tasks I thought I would never be able to do again. From the front office, Connie, Robin and Vicki to the techs Dan and Lauren, to all the therapist this place is truly amazing!!
- Elaine C.
I'm so glad that I chose Ray to restore my mobility and strength
I’m so glad that I chose Ray to restore my mobility and strength of my shoulder following surgery to correct a total separation. I’m confident that his personalized program and instructions will keep me moving freely for years to come.
- Garrett M.
My knee is much stronger and less painful
When I started physical therapy for my knee, it was painful and I had difficulty walking, climbing stairs, etc. Karen gave me exercises to strengthen my knee and used her “magic fingers” to release my pain. My knee is much stronger and less painful and activities of daily living are much easier, thank to Karen.
- Mary B.
I am thankful for the benefits of physical therapy, it is nothing short of a miracle!
After an auto accident that totaled my car, I was plagued with daily headaches, L hand pain and decreased grip and strength. A month of therapy brought much welcomed relief to the pain! I did not suffer with a headache after the first visit! My range of motion in my neck has improved tremendously. By the last week of therapy, my hand is nearly painfree and my grip strength is almost normal. I am thankful for the benefits of physical therapy, it is nothing short of a miracle!
- Orpha P.
Their work is absolutely the tops in the profession!
Karen Backall has healed me from extreme neck, back, and knee pain, as well as vertigo and torn muscles, enabling me to avoid surgery and return to full function through her encouragement, demanding yet carefully tailored unique toolbox of treatments. I strongly recommend her and the entire office of professionals for healing from injuries or surgery – their work is absolutely the tops in the profession!
- John V.
I can't sing their praises enough.
Thanks to my treatment at Appalachian Physical Therapy with Ray Metzger, I have gone from severely debilitated to being able to resume almost all of my activities. I can’t sing their praises enough.
- Emily W.
This is the second time Colleen has helped me “get back on my feet”.
This is the second time Colleen has helped me “get back on my feet”. She is patient and kept working until I had significant improvement in my pain and ease of movement. Over the course of several months I was able to quit taking my pain medications and resume my activities. I am very grateful to Colleen and the kind staff at Appalachian Physical Therapy for tirelessly helping me to recover. They never gave up on me.
- Mary J.
Thanks to my dear Teri, I can now again do all the things I love.
On two different occasions I came to Teri, barely able to walk. Thanks to her hard work and expertise and incredible care, I was able to climb the Acropolis and explore numerous archeological sites in Greece and Rome. Thanks to my dear Teri, I can now again do all the things I love.
- Rosemary C.
Teri was so knowledgeable about my situation and made me feel hopeful.
I came in feeling really helpless about what would help me, but Teri was so knowledgeable about my situation and made me feel hopeful. Today at discharge I have been symptom free for about 3 to 4 weeks. It has been amazing to gain confidence back in my body again. Grateful for Teri and all she has done and taught me these last few weeks as well as the Appalachian family/ team for making me feel comfortable every time I came in.
- Tiffani R.
Jonathan analyzed my needs and has a real gift at pin-pointing the areas needing work.
Moving to our new home took a toll on my shoulders and knee. Jonathan analyzed my needs and has a real gift at pin-pointing the areas needing work. His dry needling technique also helped me increase mobility and decrease pain as well. I truly appreciate all the help I received!
- Irene T.
I have been totally impressed with Appalachian Physical Therapy.
Had shoulder pain right side, attended free shoulder seminar and signed up for PT. Did 6 treatments and I feel major improvement in pain. I also notice better range of motion. Experienced dry needling which really made a difference. I have been totally impressed with Appalachian Physical Therapy. Great people and a welcoming environment.
- Dan P.
Thank you for helping me avoid surgery
Thank you so much Jonathan for helping me avoid surgery on my shoulder. Thank you -thank you- thank you!
- Susan G.
All the staff made sure the whole area was kept extremely sanitized and safe.
