Orthopedic Physical Therapy

We treat the whole family — from your kid's sports injury to your dad's bad hip.

Whatever’s been slowing
you down, we’re here to help.

Whether you tweaked your back lifting something you definitely should have asked for help with, you’re recovering from surgery, or you’ve been quietly managing a nagging knee or shoulder for longer than you’d like to admit — we’ve got you. HARTZ Physical Therapy is a locally owned, full-service orthopedic physical therapy practice serving patients of all ages across Lancaster County, PA. From low back pain and sports injuries to post-surgical rehab and arthritis, our licensed physical therapists build a plan around your life and your goals. We treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

No Referral Needed — Getting Started Is Easy

One of the most common things we hear from new patients is, “I didn’t know I could just call.” Well — you can. In Pennsylvania, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to start orthopedic physical therapy. As a direct access provider, HARTZ PT makes it simple: call your nearest Lancaster County location, and in most cases we can get you in for an evaluation the same day or the very next day. The sooner you’re seen, the sooner you can start feeling like yourself again. No waiting weeks for a referral, no jumping through hoops. Just fast, friendly access to care from a team that knows what they’re doing.

What Is Orthopedic Physical Therapy?

Orthopedic physical therapy focuses on the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons that make up your musculoskeletal system — basically, all the parts that let you move, work, play, and live your daily life. It’s a specialized area of PT, and it’s what our therapists do every single day. Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain, a fresh sprain, post-surgical stiffness, or just the wear-and-tear that comes with being human, our job is to figure out what’s going on, put together a plan that actually fits your life, and help you get back to doing the things you love. We use evidence-based techniques including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and hands-on care — and we take the time to explain what we’re doing and why. Because you should always know what’s happening with your own recovery.

Conditions We Treat at HARTZ PT

Our orthopedic physical therapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions for patients of all ages — from kids and athletes to working adults and seniors. Here’s what we see most:

Low back pain — One of the most common reasons people come to see us. Whether it’s a sudden strain or something you’ve been managing for years, we can help.
Neck pain — From desk-related stiffness to injury-related pain, our therapists address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Shoulder, arm, wrist, or hand problems — Rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, carpal tunnel, and more.
Knee, ankle, or foot problems — Including ACL and meniscus injuries, plantar fasciitis, and post-surgical rehab.
Post-operative rehabilitation — We work closely with your surgical team to guide your recovery after joint replacement, spinal surgery, and other procedures. Learn more about our Pre & Post-Surgical Rehab →
Arthritis — Therapeutic exercise and hands-on care to reduce pain and improve mobility. See our Arthritis program →
Sprains and muscle strains — Fast, effective treatment to get you moving again.
Carpal tunnel syndrome — Conservative PT is often highly effective before considering surgery.
Hip fractures — Restoring mobility and strength following hip injury or surgery.
Sports injuries — From weekend warriors to competitive athletes, we help you recover and get back in the game. Explore our Sports Rehab →

Don’t see your specific condition listed? Give us a call anyway. Chances are we treat it — and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Looking for something more specialized? We also offer dedicated programs for vertigo and balance disorders, stroke rehabilitation, and pregnancy and postpartum care — each with therapists specially trained in those areas.

Personalized Orthopedic Rehab — One-on-One, Every Visit

No two patients are the same, and your orthopedic rehabilitation plan shouldn’t be either. Our physical therapists take the time to really listen — to understand your goals, your lifestyle, and what’s been getting in your way. They explain what they’re doing and why, and they adjust your plan as you progress. You’ll work with the same PT team at every visit, not a different face every time you come through the door. Healing requires trust, and trust is built through consistency. If you prefer a private treatment room, just say the word — we have them available at all six of our Lancaster County locations. It’s the kind of one-on-one, individualized care that leads to real results. Come experience the difference for yourself.

