First Choice Rehab in Newport Celebrates

 20^th Anniversary

Local Physical Therapist treats 3 generations of Newport area families

Newport, PA , 2008  – As he reflects on his 20^th Anniversary milestone this February,  Ken Lennington, PT, a partner and Clinic Director at the Newport office of First Choice Rehabilitation Specialists, feels the bond he has with his patients and their families is one of the most rewarding aspects of his career – one he intends to nurture and enjoy for many years to come. Ken delights in hearing the stories of patients who have come to him in the past 20 years for physical therapy treatment.  He has helped young athletes through sports injuries, has treated their mothers and fathers with back pain and has helped their grandparents with rehab after knee replacements. 

“Over the past 20 years, I have become very close to many of the area families.  When they come to us for physical therapy treatment, we often see them three times a week, so we have plenty of time to get to know each other,” remarks Lennington.  He is quick to point out that his staff of physical therapy assistants and office managers are also long-time employees who help in the rehabilitation of his patients.  “Our staff, who have been with us for many years, make it easy for our patients to feel comfortable and at home when they are treated here,” he adds. 

In February of 1988, Lennington opened his doors under the name “Karkuff & Lennington Physical Therapy”.  He brought a much needed service to the area where patients formerly had to go to Harrisburg or the West Shore area for treatment.  As the practice grew, the name changed to First Choice Rehabilitation Specialists and it moved in 1990 to its current location at 32 W. Shortcut Road.  Lennington has continually been the physical therapy provider at this location and recently, as the practice has grown, has been joined by Danielle Mellinger, MSPT.  Mellinger, whose hometown is Landisburg is a graduate of College Misericordia .  “I am happy to be treating families in my hometown area,” reveals Mellinger.  “I chose First Choice Rehab so I could give back to my community.” 

The staff at First Choice Rehab plans to celebrate its anniversary throughout 2008 with open houses and a summer event.   “I look forward to offering another 20 years of excellent physical therapy treatment to the friends and families of the Newport area,” states Lennington. “ We plan to continue to offer one-on-one care in a friendly, professional setting for many years to come.

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We are pleased to announce the professional certifications and degrees recently earned by some of our professional staff...

Ken Lennington, PT (Newport and Mechanicsburg offices) has recently received certification as a Certified Mullligan Practitioner.  Ken is one of the few physical therapists in the state of Pennsylvania to receive this designation.  This manual therapy technique can help to alleviate joint pain and stiffness and lack of joint movement. 

Douglas Fickes, DPT (Harrisburg Office) has recently received the degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy from St. Augustine University for Health Sciences.  Dr. Fickes earned recognition through St. Augustine University for the treatment of spinal instability with special emphasis on the treatment of neck-related headaches. 

Robert Gorinski, DPT (Halifax Office)  has earned recognition as a Certified McKenzie Therapist for specialization in mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine.  Dr. Gorinski uses this technique, among others, for evaluation and treatment of low back, neck and other spinal pain.

Joseph Buletza, PT, ATC has recently joined the staff of First Choice Rehab.  He is a graduate of the physical therapy program at the Mayo Clinic.  He specializes in the treatment of athletic injuries and has an interest in orthopedics.  Joe is a Certified Athletic Trainer and he provides services to the PIAA at regional and state championship competitions of Cross Country, Track and Field and Wrestling.