Primal Physical Therapy strives to provide optimal physical health and mobility with physical therapy in Narberth, PA. Whether you're bouncing back from surgery or working through everyday pain, our practice is unlike anything you’ve seen before. You’ll receive focused, one-on-one care rooted in science and shaped by experience. Nothing rushed. No cookie-cutter plans. Just full focused attention to your specific needs and goals.
Led by Dr. JJ Thomas, DPT, CMTPT, FDNS, our team combines hands-on techniques with evidence-based methods. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Thomas is celebrated for reimagining patient care and movement through groundbreaking, system-based methods that deliver real results.
Her mastery in advanced manual techniques and functional movement analysis has earned her a reputation as a leading expert— from training medical providers of professional sports teams to teaching at national conferences, publishing in professional journals, and consulting for elite organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Our Physical Therapy Services
We offer advanced treatments 100% backed by clinical research and delivered with practical, everyday application. Every session is planned with care, focused on addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms.
Gait Analysis
Through gait analysis we examine your walking and movement patterns to see what’s really causing the breakdown in your body and contributing to your discomfort. This helps us understand how your body moves and where there are imbalances leading to pain or injury.
Movement Analysis
Movement analysis allows us to pinpoint the source of joint or muscle dysfunction. By identifying faulty patterns, we create a plan to correct the issue and prevent it from returning.
- Critical for breaking through plateaued treatments of chronic injuries
- Key to enhancing athletic performance
- Helps prevent re-injury and protect against future injuries.
Sports Rehabilitation
Through sports rehabilitation we support athletes of all levels as they return to activity following an injury. If you're someone fighting to get back on the field or if you just want to get back to your workout routine or be able to throw a baseball with your children, we build a path to strength and movement.
Dry Needling
Dry needling addresses pain and helps heal injuries faster by treating trigger points in muscle, and addressing tightness and weakness in your body. This technique helps reduce muscle tension, joint and postural stiffness, and allows you to move more freely. We often pair this with strength, stability, and recruitment exercises, for better results.
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)
BFR uses controlled pressure to briefly reduce blood flow while you exercise. This stimulates the body’s internal process for rebuilding muscle. BFR allows you to strengthen using lighter weights effectively, which is especially helpful during recovery from injury or surgery, or if you have an injury that is exacerbated by load, such as arthritis, tendonitis, or bursitis.
Postural Correction
If poor posture is affecting your ability to move or breathe deeply, or is causing pain in your body, postural therapy will help. We adjust the way your muscles hold and support your body throughout the day so you can sit, stand, and move without pain.
- Improves balance and coordination
- Reduces stress on joints
- Helps alleviate neck and back discomfort
- Builds resilience to be able to support an active lifestyle without breaking down.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses targeted laser light to boost your body’s natural healing process. The light triggers a biochemical response in the body that reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and facilitates healing. It’s pain-free and often used to support recovery from strains or overuse injuries.
Golf Swing Analysis
Through golf swing analysis we analyze your swing mechanics from head to tail, and from fingertips to toes. This allows us to uncover what might be leading to overuse or breakdown, but on top of that, it will unlock your highest levels of performance. Whether you're training or recovering, if you’re looking to up your golf game, you will not want to miss this.
What You’ll Experience at Primal Physical Therapy
We keep things simple, focused, and personal. Regardless of the pain or stiffness you’re dealing with, we’re here to help you get back to what matters—living life comfortably.
When you visit our Narberth-area location, you’ll find:
- A calm, friendly space
- One-on-one treatment from our expert physical therapist
- A plan built just for you
- Clear, honest communication
- Treatments that are grounded in research and made for real life
We take the time to do things right so you can feel better, move better, and get back to comfortable living.
Real Patients, Real Reviews
We’re incredibly proud to share such kind words from patients we’ve helped feel better. Below are a few testimonials we take pride in:
“I've played at the highest level and been around some great trainers, PTs, and coaches. I have recently been doing laser treatment at Primal with JJ, and she is right at the top and the best of the best as a PT,”
- Jameer Nelson, Sports Broadcaster & NBA All-Star.
“I have gone to JJ for everything from an Achilles tear to a tight shoulder. As a member of the 2016 Track and Field US Olympic Team, I value my health above all else, and there is no one I trust with my body more than JJ and Primal Physical Therapy,”
- Robby Andrews, Olympic Athlete.
If you’d like to read more, click here!
Meet Our Experienced Physical Therapists
Dr. JJ Thomas, DPT, CMTPT, FDNS
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Equipped with over two decades of experience, Dr. JJ Thomas brings a unique blend of passion, experience, and knowledge to Primal Physical Therapy. A graduate of the nationally renowned University of Delaware, Dr. Thomas not only practices but also instructs and inspires others in physical therapy. Her specialties span from dry needling to specialized movement analysis, making her a valuable contributor to our team.
Dr. Eric Abramowitz, DPT, FDNS
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Dr. Eric Abramowitz discovered his love for physical therapy through personal experiences in athletics and high-quality care. An alumnus of the University of Delaware, Dr. Abramowitz is a force to be reckoned with. His achievements include certifications in Dry Needling, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and other techniques, reflecting his commitment to results-driven care.
Dr. Jessica Calderón, DPT
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Hailing from Northeastern University, Doctor Jessica Calderón brings her extensive expertise to Primal Physical Therapy. Her experiences at top-ranked U.S. physical therapy institutions, participation in the Boston Marathon Medical Team, and research contributions set her apart. Under the mentorship of Dr. JJ Thomas and Dr. Eric Abramowitz, Dr. Calderón continues to evolve in her practice.
Joe Dawson, MPT
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Joe Dawson's educational blend of Psychology and Physical Therapy offers a unique approach to treatment. His connection of the mind and body and advanced training in areas like osteopathic manual therapy and dry needling ensure patients achieve their highest potential for movement, performance, and recovery.
Dr. Chelsea Turgeon PT, DPT
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Dr. Chelsea Turgeon is passionate about helping people stay mobile and functional. A Lynchburg College graduate with a decade of experience, Dr. Chelsea is an expert in treating concussions, vestibular therapy, and functional dry needling. She has a special interest in sports and has recently become a Certified Running Gait Analyst, enhancing our service offerings at Primal Physical Therapy.
Ready to Move Forward?
You don’t have to push through pain—or settle for generic care. At Primal Physical Therapy, we take the time to understand what your body needs and how to help it heal.
Let’s take the next step together. Contact us today!
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