Emma Phibbs Skates into Swarthmore

Emma Phibbs, DPT welcomes new clients at Move Well Physical Therapy. Photo by Dennis Gongora of Dennito Photography.

Opening this week in the former site of the Head Nut at 413 Dartmouth Avenue, Move Well Physical Therapy is a new sort of clinic.

Move Well owner Emma Phibbs, DPT, is no stranger to physical therapy and training. A top international pairs skater and a member of both the U.S. and Italian national teams, she learned about physiology in the first person through that demanding and exacting sport. She developed her skills at the University of Delaware’s Skating Center, and matriculated at Delaware. With the thought of a career in medicine, she studied biology and exercise physiology.

After finishing her competitive career, Emma skated professionally in gigs on cruise ships, then proceeded to physical therapy school. After completing a doctorate of Physical Therapy, she opened a practice treating high level skaters at the Delaware training center, along with dancers, and gymnasts.

Top athletes will remain among Dr. Phibbs’s clients, but her main focus in the Swarthmore practice will be “community care,” she said. “I’m excited to help Swarthmore residents age in place by maintaining mobility and health. Many seniors have balance problems and stability disorders,” Emma said, and the techniques of physical therapy can dramatically improve their quality of life.

During its opening event on First Friday, May 3, Move Well Physical Therapy will offer a free balance screening, as well as a 20% discount on supplies. As the business scales up in Swarthmore, regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.