AIR Physical Therapy and Fitness

05/01/2026

Mayci Lang is Laurel High School’s Athlete of the Month for May—and she’s earning it with nonstop energy, leadership, and grit. As a senior, Mayci is putting the finishing touches on a high school career that shines in every arena. On the softball field, she’s a four-year letterman and the captain of this year’s Spartan team. She’s been named All-Section every season since her freshman year and was an All-State middle infielder as a sophomore and junior. At the plate, she’s scorching the ball—batting .474—while helping drive her team toward a section title and their annual return to the playoffs. And this spring, she’s gone even further, lettering as a sprinter on Laurel’s track team and competing in the 100, 200, and 4 x 100 relay.
In the classroom, Mayci brings that same determination and excellence. She holds a 4.183 GPA and is the Class of 2026 Salutatorian—proof of the focus and work ethic behind her success. She has earned High Honor Roll every semester of her high school career and is a proud member of the National Honor Society. Next, Mayci will take her talent and drive to Westminster College, where she plans to major in Nursing and continue competing on their softball team. Mayci is the daughter of Steven and Tara Lang.

05/01/2026

As a junior at Riverside High School, Matt represents the best of what school athletics can be—hard work, humility, and a commitment to getting better every day. A three-year letterman in both baseball and basketball, he has been building those habits since he first picked up a ball at age five.
On the court, Matt has started at point guard for the Varsity Basketball Team in both his sophomore and junior seasons and leads the team in assists. On the diamond, he has contributed to the Varsity Baseball Team since his freshman year and, this season, has emerged as a starting pitcher—helping Riverside earn key section wins against Ellwood City and Mohawk while posting an impressive 0.46 ERA so far this year.
He has been nominated for Times Athlete of the Week three times and continues to grow his game outside the school season, having proudly played for Fennell Brothers Baseball for the past four years.
In the classroom, Matt matches his athletic focus with academic excellence as a high honors student with a 4.3 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society. He also gives back by volunteering with local youth baseball and basketball organizations, and during the off-season he works at Old Stonewall Golf Course—demonstrating reliability, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.
Matt is self-motivated and disciplined, with the drive and competitive spirit that elevate not only his own performance, but the people around him. Through his commitment to excellence and steady leadership—on the field, on the court, in the classroom, and in the community—he is a truly deserving Student Athlete of the Month.

05/01/2026

Kiley LeViere is Lincoln Junior-Senior High School AIR AOTM!
She is a Senior with a strong academic interest in biology, chemistry, and forensic science. She serves as Secretary of both the Spanish Club and National Honor Society, and is the Community Outreach Co-Chair for the SAVE/SADD Club while also participating in several other student organizations.

A captain of the Varsity Softball team and former Varsity Cheer captain, Kiley is a four-year softball starter and the team’s catcher. She is currently batting .323 with an on-base percentage of .475. Known for her leadership, work ethic, and positive attitude, Kiley consistently sets the standard for her teammates both on and off the field.

She plans to attend Penn State University, Main Campus, to major in Forensic Science.

04/28/2026

Heated aqua physical therapy at our New Castle office —performed in a warm-water pool (around 90 degrees)—offers several unique benefits compared to land-based therapy:

1. Pain relief and muscle relaxation
Warm water helps increase blood flow and relax tight muscles, which can reduce pain and stiffness, especially for conditions like arthritis or chronic injuries.
2. Reduced joint stress
Water buoyancy supports part of your body weight, taking pressure off joints. This makes movement easier and less painful, particularly for people recovering from injury, surgery, or dealing with joint conditions.
3. Improved mobility and flexibility
The warmth and support allow for a greater range of motion, helping you move more freely and stretch muscles safely.
4. Gentle strengthening and resistance
Water provides natural resistance in all directions, helping build strength without the need for heavy weights or high-impact exercises.
5. Better balance and reduced fall risk
The supportive environment makes it safer to practice balance and coordination exercises, especially for older adults or those with neurological conditions.
6. Enhanced circulation and recovery
Warm water can promote circulation, which may help reduce swelling and support healing.

Overall, it’s especially useful for people with pain, limited mobility, or those who need a low-impact but effective rehabilitation environment.

04/23/2026

Let us help you fix your body! Physical therapists are body mechanics!
Open Clinic every Thursday!

04/22/2026

Brynn Phlegar is finishing her Internship at AIR this week. Best of luck to you Brynn as you Graduate from SRU with your Doctorate of Physical Therapy!
Thank you Michelle Hoffman, you were a great Clinical Instructor!

04/22/2026

Vertigo is miserable and debilitating!
Did you know most insurances do not require a prescription to start physical therapy? Call our office to schedule with Will or one of our Vertigo experts today!

04/21/2026

Is your recovery plan as unique as your lifestyle? We do not believe in one-size-fits-all
healthcare. We work with you to identify the specific activities your injury is preventing and build a roadmap to get you back to them. Garden and yard work painful - more info here:
https://ppsapta.org/system/files/resources/files/2026/March%202026%20Newsletter%20Item%20-%20APTA%20PPS%20Toolkit.pdf

04/20/2026

Meet our Pelvic Floor Therapist - Renee VanArtsdalen, MPT
Trained through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute to provide pelvic floor therapy, she has also completed training in the management of osteoporosis.
Renee works with a variety of patients including, but not limited to pelvic floor rehab, spine (cervical, lumbar diagnoses), migraines, TMJ, osteoporosis, orthopedic injuries, concussion, and post-op care.
Renee brings 20+ years of physical therapy experience to the AIR Physical Therapy team. She received her combined Bachelor-Masters in Physical Therapy and Science from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY.
More info on Pelvic Floor Therapy here:
https://airphysicaltherapy.com/services/ -floor-therapy

04/18/2026

Great news! Culture and Ministry always welcome in EC!

Big things are coming to Beaver Avenue! 🏗️✨
We are excited to officially introduce the Western PA Foundation For The Arts (WPFA) to the Ellwood City community. Our home at 930 Beaver Ave is currently undergoing a major $2.5 million renovation to become a true sanctuary for our neighbors.
This building will be more than just an art gallery and classrooms. It will also be the future headquarters for Helping Hearts Ministries, our outreach program dedicated to serving those in need.
What’s coming to 930 Beaver?
🎨 Arts & Education: Local galleries and creative learning spaces.
📚 Early Literacy: The home of the "Big World" book series to support our kids.
🥣 Community Support: A future soup kitchen and food pantry run by Helping Hearts.
🏠 Stability: Transitional apartments on the upper floors for those needing a bridge to a better future.
We aren't open for services just yet as the dust is still flying, but we wanted to share the blueprint with you. We believe in the future of Ellwood City, and we can’t wait to build it together.
Follow our page for weekly renovation updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the progress! >