Event Announcement

NETWORKING AT NITE: TREATING THE ATHLETE

Sports Medicine & Physical Therapist Networking Event

Enjoy an insightful presentation diving deeper into sports medicine by Dr. Bobby Esbrandt, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, PES, USAW, and CERT. DN.

Reserve Your Spot

FREE FOOD

Provided by The Local

Thursday, October 10th, 6-8 PM
Merrit Club White Marsh
5301 Campbell Blvd., Nottingham, MD 21236

This event is hosted by Agape Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, Life Fitness Physical Therapy, Impact. Sports Physical Therapy, and Bayside Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation

Life Fitness Physical Therapy:

Baltimore’s first choice for Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Services

3 Locations near the Baltimore Beltway

Request an Evaluation

Life Fitness Physical Therapy was founded in 2000 based on the core values of providing the highest level of customer service and clinical excellence in outpatient physical therapy. By staffing our facilities with exceptional therapists and support staff the practice has grown into 3 locations with clinics all around the Baltimore Beltway. We attribute much of our growth over the years to referrals from our patients and physicians who trust our staff and believe in our care.

Therapists at Life Fitness Physical Therapy are dedicated to continued learning and advanced practice with an emphasis on manual therapy, exercise prescription, postural re-education, and dynamic biomechanical techniques in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our Life Fitness family continues to grow, as we strive to set the bar high in delivering personalized, patient-centered, quality outpatient physical therapy. We are ever looking to expand our family; once people come to us, they are our patients for life!

Life Fitness offers a wide range of services to improve the well-being and quality of life of our patients. If it falls between your head and your toes, we treat it!

Our clinicians are experts in the treatment of orthopedic conditions (including all pain syndromes, pre- and post-surgical care, musculoskeletal injuries and generalized weakness) and neurologic conditions that lead to functional difficulties, as well as disturbances in gait and balance such as vertigo, stroke, MS, or diabetic neuropathy. We have a comprehensive workers’ compensation/rehabilitation program and sports injury management program.

We also offer specialized programs in pelvic health, vestibular/vertigo/balance disorders, and pulmonary rehab.

As a consumer, we realize that you have a choice as to where you receive your rehabilitative care, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in your recovery.

Call or stop by any of our locations today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Our Mission

Life Fitness Physical Therapy is focused on improving the quality of life for our patients throughout Baltimore. We strive to provide individualized, evidence-based care that meets every patient’s unique needs. Our objective for each patient is to restore their function, achieve their goals, and have them resume an active lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Our clinics are a place of comfort, where each patient is greeted with a friendly smile and compassionate heart. We pride ourselves on providing a fun, and uplifting atmosphere, energetic environment, and enthusiastic staff.

Our reputable physical therapists are committed to providing the best possible care to our patients through continuing education to promote their own professional growth and the growth of physical therapy as a profession.

Life Fitness Physical Therapy Core Values

  • Treat every patient like family
  • Deliver physical therapy care in a positive atmosphere and with a positive attitude
  • Treat every patient with professionalism, passion, energy, and integrity
  • Deliver care with compassionate hands and challenging exercises
  • Pursue physical therapy excellence through Continuing Education
  • Deliver a personalized therapeutic experience built on trust and results

Services

Physical therapy takes commitment and dedication from the patient to achieve a pain-free lifestyle. Achieving these goals takes time, patience and effort.

Our therapists work diligently to return each patient to a healthy lifestyle as quickly as possible. We use our hands to help release restrictions in the body that block normal function. We then use exercise to teach and retrain the body how to move in these newly acquired motions.

Most people don’t realize that building habits takes approximately 10,000 repetitions. Many conditions take weeks, years, and even decades to develop. It takes time to unwind the cumulative effects built up over time. Trust that your therapist will work diligently to achieve your goals with compassion, energy, passion, and integrity. You can expect to have a therapist who is engaged in your care, delivering the highest quality customer service.

Life Fitness Physical Therapy offers a wide range of services to improve the well-being of our patients. Along with our emphasis on orthopedic care, workers’ compensation / rehabilitation, and sports medicine, we also specialize in pelvic health, pulmonary rehab, vertigo/ balance disorders, cancer related fatigue, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and ASTYM/Graston.

Orthopedic Care Baltimore

Life Fitness Physical Therapy Baltimore

Orthopedic physical therapy consists of the diagnosing, treating, healing, and management of musculoskeletal disorders. Orthopedic physical therapy is most often performed in an out-patient setting, where the therapists are specifically trained in dealing with these types of diagnoses. Our therapists are highly skilled and constantly trained in the use of manual (hands on) techniques, exercises, and accessory equipment to accelerate the patient’s restoration to full function.

