Licensed Hand and Physical Therapists

Russ Simmerman, DPT, OMT-C, Certified Dry Needle Practitioner

Russ Simmerman, DPT, OMT-C, Certified Dry Needle Practitioner

Clinical Director and Owner

​Sports Medicine, Orthopedics, Back Dysfunction

Russ Simmerman, DPT graduated from the Uiversity of North Carolina Wilmington in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. In 2008, he earned a Doctorate degree of Physical Therapy from East Carolina University. He joined Physical Therapy Services of Wilmington in 2010 after working two years in acute settings. Russ’ rehab interests include sports, post-operative and orthopedic rehabilitation most notably of the shoulder, spine, hip, knee, and ankle. Russ is a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist as well as a Certified Dry Needle Practitioner. He enjoys integrating an exercise based approach to guide his patients back to activity. Russ grew up in Wilmington and is happy to provide care in the area he calls home. Outside of work, Russ enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, as well as participating in triathlons, tennis, baseball, and all beach and water activities.

Alan Simmerman, PT

Alan Simmerman, PT

Founder

Joint Replacements, Hip Rehabilitation, TMJ

Alan Simmerman, PT anchors the staff at Physical Therapy Services of Wilmington. He is the founder and owner since 1983. Alan graduated from North Carolina State University and received his PT degree from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 1979. He specializes in shoulders, spinal conditions, sports medicine, industrial medicine, and TMJ.

Andy Alaimo, DPT, Certified Dry Needle Practitioner

Andy Alaimo, DPT, Certified Dry Needle Practitioner

Clinical Director at Porters Neck Location

Sports Rehab, Orthopedics, Preventative Screenings

Andy Alaimo, DPT, SFMA is a native of Syracuse, NY. Andy attended Nazareth College for undergrad and received a Bachelor in Heath Science followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. While at Nazareth, he played 4 years of Varsity Soccer. Andy has participated in Clinics at US ARMY at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Olympic Training Facility, New York City outpatient, and Duke Hospital. Andy has taken continuing education classes in SFMA screening, concussions and is certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling.

Jane Burchfield, OTR/L CHT

Jane Burchfield, OTR/L CHT

Certified Hand Therapist

Hand Specialist

Jane Burchfield, OTR/L, CHT graduated in 1979 from Ohio State University with a BS in Occupational Therapy and is a Certified Hand Therapist. In 1981, she began specializing in hand and upper extremity injuries and conditions at the UNC Hand Rehabilitation Center. Jane has extensive experience in the fabrication of custom splints and fracture braces and has practiced in Wilmington since 1984.

Caitlin Long, DPT, CKTP

Caitlin Long, DPT, CKTP

Staff Therapist

Neurological Disorders, Orthopedics and Geriatrics

Caitlin Long, DPT, CKTP is a graduate from SUNY University at Buffalo Doctor of Physical Therapy program and native of Syracuse, NY. Caitlin has previously worked in acute care hospital settings, skilled nursing facilities as well as outpatient services. Main areas of interests are geriatrics, chronic pain, general orthopedics and neurological disorders. She is an experienced and certified Kinesiotape clinician and has training with the Postural Restoration Institute.

Grace Brooks, DPT

Grace Brooks, DPT

Staff Therapist

Orthopedics and Pediatrics

Grace Brooks, DPT is a Raleigh, NC native. She graduated from UNC Wilmington in 2015 with an Exercise Science degree and from Duke University in 2019 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Grace takes great pride in restoring function to her patients no matter their age or abilities and is creative in the clinic to do so. At Duke, she took a particular interest in pediatric physical therapy. Her doctoral thesis titled, Physical Activity Levels of Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review, has been accepted for publication by Pediatric Physical Therapy. She also has a competitive swimming background and thus orthopedic rehabilitation is a passion of hers. Grace and her husband are happy to be back in Wilmington enjoying all of its activities.

 

  • Outstanding care provided. Superior professionalism. Extremely professional staff.

  • Jane was excellent. I had a long recovery following surgery on my hand after it was cut while at work. I found her to be knowledgeable, reassuring, patient and thorough throughout my course of therapy. She customized a splint for me and provided several other gadgets that initially improved the ease of daily activities but ultimately helped me return to work. I am forever grateful.

  • I had been told my only option was back surgery but thankfully I found Physical Therapy Services. They taught me how my posture was resulting in pain down my leg. I could tell a difference after only a few visits. I highly recommend them!

  • I have seen Alan for several ailments over the years. He has treated me for shoulder and back pain as well as rehab following my knee replacement. I had no idea what rehab entailed following knee replacement. He pushed me just the right amount but also respected my pain and concerns. Thankfully, I am back gardening and playing with my grandkids. I appreciate his knowledge and his willingness to take the time necessary to explain the source of my pain and lay out a vision how PT will help.

  • I want to thank all the staff or a great experience. I started care in a great deal of pain. Everyone was very kind, professional and accommodating. Marie is a superstar! She literally changed my life. You guys have a fantastic staff. Keep up the good work. Thanks again.

  • Thanks for your help. I am running without pain and looking forward to my first half marathon next month.

  • I am pleased with the care given to me at Physical Therapy Services of Wilmington. The staff is excellent as well as courteous and friendly. I never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for my appointment. It feels great to be able to walk without that pain in my foot!

  • I walked in feeling dizzy, miserable and nauseated from an episode of vertigo. Amy was able to provide treatment on the first visit that remedied my symptoms. I truly appreciate her expertise. She even called a few days later to check up on me. This is not something I had experienced from other health care providers. Thanks Amy!

  • Russ did an excellent job directing my rehab following rotator cuff repair. My ROM and strength feel better than it has in years. I am back playing tennis without restriction.

  • Mike genuinely cared about my improvement. He was flexible and did not rush me. He always answered my questions to my satisfaction and provided teaching to enable me to do home therapy.

  • I couldn’t have been treated any better. The staff was so warm and caring! Thank you for all your help!

  • I have improved tremendously from my initial visit and I am able to return to a normal active routine. I felt much better after each session.

  • I am back surfing and paddle boarding without pain.

  • I have been to several physical therapy clinics. If I need to return I will not go anywhere else. I can function with minimal pain and I have found my home program to be a great benefit. I am thrilled with my improvements. I have resumed walking the loop several days a week without hip pain. This is something I truly enjoy and prior to intervention, I had my doubts. Many thanks.