6 Convenient Lancaster County Locations Near You

We’re not a big-box clinic where you’re just a number on a schedule. HARTZ PT has been locally owned and independently operated since Brian Hartz opened our first location in Lititz back in 2000 — and that matters. It means the people treating you are invested in your outcome, not your visit count. With six orthopedic PT clinics across Lancaster County — in Lititz, Lancaster East, Lancaster West, Ephrata, Mount Joy, and Manheim — there’s a good chance we’re right around the corner from where you live or work. Twenty-five years of serving this community, and we’re still your neighbors.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

If you’ve never been to physical therapy before — or it’s been a while — it’s completely normal to wonder what you’re walking into. Here’s the short version: it’s a lot more human than you might expect. At your first visit, your physical therapist will sit down with you, ask about what’s going on, and take the time to actually understand your situation before jumping to conclusions. They’ll do a thorough evaluation, talk through what they find, and start building a treatment plan with you — not just for you. Most first visits are about 60 minutes. You’ll likely do some hands-on work and go home with a clear sense of what’s happening and what comes next. Comfortable clothes you can move in are all you need to bring. From your first visit to your last session, our goal is simple: get you back to doing what you love, feeling like yourself again.

What Our Patients Are Saying

"I’ve had a herniated disc for 13 years and have seen quite a number of PTs. Hartz is by far superior to any others in the area. They are patient, caring, and they listen to what you have going on.”

Andy, Lititz Patient

"With sciatica pain and mobility issues, I arrived using a walker for my first visit and today I completed my therapy pain free, walking normally, and unaided. Hayden’s initial time frame estimate (8-10 weeks) and exercise regimen were spot on. He and Emily’s therapy sessions were thorough and pain free. Give them both a raise! 👍👍👍"

Donald - Lititz Patient

"The staff are not just a team of therapists but people who want to see their patients healthy and doing the things they love. They took time to get to know me, my hobbies, my questions. I learned a lot from my time there.”

Angel, Lancaster East Patient

"I was at other PT facilities — four of them. Simply not comparable to Hartz, where the team feels like family and I get full attention to my individual needs with programs tailored specifically to me.”

Dan, Lititz Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?

No — thanks to direct access in Pennsylvania, you can come straight to us without a physician’s referral. That means quicker access to care and one less appointment to schedule. Not sure where to start? Give us a call and we’ll point you in the right direction.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

We know pain doesn’t wait, so we don’t make you wait either. New patient appointments are typically available within 24–48 hours. Just give us a call and we’ll get you scheduled at the location that works best for you.

What conditions does orthopedic physical therapy treat?

Orthopedic PT covers a wide range of conditions affecting your muscles, joints, and bones — including back and neck pain, sports injuries and sprains, post-surgical rehabilitation, arthritis and joint pain, and balance issues and fall prevention. Not sure if PT is right for your situation? Just give us a call — we’re happy to talk it through.

Will I see the same physical therapist every visit?

Yes. At HARTZ, you’ll work with the same therapist throughout your care — someone who gets to know you, your goals, and your progress. That consistency is one of the biggest reasons our patients see such great results.

Does HARTZ PT accept my insurance?

We work with most major insurance plans. The best way to confirm your coverage is to give us a call — our team will verify your benefits before you begin, and we offer self-pay options if needed.

What should I wear or bring to my first appointment?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing you can move in, along with sneakers or supportive shoes. It helps to bring your photo ID, insurance card, any relevant imaging or physician notes, and a list of medications. Most of all, come ready to talk through your goals — that first visit is all about understanding what you want to get back to.

How long does a physical therapy session last?

Most sessions run about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your treatment plan. Your therapist will let you know what to expect and adjust as you progress.

Ready to Feel Better? We’re Ready for You.

Whether you’re dealing with something that just happened or something you’ve been putting off for way too long — you don’t have to keep managing it on your own. Our team is ready to help. Schedule your evaluation at any of our six Lancaster County locations. Same-day and next-day appointments are available at most offices. No referral needed. Just call us. From your first visit to your last session, we treat you like a member of the family. Come experience the difference.