About Us
Who Are We?
We are a physical therapy group with over 25 years of outpatient physical therapy experience in the South Central Pennsylvania area. Started in 1984 by two physical therapists in one office, First Choice has grown to include 12 conveniently-located offices in 5 counties with 22 therapists and over 70 employees. Staying true to their initial model, the First Choice Rehab offices feature one-on-one care, provided by a quality staff in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. The offices have purposefully been kept small, featuring only one or two therapists at each location. Patients are assured more personal care when seen by the same provider at each visit.
The care I received at First Choice in Carlisle was of the highest quality. The staff has a very knowledgeable understanding of each patient and all work to meet the individual needs of each patient. The office has a very friendly, kind professional atmosphere. I have had a very successful experience.......
12/27/10 Helen, Carlisle clinic
After knee replacement surgery the girls at the Halifax office worked wonders getting me back to normal. I can get in and out of the car, walk alot to go to Christmas shopping and can do just about everything I could do before. They were gentle, thorough and professional while being friendly and caring. Danielle Mellinger never pushed me beyond my capabilities, but got the job done without causing me pain......
12/7/10 Bonnie, Halifax clinic
Karen Red was excellent ! She did an excellent job explaining the problem, the timeframe and procedures needed ! Karen's technique and touch are / were very effective. I also found her written directions for exercises very helpful. The whole office seems to work well together and provides a relaxed, helpful atmosphere.....
12/30/10 Anonymous patient, Women's Health, Mechanicsburg
I was very satisfied with my therapy and recovery from my injury. I am happy to be back to work and being productive. ALL of the staff worked well together as a team. i was treated like a person who needed help- not like just a number. Thank You.....
12/27/10 Rebecca, Hanover clinic
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First Choice Rehab physical therapists are licensed Direct Access providers.
What is Direct Access? As of November, 2004, Pennsylvania now permits a patient to receive treatment from a physical therapist without a referral from a physician. This is called "direct access". It means that if you have a medical condition that is muscular, skeletal or neurological, and it interferes with your ability to participate in your daily routine, you can call our office to schedule treatment without first seeing your physician. First Choice Rehab physical therapists have taken the required educational components and have passed the certification process for Direct Access. Many insurance companies pay for direct access physical therapy. Some insurance carriers, including Medicare, still require your physician to provide a referral. Now, if you have a question about a musculoskeletal problem, you can go first to your physical therapist. He or she can evaluate your pain and can determine if therapy may help or if you need to be seen by a specialist or family physician.
What is First Choice's treatment philosophy?
Our treatment philosophy is directed toward returning the patient to their optimal level of functioning, whether that be returning to work, the playing field or improving activities of daily living.
Acutely, treatment may be centered around care to control pain, swelling and inflammation. Modalities, gentle manual therapy and light exercises may be used. As your condition improves, your program progresses into the "corrective" phase. In this phase, aerobic conditioning, flexibility, and resistive exercises become the focus of your rehabilitation. We rely heavily on the patient's active involvement and patients are expected to follow their personalized program for work or home.
What is First Choice's mission?
Our mission is to help people recover from illness, injury, surgery or lifestyle related disorders by treating their resulting movement dysfunctions and pain utilizing the most current rehabilitation knowledge and procedures. We will promote healthy lifestyle decisions and wellness in our patients and clients. We will help athletes achieve their potential.