Who may be treated at the Delaware Physical Therapy Clinic?

The Delaware Physical Therapy Clinic is open to the public. In addition to students, staff and faculty of the University of Delaware, we treat patients from the surrounding communities in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Anyone may come to the University of Delaware for physical therapy.

What types of patients do you see?

We provide a full range of physical therapy services in our clinics and our patient load is varied. We see patients with sports and orthopedic injuries such as neck and back injuries, shoulder and knee injuries and patients with arthritis. We also see patients with neurologic injuries and older adults. For more information on the services we offer, click here.

What are your hours of treatment?

Our clinic offers convenient hours Monday through Friday. Please call (302) 831-8893 to schedule an appointment in the clinic.

Will insurance pay for my treatment?

We accept most insurance plans and are participating providers with Highmark Delaware (Blue Cross Blue Shield), Cigna, Aetna, and Medicare health plans. We also see Workers Comp and Auto Accidents. As a courtesy to you, our staff will verify your insurance benefits prior to your first visit. If you are covered by a managed care plan, you may have to get a referral from your insurance company before beginning treatment. Those patients who do not have insurance or other coverage for therapy services, will pay for their treatment at each visit.

Do I need to be referred by my doctor?

Pending your insurance, we may be able to treat you for up to 30 days without a physician referral. Please call our office at (302) 831-8893 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

What information should I bring to my first visit?

At your initial evaluation appointment, please bring your doctor’s prescription, any applicable insurance referral, and your insurance card.

Please bring any copies of evaluations from specialists or other therapists that would assist the therapist in coordinating care and determining goals of therapy.

Please bring any equipment that you may use such as crutches, walker, wheelchair, braces/splints, or communication device.

What should I wear? How long does it take?

If your injury is to a particular area of the body please wear clothes that will expose the area of injury (i.e. loose shorts for a knee or hip injury, a halter top or sports bra for women with a neck or shoulder injury). Be sure to bring or wear clothing that will be comfortable during exercise and bring any equipment that you normally use such as walkers, canes, braces etc, or if you are being evaluated for any foot related complaint, please bring your usual running shoes and/or street shoes.  We have a private place for you to change clothes when you arrive and please make sure you arrive early if you need time to change.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the beginning of your first visit to fill out paper work. Plan to be here for approximately 1 ½ hours for your first visit. Subsequent appointments may last from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your condition.

Please arrive on time for all of your subsequent visits.

How often will I be coming?

Frequency and duration of your treatment will be determined by the physical therapist after your initial evaluation. Typical treatment is 2-3 times per week.

Do students assist in evaluation and treatments?

This clinic is primarily a teaching clinic to the UD Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.  This program is currently ranked number 2 in the nation by US News and World Report! Various levels of care are provided by Doctor of Physical Therapy students. All patients are seen and supervised by a licensed physical therapist who is faculty in our nationally ranked program. The licensed physical therapist retains oversight and responsibility for all services provided.

Where are you located?

540 S. College Ave Suite 160 Newark, DE 19713

From I-95: Take exit 1B-Rt. 896 to Newark. This turns into South College Avenue. Continue approximately 1.5 miles and 540 S. College Avenue is located on your left. Patient parking is available.

From Main Street/Rt 273: From East Main, turn left onto South College. Continue approximately 1 mile and our building (540 S. College) will be on your right.

Where will I park?

Parking is provided for our patients in increments of two hours. Patient parking is clearly identified by signs in our parking lot.

What are Neurologic Injuries?

Neurologic injuries are problems associated with the central nervous system, primarily the brain and spinal cord. People with neurologic injuries or impairments often require more hands on treatment and longer recovery times. We provide intensive rehabilitation for clients with traumatic brain injury, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and spinal cord injury among other diagnosis. The clinic works with clients over age 16 with neurologic involvement.

What are unique problems that may be specific to older adults?

Normal aging does not require physical therapy, however many of the conditions associated with osteoporosis, fear of falling, dizziness, limited walking ability and deconditioning/weakness are not normal aging and can be addressed through skilled physical therapy. Additionally, our staff is aware of the issues with hearing loss, decreased vision and loss of sensation that can complicate the rehabilitation for many older adults practice.