NovaCare Rehabilitation

NovaCare Rehabilitation Experience the power of physical therapy with NovaCare Rehabilitation.

Our physical therapy team will design an individualized plan of care that aligns with your specific goals in mind. Through clinical experience, ongoing education and clear communication with our patients, our physical therapists will give you the tools necessary to successfully heal from aches, pains or injuries and get back to what you love. We are proud to serve your community and are committed to providing an exceptional experience that promotes healing in a safe, compassionate environment.

04/28/2026

This is not a one-and-done type of relationship. Our NovaCare Prosthetics & Orthotics patients often return to us over the years as their residual limb changes, whether due to healing, muscle atrophy, weight changes, wear and tear or even weather, which can affect comfort and function. Others return when their needs or goals change.

Richard Lewis is one such patient who underwent a below-the-knee amputation following a diabetic infection. He turned to Center Manager and Certified Prosthetist Sharon Kelly, who helped him regain his independence.

After some time using his new prosthesis, Richard was ready to return to his favorite activity: hiking in the Minnesota State Parks. Unfortunately, the uneven ground and his new prosthesis were not a great match. He found it hard to do what he once loved. Luckily, he knew where to turn.

Sharon listened to his concerns and recommended the Össur Terra Foot for its exceptional ability to adjust to different surfaces and slopes.

"I will never go back to my first (prosthetic) foot,” Richard said. “With practice, I have learned to go up and down slopes (without going sideways) comfortably, and I don't even have to look down to see my foot placement!"

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Philadelphia star offensive lineman Jordan Mailata stopped by our tent to say hi to Athletic Trainers Colby Locke and Ca...
04/26/2026

Philadelphia star offensive lineman Jordan Mailata stopped by our tent to say hi to Athletic Trainers Colby Locke and Caitlin O’Connor at the World’s Strongest Man competition in Myrtle Beach!

There is a phrase commonly used among motorcyclists as a stark reminder to be vigilant: There are two types of riders: t...
04/25/2026

There is a phrase commonly used among motorcyclists as a stark reminder to be vigilant: There are two types of riders: those that have crashed and those that will crash.

While this isn’t true in every instance, it was for Chad Hemric, an avid dirt-bike rider and cyclist who twice injured his rotator cuff in falls. Having been through surgery and physical therapy previously, Chad had an idea of what to expect.

With a goal of getting back to dirt-bike racing, he scheduled an appointment with Physical Therapist Hannah Leffew. Hannah previously helped him return to riding.

“This was the second PT for the same shoulder,” he shared. "So, we worked to gain strength since the rotator cuff isn’t functional anymore.”

Chad credits Hannah for her exceptional encouragement, both physically and mentally. He received positive instruction, the reasoning behind it and engaging variations to the exercises. Each session helped restore his range of motion and strength. He is still on his way to recovery, given the permanency of the injury, but has already registered for his next race.

04/24/2026

“When I first came to physical therapy,” Joshua Aguirre, a young martial arts competitor, said, “my body felt like it was in complete shutdown.”

Joshua has spent more than nine years moving with the precision required by Taekwondo and sport karate. It shaped his daily life, carrying him through national and international competitions.

His long-term goal? Representing his country at the highest level one day. He was moving in the right direction until a hip strain and alignment issue interrupted that rhythm. Stretching hurt, kicking triggered a sharp pinch, training stopped and even everyday movement felt unfamiliar.

A referral to physical therapy at NovaCare Rehabilitation - Lebanon was the kickoff to his recovery. At his first sessions with Physical Therapist Scott Cook, Joshua couldn’t move the way he was accustomed to. His legs resisted deep stretches and he kicked low to avoid pain.

Scott focused on small, controlled efforts that helped with Joshua’s alignment, stability and understanding of how the injury affected his mechanics. Knowing why each exercise mattered kept him engaged.

By the second week, his hard, methodical work showed results. Consistent sessions led to deeper stretches without the same discomfort. His kicks climbed back to shoulder height, a clear marker that his body was responding to the demands placed on it. Each milestone reached restored his trust in what his body could handle.

“It felt weird not working out,” he shared, “or even just moving my body in a way I’m used to.”

Those changes, however, helped replace frustration with momentum. Joshua kicked over his head again – something that had seemed impossible early on. Today, he’s easing back into training with a better understanding of his body and its limits. His ambitions remain ahead of him, shaped now by patience, consistency and the ongoing work of staying healthy.

