FORT LORAMIE — Physical therapist Jim Spitzer, of rural Versailles, has expanded his therapy business from Versailles to Fort Loramie.
Spitzer, owner of Versailles Physical Therapy and Sport Rehabilitation for the last 13 years, opened his second clinic, Pinnacle Sports Therapy, with a Fort Loramie Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony, March 5.
Spitzer said the rehab center at 708 E. Park St. will be open by appointment.
“You can go anywhere you want for physical therapy” even if a doctor recommends a different place, he said. He hopes, however, that local physicians and chiropractors will refer their patients to him and that area residents who have surgery in a larger city will elect to have their therapy sessions close to home.
A Versailles native and 1990 graduate of Versailles High School, Spitzer spent four years in the Air Force before enrolling in the Medical College of Ohio (now part of the University of Toledo), where he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 1998.
Fort Loramie wasn’t in his sights when he first thought about expanding. He wanted to push himself outside of his comfort zone, but the push was supposed to be in a different direction. Just when he thought everything was ready in another location, everything fell through. But Spitzer is not one to give up.
“When I’ve put myself out there, I’ve grown as a person. You always develop a greater reliance on God,” Spitzer said. He thinks God had a hand in the new facility.
“I was disappointed (about the other opportunity). I was driving through Fort Loramie, saw the space. It was meant to be. Everything lined up perfect for me here. God always answers your prayer, but it may not be in the way you think,” he said.
Nate Barhorst, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and other chamber members welcomed Spitzer to town.
“We are excited to have Pinnacle Sports Therapy in our community and also as a member of the Fort Loramie Chamber of Commerce. Given the size of our town, we see a new business open its doors for the first time maybe a couple times a year. Therefore, we really enjoyed welcoming Pinnacle Sports Therapy, and a ribbon cutting is an exciting way to open the doors for the first time,” he said.
During his career, Spitzer has worked for hospitals run by corporations and for smaller clinics. He helped to start a physical therapy clinic in Minster several years ago. More recently, he served clients in several nursing homes, until he opened the Fort Loramie location.
He noted that it’s a financial challenge to be your own boss.
“Income goes up and down. That’s the challenge for me. I’m all in now. It makes it a little nerve-wracking going forward,” he admitted.
He offers one-on-one care in one-hour sessions. Usually, those are prescribed by a physician, but anyone can use his services and be covered by insurance, unless the insurer is Medicare.
“For that, you need a doctor’s orders,” he said. “The majority of the patients I have are doctors’ referrals, but Ohio is a direct care state, so you can come to me without a doctor.” His clinic is in a network with all major insurers, including Medicare and Worker’s Compensation. He discounts his rates for cash patients.
Young people can visit him for sports injury recovery and for conditioning.
“I like sports. Kids are always very eager. They bring a lot of energy,” he said. But he also treats orthopedic injuries suffered by adults.
Despite two decades of practice, he is sometimes surprised by a patient.
“Just last week, I had a person with something I hadn’t seen before. It’s kind of exciting,” he said.
Spitzer noted that one of the things he likes best about being a physical therapist is the opportunity it gives him to talk to patients.
“I learn something new all the time. It’s a hidden perk you don’t think about before you’re a therapist. You get to learn a lot. You take other people’s wisdom and use it in your life. I’m excited to have the opportunity to come here and treat patients in Fort Loramie and give them good care here. I’m going to get involved in the community. I’m just as eager as anyone else to see how this turns out,” Spitzer said.
Barhost is glad Spitzer chose Fort Loramie.
“The experience and expertise Jim Spitzer brings in physical therapy will be a great asset to the people in our community and the surrounding area,” Barhorst said.
For information or to make an appointment at Pinnacle Sports Therapy, call 937-419-1491.
