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Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance uses scientific approach in caring for patients and improving sports performance

MIDDLETOWN, Del. -- At Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, two licensed physical therapists have introduced the region to a new level of physical therapy and sports performance enhancement. The center, located in Middletown, Del., features experienced physical therapists with advanced credentials, using cutting-edge technology and a scientific but caring approach to physical therapy and sports performance.

Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance provides individual consultation and custom-developed programs. It serves physical therapy patients of all ages and physical levels, and welcomes sports performance clients from the serious golfer to the young sports-play enthusiast to the senior athlete.

“As physical therapists, we’re trained to understand how the muscles and skeletal system work together most efficiently,” said co-founder Patrick Williams, who has treated thousands of physical therapy patients in the Middletown area, including many of Middletown’s school-age athletes. “So we know how to help athletes improve performance while effectively decreasing their risk of injury,” he said. Williams noted that experienced sport coaches and professional athletes are increasingly recognizing physical therapists as partners in the pursuit of improved performance.

Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance features cutting-edge equipment that assesses speed, strength and balance, while a patient is performing an activity or exercise. One type of 3-D technology captures body motion -- such as a golf swing -- in real-time with feedback, to help establish correct body positioning. It also provides data that can be used to improve strength, flexibility, balance and body mechanics. The physical therapists’ training and experience enables them to interpret the data skillfully, to produce optimal results for patients and clients.

Co-founder Thomas Windley holds a doctorate (Ph.D.) in exercise and sports science, enabling him to incorporate scientifically validated methods into the practice. Windley helped pioneer the use of sophisticated 3-D image technology to improve golf performance and reduce injury risk, while he was a post-doctoral fellow with the University of Pittsburgh and the coordinator of the Golf Fitness Laboratory operated in Pinehurst, N.C. by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

“Much of the ground-breaking work in our field today is happening at universities,” Windley said. “By continued involvement with university research, we can tap the most current thinking to help both our physical therapy patients and our sports performance clients achieve their potential.” Windley has worked with golfers on the Canadian Professional Golf Tour, the PGA TOUR’s Nationwide Tour and the LPGA Tour.

Patrick Williams played a vital role in Middletown’s first physical therapy clinic, and has been actively treating patients in the Middletown area for the last 10 years. Williams holds a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Delaware, and is an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist. This elite credential from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties signifies in-depth knowledge and skills in orthopaedic physical therapy. Williams is the only Orthopaedic Certified Specialist in Middletown, and one of less than 30 in Delaware.

Active in youth soccer and many other volunteer activities, Williams is the founder and director of the annual Peach Festival 5K Run/Walk in Middletown, now an annual tradition for regional athletes. In ten years, the race has contributed over $30,000 to non-profit organizations including Middletown and Appoquinimink High School Sports Boosters.

Consultation at Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance can be obtained within 24 hours, by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Most major health, motor vehicle, and worker's compensation insurances are accepted. The center is located at 200 Cleaver Farm Rd, Suite 400, Middletown, DE 19709. Telephone: 302-449-2048. www.premierptsp.com.