At Life Fitness Physical Therapy, we treat all orthopedic conditions from head to toe including, TMD, neck and back pain, shoulder, hip and knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and Carpal Tunnel. Our physical therapists will create a customized treatment plan that meets the patient’s specific needs and goals.

  • Strains/Sprains
  • Neck & Headaches
  • Low Back/Spine Conditions
  • Arthritis/DJD
  • Tendonitis
  • Surgical Repairs/Reconstruction
  • ASTYM & Graston Techniques
  • Anodyne Therapy (Glen Burnie Only)
  • Manual Therapy

Sports Medicine Baltimore

Sports medicine physical therapy consists of the diagnosing, treating, healing, and managing of sports-related injuries. Our goal at Life Fitness Physical Therapy is to return the athlete to the field as quickly as possible. We create sport-specific programs designed to improve performance and prevent injury. We are trained to seek out causes for the original injury, rehabilitate the injured area, and prevent the recurrence of future injuries. The education and treatment received in physical therapy, allows the athlete to return to his/her sport at an even more efficient level than prior to the injury.

We can assist you with the following sports medicine services:

  • 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

Life Fitness Physical Therapy provides high quality care to injured workers by creating a rehabilitation program that is tailored to that individual’s job. In 2010, we partnered with a national network of providers, Fit2WRK, to further enhance our treatment of the work comp population.

Life Fitness Physical Therapy offers Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE’s), Work Hardening and Conditioning programs, and a personalized approach to workers’ compensation rehabilitation.

From preventative measures to post-injury rehabilitation and safe, sustained return to work duties, we provide an integrated approach to ensuring overall client satisfaction. Our industrial specialists will review your specific needs and co-develop programs designed to expedite your return to work as well as positively impact future injury costs.

Our extensive experience in Workers’ Compensation and Disability complemented by our National Network of Partners and experts in the employer field, ensure quality care, client-focused solutions, and communication. Our industrial specialists are available to meet with you and to work towards creating individualized programs.

ASTYM and Graston Techniques

ASTYM and Graston are two types of manual therapy techniques that use ergonomically designed tools instead of the clinician’s hands to create a healing response. These tools make it easier for the therapist to identify and treat the dysfunctional tissues. During the course of these treatments, patients are immediately encouraged to resume once painful activities.

Visit the ASTYM and Graston websites for more information.


Cardio Pulmonary Physical Therapy

Life Fitness Physical Therapy is excited to offer pulmonary rehab in our Towson location.

We also have custom niche programs for patients with vertigo/balance disorders and cancer-related fatigue. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Our multidisciplinary team of licensed Physical Therapists and Respiratory Therapists will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs. Cardiopulmonary PT combines exercise training with education. Chest PT and postural drainage techniques control symptoms and ease daily activities and breathing. People with the following diagnoses can benefit from our program:

  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Pre/Post Thoracotomy
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Thoracic Cage Abnormalities
  • Lung Cancer
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Lung Transplant

***Please note: If you currently use oxygen, that does not prevent you from participating in our program. We have on-site oxygen available for your use when you are in our clinic at no extra charge to you.

Pelvic Health

Life Fitness Physical Therapy specializes in the evaluation and treatment of pelvic health issues. Patients are treated in a discrete, private environment. Treatment approaches incorporate musculoskeletal evaluation, bio-mechanical evaluation, muscle strengthening and conditioning. Pain can be relieved through the use of manual therapy techniques including vaginal and rectal approaches such as manual therapy, biofeedback, e-stim, massage and home treatment programs. People with the following diagnoses can benefit from our program:

  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Rectal Pain Syndromes
  • Overactive Bladder
  • Fecal Incontinence/Constipation
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain
  • Pre and Post Partum Concerns
  • Vulvar Pain Syndromes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Musculoskeletal Dysfunctions (back pain, buttock pain and pelvic muscle weakness)
  • Pre/post Prostatectomy Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation Baltimore

Dizziness and disequilibrium are second only to low back pain in frequency of occurrence in the adult population. Balance and vestibular deficits are a major medical concern, and the resulting effects of an untreated balance disorder can be devastating. The good news is that in many cases a physical therapy treatment plan can successfully treat the problem, preventing subsequent injury, and restoring quality of life.