Through a series of manipulations, exercises, and dry needling, Jonathan addressed the pain from my hip to my toes. His understanding of the pain was not only emotionally validating, he methodically traced the causes and week by week worked with me to increase my strength and mobility and lessen the pain. Since most of my sessions were during the Covid 19 pandemic, Jonathan and the other therapists, and all the staff, made sure the whole area was kept extremely sanitized and safe.
- Reglyn R.
I am very glad and thankful to have found such a caring group, espeically my therapist Dr. Linden Daiss.
My therapist, Linden Daiss, examined me and began a regiment of stretching, home exercises and various manipulations of my neck and shoulder. I went from a pain level of of 9 on a scale of 10 down to a 0 because of her treatment and excellent diagnosis skills. I am very glad and thankful to have found such a caring group, especially my therapist, Dr. Linden Daiss.
- Jeffery P.
I am thankful for the people who work at Appalachian Physical Therapy.
I suffered from a broken hip and had to have therapy. My family doctor referred me to Appalachian Physical Therapy. Since that time I have been referred to physical therapy for my shoulder and knee replacements on both knees. There was never a question for me as to where I would go for physical therapy. I had seen Karen, Ray and Jon and they are absolutely professional. They helped me meet my goals. By having exercises at home and at the facility, I am able to resume my normal daily activities. I am thankful for the people who work at Appalachian Physical Therapy.
- Helen B.
My most sincere appreciation to Linden for my recovery.
For the last three months my Physical Therapist, Linden Daiss provided physical therapy for my reverse total shoulder replacement. Linden provided the appropriate therapy, along with the encouragement and support to regain the functionality of my shoulder. My most sincere appreciation to Linden for my recovery.
- Doug T.
Coming here for therapy was a great choice.
I had a dislocated knee cap and was on crutches. After my first couple of visits, I started to feel better. It feel a lot better now than before I started coming. I have enjoyed coming here for my treatment because the staff is very kind and educated. They helped me understand my knees better. I healed a lot quicker than I thought I would. Coming here for therapy was a great choice.
- Isabelle B.
Choosing to get treatment at Appalachian Physical Therapy was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Choosing to get treatment at Appalachian Physical Therapy was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was referred here by friends and I am so grateful. When I first came, my pain was intense and I was having so much trouble just doing ordinary, routine, everyday chores. Dr. Whiteford and his staff have worked miracles for me. I am 100% better now than when I first started therapy. I have been treated with such caring and kindness and I will always be grateful that God allowed me to encounter these wonderful people!
- Carolyn S.
I am a believer!
I have struggled with a “frozen shoulder” for 16 months. I had PT at another location 12 months ago and went about 4 times with no help. That PT place spent about an actual 10 minutes with me and charged $$$.
I went to a seminar and started sessions with Dr. Cole two weeks ago. He spent about 75 minutes with me discussing and evaluating me. I ended up getting some dry needling and found a little relief.
I came home and did my home exercises fairly regularly. I went back yesterday for my second appointment. Dr. Cole spent about an hour with me. He again dry needled another area and then applied pressure to my shoulder, upper arm and forearm.
When I got home I showered and ended up reaching behind my back to secure my bra down. I have realized I reached around fairly easily…so I successfully latched and unlatched my undergarments twice. I haven’t been able to do that in 16 months
Feeling so amazed by more movement in 2 sessions! Praise the Lord!!! I am a believer!
- Ashlee K.
I would highly recommend their services to anyone seeking physical therapy.
I was having pain in the arches of my feet. My mother told me about Appalachian Physical Therapy. She wanted me to come here so they could assist me with my problem. Dr. Jon helped me and taught me the proper techniques and now I have zero pain. It wasn’t just him that helped me feel better; everyone here played a role in that. When I walked through the door I was greeted with a smiling face. The other therapists also talked with me which made me feel good and helped me pass the time by. I would highly recommend their services to anyone seeking physical therapy.
- Javon J.