At Ferrell-Whited Physical Therapy, more services and more specialty equipment provide an elevated level of healing

By Laura Briedis

Epitomizing the best of being a locally owned business, Ferrell-Whited Physical Therapy Services is dedicated to giving patients the care they need to get back to doing what they love.

The Ferrell-Whited name has been synonymous with physical therapy for three decades, as the expertly trained hands of the therapists elevate healing to another level.

Setting the tone is Jason Graf, who owns the business with his wife, Dana.

A 1995 graduate of Buckeye High School in Medina, Jason worked as an aide at the original Ferrell-Whited location that opened in 1989 in Medina. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Physical Therapy, he returned home and eventually purchased the practice in 2006 where he started his career. Since then he has expanded the practice to encompass six locations.

In addition to the Medina clinic there are two other offices in Medina County within eight miles of each other: the Lake Medina office in the Russell Park Plaza and the Montrose Clinic in Sharon Crossings. Plus, there are offices in Rootstown, Kent and Berea.

The physical therapists at all six Ferrell-Whited offices treat common ailments from arthritis to headaches, back pain, knee pain, fibromyalgia, overuse injuries, tendonitis, sprains, strains and fractures, as well as offer rehab therapy following surgery.

One of the few therapist-owned clinics in the area, Ferrell-Whited provides a patient-centered, small-town perspective that focuses on one-on-one, hands-on care. It is this small private practice atmosphere that Ferrell-Whited has built over 30 years that has catapulted it to a leading medical provider.

“We can provide more personalized care at a more affordable price, compared to large hospital systems,” says Jason, who was honored last month with the Award of Excellence by the National Sales and Marketing Executives. “Our fee schedules are one-third of the cost of what hospitals charge because we have much less overhead.”

“As a patient, you have a choice to go to whichever provider you choose for physical therapy,” he adds. “Everyone’s deductibles will start over on January 1, so now is a good time to seek care.”

Within the private practice network, there is a warm water therapy pool in the Medina Main Clinic and Rootstown offices, dedicated pediatrics equipment in the main clinic in Medina and a women’s health focus at the Russell Park office in Medina.

“We are the only place in Medina that offers aquatic therapy,” says Director of Clinical Operations Amber Morrison, PTA. “For patients who are experiencing a lot of discomfort, aquatic therapy can be more comfortable than land exercises. When we get patients in the pool, who need, for example, knee or hip surgery, they can strengthen that area before surgery. If they are stronger going into surgery, the rehab will take less time and the outcome will be more positive.”

Ferrell-Whited also now offers Medicare B outpatient services and can provide in-home therapy, while a patient transitions from the hospital to home to a physical therapy office.

“We truly work together as a team here and have very low staff turnover, which results in better patient care,” says Amber, noting there are 16 physical therapists and physical therapist assistants on staff. “Every one of our locations is staffed by therapists who live in the same city they work in, so we are really connected to the community.”

“We are investing in the future of our business as we are undergoing a $125,000 renovation at the Main Clinic, including a new parking lot, landscaping, and new pool decking and resurfacing. It is our intention to be a part of this community for many years to come,” she adds.

Ferrell-Whited Physical Therapy’s Main Clinic is located at 700 E. Washington Street in Medina. There are five additional offices in Medina, Kent, Rootstown and Berea. For an appointment, call 330-722-3781 or visit FerrellWhited.com.