Palenchar Physical Therapy — Your Recovery is Everyone's Journey

When you’re injured and hurting, who better to care for you than family? That’s exactly what you get at Palenchar Physical Therapy: an extended family that happens to also be specialists at rehabilitating illnesses and injuries. Owned and operated by Michael and Amie Palenchar, Palenchar Physical Therapy really is a family business and the difference is not lost on their clients. Kathleen Adkins says, “I have received physical therapy for a back problem and a recent hip replacement from Michael Palenchar.  I was more than pleased with his care and attention.  He goes the extra mile to help with your problems.  I find that the exercise program that is offered is quite helpful to me.  Palenchar Physical Therapy feels like a family atmosphere.  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.”
Michael has a master of physical therapy degree from University of Maryland Eastern Shore and has 14 years of experience as a therapist. He works with patients of all ages who suffer from injuries or pain to the back, neck, hips, shoulders, knees and feet. He also treats deconditioning in the elderly or those with prolonged illnesses which can be brought on by inactivity or bed rest and reduces the capacity for the body to function properly. Over the last year, Michael has completed 99 hours in continuing education at a program sponsored by the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The class focused on treatment of orthopaedic injuries and illness of the back, hips, knees, neck and shoulders. The coursework qualifies him to sit for the exam for certification as an orthopaedic clincial specialist in physical therapy.
As the Office Manager, Amie makes sure that the office runs smoothly with help from 7-year-old twins, Anna and Wyatt, who are often in the office after school and on holidays doing light office work or just visiting with patients. Even the family dogs are often in attendance at the office lounging and eating treats. With the family atmosphere, this does not feel like a medical office at all, but more like a warm and friendly extension of the Palenchars’ home. The 3,000-square-foot space is roomy enough for private treatment rooms and a wide variety of equipment. The Palenchars have thought about what is calming to their patients right down to the sport-court flooring, which is made of recycled rubber and lessens the impact of exercise on sensitive joints. One happy patient, Michael Marks, M.D., said, “Palenchar PT’s expertise and personalized service made all the difference after my second knee surgery.  I have been able to resume all my favorite activities thanks to Mike and his staff.”
Office hours are very convenient and appointments are flexible to accommodate the busy lives of every patient. The office, located at 1504 Pemberton Dr. in the Harbor Point Plaza, is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is even open daily for lunchtime appointments. A new patient can be seen within 48 hours. As testament, Andrew Nock says, “On several occasions myself or another family member has needed urgent care. Mike and Amie have gone out of their way to get us in quickly. They provide a high standard of care with a personal and caring touch.” Each client is always evaluated and treated by Michael at each visit so there is a consistency and very individualized approach to treatment. Amie draws on her 10 years of experience as an elementary school counselor to make sure all patients are prepared for their visit and that they are satisfied after each treatment. And apparently this team is excellent at working together.
Amanda Pusey said, “Amie and Mike Palenchar were very welcoming and professional when I went to them for my physical therapy. Scheduling of appointments was flexible and this made it easier for me to make them. I really feel they helped me have a faster recovery and would recommend their services to my friends and family.”
As natives of the Salisbury area and graduates of UMES, the Palenchars knew that this was the community they wanted to live, work and raise their children. They are active in the community with their children and they enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and camping in their free time. To support future physical therapists, they often host students from local universities as interns or as volunteers for class credit. For the past two years they have arranged an informal visit from the physical therapy class at UMES to get a feel for what goes on in the office and what an actual therapist does.

To get more information about Palenchar Physical Therapy or to schedule an appointment, just call 410-572-5702.

By Gretchen Parks