We were founded in 1984 in Easton, Maryland to provide a full range of high-quality physical rehabilitation choices to Delmarva area residents. Dr. W.
At Tidewater Physical Therapy, we’re committed to providing the best care possible. James Downs Jr., PT, DSc, ECS founded Tidewater in 1984 to satisfy a need for skilled physical therapy in the local community. Thirty-five years later, with 14 clinics across Delmarva, our experienced professionals continue to share their expertise and help in improving patient health, well-being, and overall quality of life every day. We treat a variety of conditions and injuries, including general orthopedic, sports medicine, stroke, pre- and post-operative, and more. We not only provide the best possible results for our patients, but we also make connections with our local communities along the way.
01/09/2026
January often brings an increase in preventable injuries👇🏼
Common issues we see this time of year include:
- Slip and fall–related ankle, wrist, and knee injuries
- Low back and shoulder strains
- Overuse injuries linked to sudden increases in exercise
- Neck and back pain related to cold weather and prolonged sitting
Cold temperatures can reduce tissue flexibility, and abrupt changes in activity load increase injury risk. If pain is limiting your daily activities or exercise, early intervention matters!
01/05/2026
As 2026 begins, we’re grateful for the opportunity to work with the many communities we reach and excited for another year of helping you pursue your goals. Wishing everyone a strong and healthy start to the year!
01/01/2026
Happy New Year from the Seaford clinic! 🎉
12/29/2025
As we head into a new year, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on your health goals for 2026. Small steps add up! Research shows that even short, consistent balance work can improve stability in as little as 6 weeks.
12/25/2025
Merry Christmas from the Denton clinic! 🎁🎄
12/25/2025
The Harrington girls all decked out in their Grinch gear. Merry Christmas!🎄
12/24/2025
Christmas PJs, cookie contests for the patients, and “Holly Bones.” The Seaford clinic went all out for the holidays. Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄
12/23/2025
As we head into the holiday week, Christmas Eve hours may vary by clinic. Please contact your location for details. Have a great Christmas!🎄
12/22/2025
Happy First Day of Winter ❄ The season can put extra stress on your muscles and joints, but brighter, longer days are officially on the way!
12/17/2025
Experience matters👈🏽 With over 20 years in practice, Mark Bodin, MPT brings thoughtful, individualized physical therapy to patients of all ages at our Milton clinic.
12/14/2025
🌟PT Spotlight!🌟
Joe Whalen, PT, joined Tidewater PT in 1986 and serves as Clinical Director of our Lewes location. His background in orthopedic manual therapy and geriatric care shapes a treatment approach grounded in precise assessment, skilled hands-on techniques, and functional movement retraining.
By combining advanced manual therapy with targeted exercise, Joe addresses the mechanical and neuromuscular factors that influence daily movement and long-term independence. Thank you, Joe, for your decades of dedication and leadership!
12/11/2025
❄ Cold weather can make everything feel a little tighter this time of year. A few focused movements can go a long way toward staying comfortable and keeping your body ready for the season.
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Providing the best care possible for over 30 years, Tidewater Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Associates, P.A. was founded in 1984 under the guidance of Dr. W. James Downs, Jr., PT, DSc, ECS. Downs founded the firm in response to local physicians seeking progressive physical therapy services for patients on the DelmarvaPeninsula. It is that grassroots attachment that has been the cornerstone of Tidewater Physical Therapy’s philosophy since day one.
Since its foundation, Tidewater Physical Therapy has expanded to 16 locally owned clinics across Delmarva. Our therapists have continued to increase their certifications and knowledge in many specialty areas to provide for their ever-growing patient population. In addition, Tidewater Physical Therapy is a certified Medicare Rehabilitation Agency, meaning our organization willingly accepts a stringent set of guidelines in which to operate, including annual inspections.
Our commitment to our community is an important component to our practice. We live in and are members of the communities where we work. We support and participate in local philanthropic endeavors, and are committed to seeing our communities thrive!
At Tidewater Physical Therapy, we pride ourselves on the quality and experience of our therapists. Our expert staff is well known for effective outcomes, clinical quality, and exceptional customer service. Our physical therapists are fully licensed and are also proud members of the American Physical Therapy Association. The staff is focused on improving our patients’ health, well-being, and quality of life.
Tidewater Physical Therapy is now the most widely recognized, highly accredited physical therapy firm on Delmarva, setting the standard for exceptional care in a comfortable, friendly, and community-oriented setting.
