Othropedic Physical Therapy Specialists
Our Start
Dr. Karl and Cindy Sheaffer have been in the physical therapy profession for 20 years. Collectively their experience includes outpatient orthopedics, home care, inpatient rehabilitation, acute care and long term care. Karl's career has progressed from staff therapist to clinical manager and eventually self-employment.
Over the last two decades Karl and Cindy became increasingly more uncomfortable with the increased focus on volume in physical therapy practices, especially in the referral for profit sector that is so common today. Less and less therapist time and expertise was being focused on direct patient care, ultimately resulting in ineffective or inefficient clinical results.
Customer service was lacking and the primary complaint we heard from patients in these larger settings was "I feel like a number" or "I never see the same person when I come for my treatment." This increased frustration and the development of the American Physical Therapy Association's drive toward Vision 2020 left Karl with the feeling that we could do more for our patients.
Upon obtaining his Doctor of Physical Therapy and with the newly passed Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Direct Access laws in place, he felt the time was perfect. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists was incorporated and opened its doors to our patients in August of 2004.
Our Mission
To provide the finest quality orthopedic physical therapy services in the Lehigh Valley.
Our Focus
Outstanding customer service and evidence-based, one-on-one patient care that leads to exceptional results.
Staff
Physical Therapy Staff
Dr. Karl J. Sheaffer, PT DPT Dr. Karl J. Sheaffer, PT DPT
Karl received a BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987 and his DPT, specializing in Orthopedics, from Chatham College in 2004. He has attended extensive post graduate continuing education courses and possesses advanced manual therapy skills. He is also a United States Marine Corps veteran. In his free time, Karl enjoys spending time with his family and cooking,watching his son, Matthew, play travel hockey, and golf.
Cynthia Sheaffer, PTA Cynthia Sheaffer, PTA
Cindy is a 1985 graduate of Lehigh Carbon Community College with an Associate in Applied Science - Physical Therapist Assistant. Cindy currently is the Practice Administrator of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists and proud mother of two, Stephanie and Matthew.