Meet Our Staff

Tory Bishop     •   Sarah Meinertzhagen     •   Featured Employee

Physical Therapy Works was started by Tory and Trenton Bishop in 1991 and has grown rapidly to meet the physical therapy needs of the community. Currently we have over 40 employees working in three locations to offer our patients the best care possible. Below you can learn more about our directors who oversee our three main therapy areas: Physical Therapy Works, FIT Works and Therapy Works for KiDS, along with our featured employee. With so many wonderful employees, we thought you might enjoy getting to know them individually

Tory Bishop, PT, DSc, Cert. MDT

Dr. Bishop is the co-owner and president of Physical Therapy Works.

She has a specialty certification in mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the spine; a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy: a Master’s of Science in Community Health Professions, and a Doctorate of Science in Orthopaedics.  The Doctorate of Science in Orthopaedics is an advanced and highly specialized degree which a minority of physical therapists holds.  This doctoral program required various coursework in biometry, orthopaedics, research, case report writing, literature review and required a doctoral dissertation, and internships in medical doctors’ clinics with specialties in spine, radiology, and physiatry.

Dr. Bishop has guest lectured at Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College (TCC).  She currently serves as a board member for advisement of the physical therapist assistant program at TCC.  She is a member of the APTA and the VPTA. Her writings have been published in professional publications and she is highly sought after to speak at functions for local community support groups and professional functions. 

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Sarah Meinertzhagen, BSBA, CPT, IMC

As the Director of FIT Works, Sarah oversees all Health and Wellness programming.  FIT Works provides individualized training, partner training, sports performance, and group classes.  The program also offers a number of specialty services designed to meet the needs of any client regardless of exercise and medical history.  Sarah has been instrumental in the development of the Exercise is Medicine initiative encouraging physicians to prescribe exercise for their patients.  She has further expanded the Exercise is Medicine concept to provide education, testing, and programming for referred patients.

Sarah has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Sport Management and a background in exercise science and health and wellness. In addition to her management responsibilities, Sarah remains very involved with clients.  Sarah brings certifications in Personal Training, Group Exercise, Yoga, and Pilates, along with years of firsthand experience in competitive sports, coaching, and training to FIT Works.  She has a special interest in post-rehabilitative exercise and has pursued advanced education in these areas.  Sarah has spent her entire career in the health and wellness industry.

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Featured Employee

Our reputation as the area’s leader in rehabilitation is a function of our commitment to the need for quality care.  Our professionals provide our patients with the highest quality care available anywhere.  We regularly feature our professionals, in order for you to learn what makes them so special.

Russell Edwards, CSCS, CFT

Our reputation as the area’s leader in therapy and fitness is a function of our commitment to the need for quality care.  Our professionals provide our patients and clients with the highest quality care available anywhere.  We regularly feature our professionals, in order for you to learn what makes them so special.

Russell Edwards, CSCS, CFT, has a degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Human Performance and Sport.  He has worked with people of all ages and fitness levels.  His training and experience enable him to tailor programs to meet the very specific needs of his clients.  Russell’s innovative and creative training approach allows him to work with clients who have wide ranging fitness objectives.

Russell has participated in sports his entire life.  He chose a career in fitness because it gave him the opportunity to combine his love of sports with his desire to help people.  He particularly enjoys the teaching aspect of his career...teaching people how to exercise safely and effectively and motivating them to reach their goals.

Despite his considerable education, training, and experience, Russell believes there is always more to learn.  “I am constantly learning, and I always keep an open-mind when I am learning about new training techniques,” explains Russell.  His willingness to incorporate these cutting edge training techniques enables his clients to achieve their full potential.  For Russell, “The best thing about working at Physical Therapy Works/FIT Works, is having the freedom to use different training methods with different clients, because no two clients are alike.  I work with a wide range of clients from those who are medically-based to athletes and everyone in-between.”

Russell recognizes that he is an important role model for the athletes he trains and he takes that responsibility very seriously.  “I am not only teaching exercise, but I am also teaching kids how to be better people, ” Russell emphasized.  “I realize someone is always looking up to me for direction or advice.”

Russell’s honest and relaxed nature puts his clients at ease and quickly gains their trust and confidence.  “I make them laugh and smile.  I am honest with them about what they need to do to reach their goals.”  It is obvious that Russell cares about each and every client.

Russell has attended continuing education courses in the following specialty areas:
Adapting Your Program to Your Athletes
Multi-Dimensional Training for Athletic Development
Clean Complexes
Band and Chain Training for Athletes
 

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