Vertigo is the feeling that either you or your environment is moving when you are staying still. It may be described as spinning, light headedness, or a sense of imbalance or disequilibrium. It can occur suddenly or gradually. Your symptoms may last seconds, minutes, hours or days. Treatment depends on it’s cause and may include canalith repositioning maneuvers, VOR adaptation or habituation exercises, balance training, gait training, fall prevention education, general conditioning and strengthening, relaxation techniques, and manual intervention.

Disorders that typically respond well to physical therapy include, but are not limited to:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Migraine Associated vertigo (MAV)
  • Vestibular Neuritis/Labrynthitis
  • Motion Sensitivity
  • Post Concussion Syndrome
  • Meniere’s Disease
  • Other musculoskeletal or neurologic disorders resulting in balance or dizziness problems

If you are experiencing dizziness, spinning, difficulty walking or veering, loss of balance or falls, motion sensitivity, headaches, fatigue or general deconditioning, physical therapy can help improve your symptoms and restore safe mobility.

Balance Training / Fall Prevention

Balance problems can result from a variety of causes including head injuries, inner ear disorders, orthopedic conditions, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. Once a person has fallen, they have a greater fear of falling again. Often times this fear causes them to stop being active, which leads to a loss of strength, flexibility, and mobility, making falls or injury more likely.

Many balance and dizziness conditions improve with specialized physical therapy called Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) or Rehabilitative Balance Therapy (RBT).

Disorders that typically respond well to physical therapy include, but are not limited to:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Migraine Associated vertigo (MAV)
  • Vestibular Neuritis/Labrynthitis
  • Motion Sensitivity
  • Post Concussion Syndrome
  • Meniere’s Disease
  • Other musculoskeletal or neurologic disorders resulting in balance or dizziness problems

If you are experiencing dizziness, spinning, difficulty walking or veering, loss of balance or falls, motion sensitivity, headaches, fatigue or general deconditioning physical therapy can help improve your symptoms and restore safe mobility.

Dry Needling Baltimore

Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN), involves placing a small needle into the muscle at the trigger point which is typically in an area where the muscle is tight and may be tender, with the intent of causing the muscle to contract and then release. This in turn improves flexibility of the muscle and decreases symptoms. TDN is a valuable treatment for musculoskeletal related pain such as soft tissue and joint pain, as well as for increasing muscle performance.

Forms

PAIN QUESTIONNAIRES

Patient Forms

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

New Patient Intake, Consent, and Medical Forms

In Addition – New Medicare Patients:

Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire

Other Forms:

Consent To Likeness and Testimonial Form
TeleHealth Patient Instructions
Revised Telehealth Consent Form

Monthly Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter
The Therapy Connection
Physician Use:
Prescription Form
This copy may be faxed, mailed or hand-delivered to the clinic. DO NOT EMAIL PRESCRIPTION.

Patient Forms

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

FAQ

For Additional Questions Please Contact Us

When should I arrive for my first appointment?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment in order to fill out any necessary paperwork. For all other appointments, you can arrive at your scheduled time.

Do I need a physician referral to receive therapy?

We operate in a direct-access state where, if your insurance plan authorizes self-referral to physical therapy, a physician referral is not necessary for you to be seen by a licensed therapist. Please check with your insurance though as many health insurance plans require a physicians referral for therapy to be covered. We also offer treatments, services, and/or products that do NOT require a referral and are available on a self-pay basis.

Does your facility accept my insurance?

We participate in the majority of major health insurance plans including Medicare and Worker’s Compensation. Please contact us prior to your first visit to see if we participate with your specific health plan.

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:

Your therapist will conduct an evaluation of your condition lasting between 60-90 minutes. The evaluation is necessary to create a program designed specifically to address your needs for a maximum recovery.

What do I bring on my first visit?

– Referral slip from your medical doctor
– Your medical insurance card
– Your ID
– 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 arrive 15 minutes early on your first visit to fill out any necessary paperwork.

Please arrive 15 minutes early on your first visit to fill out any necessary paperwork.

What do I wear?

We recommend comfortable clothing such as 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 3 visits each week scheduled.

Testimonials

"I showed up on the afternoon of December, 6 2017 for my PT evaluation at the Life Fitness Physical Therapy Owings Mills MD office. Without exaggeration, I had been experiencing a lot of discomfort almost too painful to sleep. This was after seeing my Sports Ortho doctor who diagnosed my injury as a right bicep tendon tear.  Upon seeing Maria, she quickly recognized a deep vein thrombosis medical condition that required immediate outpatient emergency room diagnostic testing. The professional care and attention I received was outstanding. As of today, Maria has helped me considerably to regain much of my right arm physical agility.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Maria, who is a super caring and knowledgeable physical therapist! Lastly, totally recommend rehab with Maria and the Life Fitness Physical Professional staff at this facility."

