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Contact Us & About Us

Phone

205-278-2250

Fax

205-543-2034

Email

ironcityptclinic@gmail.com

Our address

2729 3rd Avenue South Birmingham, AL, 35233

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About Us

At Iron City Physical Therapy, our mission is simple: help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to the life you love.

At Iron City Physical Therapy, we believe getting better shouldn’t mean waiting weeks for an appointment or feeling like just another number. Located in the heart of downtown Birmingham on 3rd Avenue South, we provide personalized, one-on-one physical therapy designed to help you recover faster, move better, and get back to doing what matters most.

Our licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy combine hands-on treatment, evidence-based care, and customized exercise programs tailored to your lifestyle and goals. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, returning to work, or looking to improve your mobility, we create a treatment plan built specifically for you.

With Alabama’s direct access law, you can begin physical therapy without a physician referral, allowing you to receive expert care sooner and start your recovery without unnecessary delays.

We also partner with local employers to provide industrial injury prevention and workplace wellness services that improve safety, reduce risk, and support employee performance.

At Iron City Physical Therapy, our goal is simple: deliver exceptional care, help you achieve lasting results, and get you back to the activities you love with confidence.

Our Providers

Wilson Simpson

As a graduate of Samford’s Doctor of Physical therapy program, I take pride in developing a relationship with each client who walks through the door. I enjoy developing highly targeted and customized exercise programs to make meaningful progress toward goals. Relying on my clinical skills developed over the years, I seek to identify the root cause and tailor treatment accordingly.

I prioritize a thoughtful, hands-on approach to care, integrating movement, performance, and function into every plan of care. My passion for fitness—reflected by love for CrossFit, hunting, and skiing—translates directly into work, where I help clients not only recover, but build strength, resilience, and confidence in their bodies.

My additional certifications include Mat and Reformer Pilates, Dry Needling, ErgoScience Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE), and Impairment Rating.

Matt Homan

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Auburn University in 2011 and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2015. I am certified in the ErgoScience Physical Work Performance Evaluation and in Dry Needling.

I am passionate about physical therapy because I love seeing my patients make meaningful progress from visit to visit. At Iron City Physical Therapy, I utilize advanced manual therapy training to treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions, both before and after surgery.

I also have a strong interest in industrial ergonomics, where I help workers and employers reduce injury risk, improve movement patterns, and enhance safety and performance in physically demanding jobs.

I value taking the time to truly get to know my patients, creating a supportive environment where they can work together toward individualized goals. I am dedicated to helping each person return to the activities they enjoy most—feeling stronger, more confident, and more capable along the way.

Ali Grohoske

With 20 years of experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant, I bring a strong clinical foundation and a patient-centered approach to rehabilitation. I have extensive experience working with both surgical and non-surgical injuries and treating individuals of all ages and activity levels.

I am passionate about helping patients return to their functional activities and improve their quality of life. Whether your goals involve returning to work, managing daily tasks at home, or resuming recreational and fitness activities, I am committed to providing skilled care and guidance to help you move and function with confidence.

I earned my Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assisting from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, in 2006. My commitment to continued learning allows me to stay current with evidence-based rehabilitation strategies and best practices in patient care.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoor opportunities around Birmingham, and discovering local dining favorites. My family and I relocated to Birmingham in 2016 and have enjoyed becoming part of the community.

Heath Blackmon

I am a Certified Athletic Trainer with over 15 years of experience spanning both traditional athletics and industrial settings. I’ve dedicated eight years to athletic environments and seven years to industrial injury prevention and workforce health, bringing a well-rounded and practical approach to occupational care.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with leading organizations such as Alabama Power and Delta Air Lines, focusing on enhancing employee safety, reducing injury risk, and improving overall performance through evidence-based practices.

I currently serve as Vice President of the Alabama Athletic Trainers’ Association (ALATA), having previously held the role of Treasurer. Professional credentials include certifications in Dry Needling and Functional Movement Screening, allowing me to deliver specialized, movement-focused care tailored to individual and organizational needs.

Known for my commitment to health, safety, and performance, I combine clinical expertise with real-world application to support both individuals and teams in achieving optimal outcomes.

Outside of my professional work, I’m a devoted husband to my wife, Candy, and a proud father to our two daughters, Chloe and Hannah.

Justin Shepherd

I’ve been practicing physical therapy for over 20 years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that healing doesn’t have to be a chore. Here at Iron City, I focus exclusively on orthopedic outpatient care, using a hands-on, manual therapy approach to get you moving again. My goal is to make sure you leave every session feeling better than when you walked in—both physically and mentally!

My patients often tell me they appreciate my clinical skills, but they usually remember my singing just as much as the manual therapy. I’m a firm believer that a little music and a positive environment make the hard work of recovery go by much faster.

When I’m not in the clinic, you’ll likely find me out on the trails on my mountain bike or hitting the road to visit my granddaughter every chance I get. I can’t wait to meet you and help you get back to doing what you love—with a few songs along the way

Deborah Lechner, PT, MS

As a “seasoned” Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience, I understand the challenges of staying fit as we age. I’m passionate about helping others do the same.

Much of my spare time is spent indulging in my favorite hobby, riding my Dutch Warmblood and competing in dressage. When not doing that, I’m typically walking one of my three dogs.

If you’re an equestrian with injuries or weaknesses, I would welcome the opportunity to help you recover, optimize your riding posture, and find balance in the saddle. 

I received my BS in Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my Master’s in PT from the Massachusetts General Institute for Physical Therapy in Boston

Stephanie Richey

I’m passionate about supporting clinic operations so our therapists can focus on what they do best—delivering exceptional care. As the friendly face at the front desk, I work to create a welcoming atmosphere and ensure a smooth, stress-free check-in experience for every patient.

I also take pride in helping patients clearly understand their insurance benefits, including deductibles and copays, so there are no unexpected surprises when it comes to the cost of care. My goal is to make the financial side of treatment as transparent and straightforward as possible.

Additionally, I work closely with patients to coordinate appointment times that fit their busy schedules, making it easier to stay consistent with care. Research shows that a completed plan of care is the most effective.

Behind the scenes, I help keep daily operations running efficiently through organization and administrative support. I hold a Master of Healthcare Administration and bring both expertise and heart to my role.

Outside of work, I love discovering new restaurants around Birmingham and playing mahjong with friends.

Drake Holcolmbe

As an Exercise Physiologist with over 12 years of experience, I understand the challenges people face when trying to improve their health, performance, and overall well‑being. I’m passionate about helping others build strength, confidence, and long‑term wellness through evidence based movement and personalized exercise strategies.

I received my BS in Exercise Science and Human Performance from the University of Alabama and my Master’s in Sport Management from Jacksonville State University.

Much of my spare time is joyfully absorbed by my wife and our three beautiful children. Whether we’re staying active together, exploring new places, or simply creating memories, and I’m committed to giving them a childhood filled with movement, curiosity, and adventure.

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