04/22/2026

Poor desk posture throughout the workday can quickly lead to discomfort, including back pain, neck strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder pain and eye strain.

You can address those issues as they pop up, or you could prevent them from happening in the first place.

Don't wait — put Occupational Therapist Mike Staino's five, ergonomic workspace tips into practice today for a healthier work environment.

04/20/2026

Our occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help patients recovering from illness or injury to rebuild function, mobility and independence so they may return to the everyday activities that matter most.

04/19/2026

“All I could feel was the heat,” Sherwon Irvin said. “By then, it was too late.”

On April 31, 2024, he was working in a confined space in Alabama, applying a highly flammable glue when a teammate’s grinding tool threw a spark. The fumes ignited instantly. Burning blue made it invisible enough that no one else noticed at first, but was hot enough to cause severe injury.

Sherwon felt his ears burning and saw fire in his eyes. He moved without stopping to think. He got out of the area, dropped to the ground and rolled until the flames on his body went out. By then, however, the damage was done. He suffered second- and third-degree burns to both arms, his stomach, neck and head. He was rushed to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he spent 18 days in the ICU. He was intubated three times. Swelling made it hard to find veins; needles went into his feet and neck. Skin grafts were taken from both thighs and placed on his arms. And surviving the fire did not prepare him for what followed.

When Sherwon returned home, he couldn’t stand or walk for three weeks. He needed help eating, using the bathroom and moving from room to room. His hands and arms were pulled in and wouldn't cooperate when he wanted them to move. Independence disappeared overnight.

“But no matter what,” he shared, “I kept fighting.”

When he was further along in his recovery, Sherwon began occupational therapy. Early sessions with Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Mandy Davidson focused on enduring discomfort — stretching tight, healing skin and asking damaged joints to move again. Progress showed up in small tasks: feeding himself, standing without help, walking across a room. Each gain came directly from his efforts in the center and at home.

After 19 months of consistent work, Sherwon has started doing many things he did before the accident. He's cooking again. He's reaching overhead. He's regained control of his hands. While Sherwon’s skin remains tight and he isn’t finished with therapy, his continued efforts matter. He is excited to be where he is and, of course, even more excited about where he is headed in his journey.

04/17/2026

Limb loss and limb difference can look like real people living fully as themselves. That’s why this moment from a patient appreciation event at one of our centers has stayed with us.

During Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we’re honoring the many ways our patients live boldly, proudly and unapologetically.

Paul Thompson hasn’t let his amputation stop him from performing and sharing his love of the bagpipes. He plays at civic and military events. Paul was in a motorcycle accident in 2019 that resulted in a below-the-knee amputation of his left leg.

Paul came to our Marion center to find the right prosthetic and fit to get him back to performing. He worked with Certified Prosthetist Tom Reece for several years, and continues to benefit from Tom's expertise during his semi-retirement. Paul now also works with Center Manager and Certified Prosthetist Jonathan Cruse, ensuring seamless, ongoing care.

Join us in celebrating identity, resilience and community for Paul and all of our patients this month and beyond.

Gardening is a great way to get outdoors and stay active, but it can be tough on your joints. Reduce aches and pains thi...
04/16/2026

Gardening is a great way to get outdoors and stay active, but it can be tough on your joints.

Reduce aches and pains this spring with these tips from one of our hand therapists!

04/15/2026

Beyond function, prosthetic devices are an extension of the personality of the person wearing them. We’re always exploring ways to elevate both the performance and aesthetics of prosthetic design. In this clip, we compare our traditional, laminated carbon socket to a newer lamination method.

This technique delivers a high‑gloss finish, seamless construction and clarity for incorporating custom imagery.

It all comes down to personal preference, but our NovaCare Prosthetic & Orthotic clinicians are always looking to deliver designs that take you to the next level in function, comfort and individuality.

04/09/2026

With professional golf's premier event starting today, you may be getting the itch to get out on the course. Before you tee off, be sure to try these stretches presented by Alan Morris, physical therapist, Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) and Gray Institute certified functional golf specialist. Your body will thank you as you try to go low!

Stretching before your round is a lore unlike any other.

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425 New London Road
Newark, DE
19711

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Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 2pm

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+13024531588

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