- Luis

“Today is my last physical therapy session and I wanted to take this opportunity to share my experience at your Dundalk clinic. At 23 years old, this was the first time I had ever been to physical therapy, so I really did not know what to expect when I walked into the Dundalk clinic nearly four months ago. I had incurred an injury to my right tendon from a workout and was in considerable pain.

Due to my busy work and class schedules, I was fortunate to have my physical therapists during my twice-a-week visits since November. They, along with the entire staff at the Dundalk clinic, made my PT sessions fun, encouraging, and productive. I was amazed with their ability to be attentive to the needs of every patient there and demonstrate the highest form of professionalism, while injecting some playful humor to make PT sessions fun.

When I started my PT sessions, going up and down stairs guaranteed sharp pain to my right tendon. Walking for an extended period of time was nearly impossible. At first, the exercises were challenging and quite unpleasant to do. But, with guidance and encouragement, I grew stronger each week and the pain I experienced slowly but surely faded away.

Given the results that I was getting from PT and the surprisingly enjoyable time that these sessions became, I looked forward to going to these PT sessions (who would've thought!). I am confident that Life Fitness only hires physical therapists and staff members of the highest caliber, and I trust that you are already aware of the skills and attributes that make your physical therapists tremendous assets to your company. But I did want to take a moment to share my personal experience and the invaluable assistance and guidance that the entire Dundalk clinic staff provided throughout my recovery.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my experience with Life Fitness and to commend  the entire staff at your Dundalk clinic. With appreciation, Manny”

With appreciation, Manny - Dundalk Location

"Thought you'd appreciate knowing I finished my first race since freshman year high school! Thanks to you and the team at Life Fitness, I've been doing all the strengthening exercises you guys taught me and am happy to report that I've had no foot, IT band, or knee issues AT ALL!!! A special thanks to you for all of your "coaching" on distance running techniques during our PT sessions (-you probably thought I was asking all those questions just for the fun of it...). Now that I have 10 miles behind me (-the farthest I've ever run), I'm going to sign up for the Navy Half in September and may even give serious consideration to a full marathon next year -something that I mentally could never conceive of doing before. Thanks again to everyone at LIFE FITNESS. YOU GUYS & GALS ROCK!!!!!!!”

— Howard

"I was extremely satisfied with the care, professionalism, warm caring environment where I came for 3 months to recover from surgery. Audra (my PT) took an interest in my well being in a sincere loving manner. The entire staff was well informed and helped me meet my goals."

- Harriet

"I have been a patient, off and on, for 5 or maybe 10 years. Let me mention the ways in which Life Fitness in White Marsh is the best physical therapy center in the Baltimore area. Staff is there for the patient! No staff member needs to be prompted to do something and they do it all professionally and confidently. They know what they're doing and do it at the right time. Everyone has the soul of a healer! There's a lovely balance of conversation between patient and staff. No staffer needs to tell patient their life story, even though the patient is a captive audience. I have never left in more pain than when I walked in. Always feel better and lighter after treatment. Also I never feel crowded with other patients, plenty of space to do exercises. Now the best part, Debbie Goldstein and Mary Wilson have "the touch". They know how to get to a problem spot on the body and just how far they can go to correct it. Debbie has a calming voice, which also contributes to the healing. I also appreciate how the staff is taken care of. The receptionist and scheduler Cathy has a comfortable chair and ear phones. Was surprised to find out the center is a chain facility. She knows everything about all the insurances. Since I'm on Medicare, she makes sure I don't spend money I don't have. My treatment is managed beautifully both physically and financially! I even appreciate the fact that there are cotton blankets instead of wool, to which some people are sensitive. These folks are the best!" 

- Joan McCullough

"I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for treating me after my rotator cuff surgery and getting me back to where I used to be before my injury. The journey I had with you was as good as it gets. Your commitment, your talent and insights, knowing that you truly cared helped motivate me to do what you plotted out for me to do, and to see the weekly progress I had under your care was nothing short of amazing. I am so thankful to be back swimming laps with full strength and endurance. Finally, after seeing many physical therapists over the years I was hesitant to through PT again. After the first day I knew that I was lucky to be with you and your whole team of professionals who created a wonderful atmosphere — and I am so happy that my aunt recommended me to you. One of the best recommendations I have ever gotten for anything." 

