They recently opened their newest office at Howell Plaza on Route 9 South — their sixth in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
It may come as no surprise that Dave and Mike describe Atlantic Physical Therapy as a “Mom & Pop” practice. The two are hands-on with the people they serve and live and breathe their work with a passion, and make sure everyone else at their business does the same. “Our licensed therapists are well-qualified to provide comprehensive clinical exams on every patient we see,” explains Mike Manzo. “We evaluate each individual’s condition to safely and effectively treat them.” The brothers even send their own van transportation to help make getting to appointments easier.
Born and raised in New Jersey, the brothers have worked together since 2001, when they opened their first Atlantic Physical Therapy Center in Freehold, with Mike on the Clinical side of the business and Dave on the Operational side—but they’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak. As kids, they ran a neighborhood business in their hometown of Toms River. Whether it was mowing lawns, power washing, cleaning out gutters or babysitting, the brothers were always busy with odd jobs that gave back to a community they loved.
After attending college in Pennsylvania — Gettysburg and Hahnemann (for a post-graduate physical therapy degree) for Mike and Franklin & Marshall for Dave — the Manzos decided to return not just to their New Jersey roots, but their entrepreneurial roots, as well. Their parents were both educators, but their grandfather (now 91), with whom they grew up spending countless school breaks on Long Beach Island, ran a family-owned locksmithing business that was established in 1910 as a grinding and sharpening enterprise.
Now in their 30s, both brothers live in Wall Township and are committed to supporting New Jersey. Over the past five years, they have donated over $20,000 to the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center through their Atlantic Physical Therapy business. Additionally, they raised $4,500 in staff donations, which, when combined with the Blue Claws efforts, resulted in over $50,000 to help New Jersey residents for disaster relief post-Hurricane Sandy.
Education is also a priority for these therapy experts who have created a lecture series for the adult retirement communities in the surrounding towns. They offer free presentations on important topics relating to their health and wellbeing.
One of the most popular and well attended lectures is on arthritis. “We really like to spend time educating our neighbors. You’d be surprised how many seniors are afraid to exercise, thinking that it will make their pain worse. By explaining how strengthening and stretching can help improve their range of motion and protect their joints if they follow a properly designed program, it is very positive news for them.” shares Chris Beltran, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Clinical Director at the Howell Plaza location.
“We feel blessed to do what we love doing, everyday and our new Howell location is ideal. With all the adult communities in the surrounding neighborhood, the Aldridge Road access makes it so easy for patients to access our facility,” shares Dave.
For press inquiries, contact Roberta Bouer, (212) 996-0443
For appointments at Atlantic Physical Therapy, call (732) 835-2055
