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A new chapter has begun for those in need of physical therapy services. On Nov. 4, after a two-week ramp-up period where the team ensured everything from equipment to organization was ready for patient care, Emory Physical Therapy officially opened its doors, offering the community specialized care with a focus on orthopedics and sports rehabilitation.

The opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

The clinic, which has been in the works for over three years, marks an exciting step for both the city and the healthcare provider, as it brings high-quality therapy services to a region that has long been underserved in this area.

While the clinic’s first official day of service was Nov. 4, much of the groundwork had been laid well before that.

For Jake Howard, the clinic’s physical therapist, the journey began several years ago—long before he received his degree from Augusta University this past May.

“I did four years of undergrad, three years of PT school and clinicals throughout school,” explained Howard.

Although Howard moved away to attend school, LaGrange has always been home. His return to the area, and Emory’s newest location, means a lot to him personally and professionally.

“As somebody that is from this community, grew up in this community, then going away for school and being able to live other places, the opportunity to come back to home, you know, Lagrange really is a special place, it means a lot to me, which is why I’m here so having a chance to come back and provide care to my community and be involved in my community, obviously, from a PT aspect, but also, you know, with Emory outside of work. LaGrange is a community that I love and it’s a great opportunity for me to be here and be involved with it,” said Howard.

Amy DeRosa, on the administrative side of the team, is passionate about ensuring the clinic runs smoothly.

“I’m here to help behind the scenes, supporting Jake and Javonne so they can focus on what they do best—caring for patients,” Derosa said.

Javonne Davis, the front office coordinator, ensures the patients have a seamless experience when they walk through the door.

The clinic handles a broad spectrum of conditions including orthopedic care, sports medicine, arthritis management, workplace injuries and sprains, strains and soft-tissue conditions.

“We’re here to serve anyone who needs physical therapy—from teenagers with sports injuries to adults recovering from surgery or work-related injuries,” Howard explains. “Our focus is on giving each patient the individualized care they need.”

As a newly established clinic, Emory Physical Therapy’s team is already seeing a steady stream of patients.

“We’re thrilled with how well the community has received us and are already planning for future expansion,” Howard said.

Derosa echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how important it is to provide the care that the LaGrange community needs. “There’s a real need for physical therapy services here, and we’re excited to be able to provide those services.”

Emory has been providing physical therapy services for over two decades, and the LaGrange clinic represents a key piece in its expanding network.

Derosa, who has worked closely with Emory’s management team, notes that this is Emory’s 14th physical therapy location, a testament to the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of various communities.

Emory Physical Therapy is located at 1801 Vernon Road, LaGrange, GA 30240. For more information, call 404-544-1813 or visit emoryhealthcare.org/lagrangeortho