Redesign concept by Ethan Wong — not the official Iron City Physical Therapy website

Iron City Physical Therapy

Physical therapy · Birmingham, Alabama

Stronger every day.

Hands-on, one-on-one physical therapy in downtown Birmingham — for pain, injuries and getting back to normal after surgery. No referral needed to start.

Gloved hands of an Iron City therapist placing a dry needling needle near a patient’s shoulder
  • No referral neededIn Alabama you can see a Doctor of Physical Therapy directly.
  • One-on-one careA plan built around your goals and daily activities.
  • Mon–Fri, 7am–4pm2729 3rd Avenue South, downtown
  • Certified WBENC Women’s Business EnterpriseCertified Women’s Business Enterprise

What we treat

Your plan is built around you.

Every patient gets an individual treatment plan after a thorough look at their goals and needs. Common reasons people come in:

  • Back & neck pain
  • Sciatica
  • Balance & gait issues
  • Stenosis
  • Joint pain
  • Headaches
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • TMJ
  • Work-related injuries
  • Knee pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Sports injuries
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Foot & ankle issues
  • Post-operative rehab

Also

  • Arthritis and repetitive strain injury
  • Industrial rehabilitation
  • Physical complications of cancer and its treatment
  • Mobility problems from stroke, spinal cord injury or Parkinson’s disease
  • Pre- and post-natal problems and other women’s health conditions
  • Movement assessments

Not on the list? Call and ask: 205-278-2250

A therapist’s gloved hands dry needling the sole of a patient’s foot

How we treat

Evidence-based, and hands-on.

  1. Manual therapy

    Joint mobilization and soft tissue massage. The clinic puts a strong focus on hands-on therapy.

  2. Dry needling

    Offered by therapists certified in dry needling.

  3. Therapeutic exercise

    Customized exercises designed to match your daily activities.

  4. Electrotherapy

    Ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation.

  5. A home program

    Specific exercises and stretches, so you can manage pain at home.

  6. Advice & education

    Posture, exercise, workplace and lifestyle habits that help keep problems from coming back.

On the job

Back to work, safely.

Iron City treats work-related injuries and offers industrial rehabilitation. It also provides industrial services that focus on workplace safety and productivity — all backed by evidence-based practice.

Work at American Cast Iron and Pipe? Employees and their dependents can be seen at the onsite clinic, 1501 31st Avenue N, or at the 3rd Avenue clinic.

How care works

What to expect, step by step.

Your physical therapist follows this system, so your time in the clinic — and at home — moves you toward your goals.

  1. Assess

    We look closely at your symptoms.

  2. Diagnose

    We pin down the condition behind them.

  3. Plan

    You get a treatment plan built around your goals.

  4. Treat

    One-on-one, hands-on care and exercise.

  5. Re-check

    We keep measuring results and adjust the plan when needed.

  6. Take it home

    You learn to manage your condition at home and keep it from coming back.

  7. Team up

    We talk with your doctor or other providers, so everyone works toward one goal.

Your homework matters. Success usually depends on what you do outside the clinic, too. Sticking with your exercise program will greatly improve your outcome and get you to your goals faster.

Our team

Meet your therapists.

The mission of Iron City Physical Therapy is to help you lead a healthy, abundant life.

Matt Homan, PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Matt Homan

PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Physical Therapist

Matt loves watching his patients make progress each visit. He uses his manual therapy training to treat orthopedic conditions before and after surgery, and enjoys getting to know patients as they work toward their goals together.

BS in Biomedical Science, Auburn University (2011) · Doctorate of Physical Therapy, UAB (2015) · Certified in Dry Needling and the ErgoScience Physical Work Performance Evaluation

Wil Simpson, PT, DPT, Cert. DN-1

Wil Simpson

PT, DPT, Cert. DN-1

Physical Therapist

Wil grew up in Birmingham with a background in track & field and basketball. He takes a hands-on approach, always works exercise and strengthening into treatment, and tailors each session and home program to your goals.

Exercise Science, Auburn University (2020) · Doctor of Physical Therapy, Samford (2023) · Certified in dry needling and Pilates, and in the ErgoScience PWPE and Impairment Ratings

Ali Grohoske, PTA

Ali Grohoske

PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Ali brings many years of outpatient care, and celebrates with patients as their pain lessens and function returns. She is extensively trained in soft tissue mobilization, multiple joints and concussions.

PTA license, Sinclair University (2006) · Certified in the ErgoScience Physical Work Performance Evaluation and Post Offer Testing

Leadership

Deborah Lechner, PT, MS

Deborah Lechner

PT, MS

Founder & President

Deborah founded ErgoScience, Inc. and Iron City Physical Therapy. Her experience spans physical therapy, functional evaluations, job analysis, post-offer screening, impairment rating and onsite therapy. Her work has been published in national and international journals, and she often speaks at conferences for healthcare, safety and case management professionals.

Justin Shepherd, PT, CIMT, CEAS

Justin Shepherd

PT, CIMT, CEAS

Vice President of Operation and Director of National Clinical Services

Justin has a strong background treating orthopedic and work-related injuries, plus considerable experience in physical therapy management and clinical teaching. His personable leadership keeps the clinics running smoothly, and his compassion for patients from all backgrounds sets the example for the team.

New patients

Your first visit.

60minAbout how long your visit lasts

15min earlyArrive early to finish your paperwork

Inside the clinic: treatment tables, exercise equipment and a cable machine
What should I bring?
  • A copy of your insurance card
  • Exercise clothes and shoes
  • Your prescription, if you have one
Do I need a referral?
No. In Alabama, direct access means you can see a Doctor of Physical Therapy without a referral from a physician — so you can get help for pain, an injury or a mobility problem right away.
Should I take my pain medication first?
If you’ve recently had surgery or are currently prescribed pain medication, you may take it before your appointment.
Are there forms?
Yes: the Patient Intake Form and the ICPT Referral Form. Download the forms
I work at American Cast Iron and Pipe.
Employees and dependents can be seen at the onsite clinic at 1501 31st Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35207, or at the 3rd Avenue clinic.

Patient stories

We love celebrating your success.

After years of on-and-off SI joint pain that limited my activities and affected my mood, I started PT at Iron City Physical Therapy. They provided a thorough examination, listened to me, and offered thoughtful care. After a few weeks, my consistent pain is gone, and I feel significantly better! I also learned a lot about my body and movement. No regrets!

Sydney P.

After only a few weeks my pain & swelling have diminished! My ankle is stronger and I’m back to kickboxing. You rock!

Heather B.

After knee surgery, I had no hope of a successful recovery because just doing the basic things were hard. I had problems walking, sitting, kneeling, showering and running. After working with the clinicians, I am a new and improved person! My recovery time and healing process was on time thanks to Iron City Physical Therapy. I would like to personally thank you all for helping me through the tough process.

Valerie B.

Big help pointing the way to safer walking, balance and fitness - Thank you!

Gary M.

When I first came to see Wil, my hip pain was a daily struggle, preventing me from enjoying my favorite activities. After working with him, my pain has almost completely disappeared! I’m now able to fully enjoy outdoor activities again and am so much better off thanks to Iron City Physical Therapy.

Lee D.

Reviews from patients, as published on ironcitypt.com.

Hours & location

Find us downtown.

Clinic

2729 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233

Hours

7am4pm

Monday – Friday
7am – 4pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Onsite clinic at American Cast Iron and Pipe

For employees and their dependents · 1501 31st Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35207 Map