- Alan W.

"October 2019, I had a total knee replacement. Two days later I began physical therapy at Life Fitness. My experience at Life Fitness has been great. I received encouragement and support from their wonderful staff. All my questions concerning my recovery were patiently answered and I ask MANY questions!! Ben, my therapist, has been great. One of my goals was to get up north (New York) in December for a family wedding. Ben helped me reach that goal.

My orthopedic doctor has also been pleased with my progress. The direction from Life Fitness has enabled me to reach my goals much quicker than I imagined. Thank you! If you need PT, Life Fitness is the place for you!" 

- Lynette L.

"I have now had 2 experiences with Life Fitness. Each time I have had the pleasure of working with Ben. I had been referred by my doctor for vertigo. I had never been for physical therapy before and was skeptical about how it could stop my vertigo. My experience was easy because of the great office front end staff who made getting an appointment easy. When I came, they had the paperwork ready and got me to see Ben without a wait. Ben took the time to interview me and discuss my symptoms. He explained what he believed was occurring and gave a good clinical explanation with a time frame of when it would resolve. His explanation and therapy were spot on. The issue resolved and I went forward. About a year later the vertigo came back and I did not hesitate to set up an appointment. Again, great scheduling and customer service. Again, Ben took the time needed, and in just two session was able to resolve the issue. I have recommended this to my friends and work peers and given Ben’s name. Unfortunately, my work peers are all over the country so not sure he will get the business, but I wholeheartedly endorse the Life Fitness experience, and also Ben."

-Dave G.

 

"I just finished post-op PT for my shoulder replacement at the Owings Mills location. My shoulder is light-years better thanks to the care I received there. Many thanks to Sarah, Audra, and Mandy for their professionalism, caring, friendliness, and flexibility during my treatment."

-Jim

 

"I am writing to you today to let you know how pleased I am with the care and treatment I received at Life Fitness PT in Owings Mills.  I have been treated by other PTs from other organizations in the past but the care I received at Life Fitness far surpassed any experience I have ever had. The entire staff is friendly, efficient, always on time, and professional. They always greeted me with a smile (even with masks) and made me feel welcome. I am truly impressed with the entire operation. I must commend Audra Stern as she is the most dedicated professional I have ever met. My initial evaluation was extremely thorough and Audra implemented an effective treatment plan for me.  At each appointment, Audra was supportive, caring, and patient working with me and teaching me what I needed to do to reach my goals.  Her knowledge is exceptional and takes the time to explain the "why" behind each exercise and treatment.  Audra is truly genuine and cares about the outcome.  I felt very safe during treatment and observed all the COVID rules and regulations being carried out.  I cannot express how grateful I am to Audra and her team. I highly recommend Life Fitness PT to anyone seeking quality physical therapy. Audra and her team do an outstanding job and so incredibly deserve to be recognized. Please feel free to share this with others as you please."
Thank you,
Elana Katz

 

I was searching everywhere on the website because I wanted to tell you guys how great I was feeling!!! Initially, I will admit to you I balked at PT because I really didn't think it would do me any good for what I was suffering from in the future. I gave it a shot and am I glad I did!!!  You and Sara really turned things around for me.  Realizing that my condition will probably never go away, I am happy to say that at least at this point in my life my confidence is overflowing.  What Sara and I used to call "the monster" is no more.  As a matter of fact, when I'm walking and stray just a little, my body naturally returns to the alternating left-right arm/leg motion that I absolutely could not accomplish my first six or so weeks with you guys. I still lose my balance (just a little and for a second or two) but am able to quickly recover.  I am diligently working on every exercise you'd shown me that I'm able to accomplish without the equipment.  I no longer need someone walking with me to make sure that I don't fall and my strides are long and true instead of short and tentative.  My wife has even commented on my marked improvement.  Most of all, though, I am confident, not cocky, in my everyday physical movements now.  I still am aware of tripping and falling so I make doubly sure of picking up my feet when I'm going up steps.  I do hold railings when going up or downstairs.  But, all in all, I know there will be little setbacks, but nothing I can't handle.

Again, thanks to you and Sara for your professionalism, kindness, and patience throughout this process.  We had setbacks with my injuries, some COVID 19 problems, weather problems, etc.  But, like good warriors,  WE MADE IT!!

Thank you and warmest regards,

H. Wolfson

Join Our Team

If you are interested in joining Life Fitness as a physical therapist, front desk, or tech position please email your resume to audra.stern@lifefitnesspt.com or kelly.rogers@lifefitnesspt.com

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