Dan Herrmann,DPT
EDCUATION: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Arcadia University | Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University,
CERTIFICATIONS | SPECIALTIES: Board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). Also working toward becoming a Certified Mackenzie provider | Member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and of the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association (PPTA).
CONTACT:
dherrmann@hartzpt.com
717.735.8880
What Makes Dan Special
A HARTZ PT team member since 2012, Dan has thrived in his role as Clinic Director of our Lancaster-West office. His relaxed management style makes him very approachable and he excels managing the busy West schedule. Passionate about continuing education, Dan is an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist whose outcomes in treating back pain are unparalleled. Team cohesiveness is very important to Dan and you will often find his team hanging together after work on Fridays in downtown Lancaster. As a lifetime golfer, Dan is also a golf-injury specialist.
When not in the office, Dan enjoys golfing, cheering on his West Virginia Mountaineers and spending time with his wife and sons, Asher and Jacob.
Want to know more? Here’s a little Q & A…
Why did you choose to be a PT/PTA for your profession?
I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field. My mom was a pediatric physical therapist and I was exposed to the therapy profession in that way. While gaining experience in preparation for applying to PT school I worked as and aide at an outpatient physical therapy clinic and gained a strong interest in orthopedics. After completing several clinical rotations, my passion for working in orthopedics was confirmed and have been fortunate to be with HARTZ PT since graduating 11 years ago.
What’s the one thing you wish you’d known when you began working as a PT/PTA? What advice would you give a newbie?
That the best thing you can do for your patients is to be their coach or motivator and to educate them on the why and how of their treatment program. I think too many times we as PT’s try to “fix” people rather that giving them the tools, knowledge, and empowerment to not only see results in the short term, but to maintain and effectively manage their condition in the long run and prevent recurrence.
What professional accomplishment of yours are you most proud of?
Becoming a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) in 2018. Only about 12% of all physical therapist have advanced board certification with 6% having their OCS.
Most important advice you give your patients?
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” Physical Therapy does not, or in most cases, should not be “P”ain and “T”orture but does require hard work, discipline, and sticking to the plan. You truly get out of it, what you put into it.
What is one thing that instantly makes your day better?
Seeing and being a part of the recovery of my patients. There is often uncertainty or anxiety on the part of the patient when starting a rehab program. Educating them and motivating them through the tough times and then seeing them getting back to feeling great and no longer limited by their condition never gets old.
What are you passionate about?
I LOVE to golf!
What are your hobbies?
Our family enjoys going tent camping. We try to go for a long weekend 2-3 times/year and the kids love it and its nice to disconnect.
Do you have any pets?
We have a cat (Wolly) and a dog (Huggins – named after WVU basketball coach Bob Huggins) and my 5 year old son has a Beta fish named Pat McAffee.
Are you reading or binge watching anything right now?
My wife and I love Ted Lasso.
Favorite Sport to watch? Who’s your team?
Football is my favorite sport to watch (College and NFL). West Virginia University Mountaineers and The Washington Commanders.
What’s something you’ve done, but you’ll never do again?
I am not a big fan of heights and thought I would try to conquer my fear when my wife and I were in Fayetteville, WV white water rafting. Fayetteville is famous for the New River Gorge Bridge which stands 875 feet above the New River. It is the third highest vehicular bridge in the US. We did a tour where you walk across a 24 inch wide catwalk right below the road for about an hour learning about the history and construction of the bridge. My knees did not stop shaking the entire time.
What’s on your bucket list?
My wife and I want to travel to all 50 states. We are currently at 20.
What do you do for fun?
I love to golf and have recently taken up disc golf which I really enjoy. But really anything outside and active will do.
What is your biggest fear?
Heights
