Egg Harbor
Physical Therapy

Eric Theriault did his undergraduate studies at Stockton University, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor in biology.  His desire to further his education led him to New York Institute of Technology where he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy, graduating with honors and inducted into Alpha Eta honors society. Eric was published as lead author in the journal of spinal cord medicine for research he did at the Bronx Veteran Affairs. This publication led to the prestige research award from New York Institute of Technology.

Prior to Joining Twin Boro Physical Therapy in 2016, Eric served in the United States Marines. He also had several clinical rotations as a physical therapist on Long Island where he gained valuable hands-on experience treating patients. At Twin Boro, Eric served as a staff physical therapist in our Toms River and Manahawkin locations and has since moved on to Director of our Egg Harbor Township location. Eric also works at Atlanticare hospital as a per diem physical therapist.

Eric’s expertise is extensive and continues to grow daily. Eric is trained in numerous evidence-based manual interventions including active release, instrument associated soft tissue mobilization, McConnell and KT taping, and Mulligan based joint mobilization. He is currently taking classes to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

When treating patients or managing other therapists, Eric implements Twin Boro’s One2Four^TM Care Model to determine the “right level of health care” for each individual.  This unique approach looks at the entire episode of care for the patient or athlete. This ranges from a relatively low level of function a patient might experience post injury or surgery all the way through to the peak performance required to return to their prior or preferred level of function. Therapists that skillfully combine manual therapy with evolving functional exercise along the One2Four^TM continuum strive to achieve the individual’s “meaningful goals” and “desired outcomes”.

Laura Lee Smith is an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist who practices at our Egg Harbor location. She received an associate degree from Manchester Community College and a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac College in 1986. Laura Lee then obtained a post-professional degree in hand and upper quarter rehabilitation from Drexel University in 2002. She became a board-certified hand therapist in 2001.

Before joining Twin Boro Physical Therapy, Laura Lee spent over 25 years working at the Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation in Pomona, NJ, where she held various positions, including staff occupational therapist/certified hand therapist, assistant director of occupational therapy, and clinical director of the stroke program. She also served as the supervisor of occupational therapy at McLean Home and Rehabilitation Center in Simsbury, CT, a staff occupational therapist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford, CT, and an occupational therapist/certified hand therapist at Rothman Institute in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

Laura Lee sees her practice of hand therapy as a combination of science and art. While the science component requires very specific knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics, there is also an art component that allows for creativity in how she utilizes various hands-on techniques for each patient. She also loves meeting all different kinds of people and helping them with their dysfunction so they can return to their occupation of living life. Laura Lee makes it a priority to keep up with the latest technology and practices in hand therapy through continuing education, which ensure that her patients are receiving the best care currently available.

When treating each patient, she first gathers and analyzes all information on the injury and/or surgery performed, including the structures involved, integrity of the tissue, hardware and/or suture techniques used, and applicable test results (X-ray, MRI, EMG, etc.) She then focuses on managing edema, pain, scar prevention, and wound care, and if needed, fabricating orthoses that support, immobilize, or mobilize joints and/or tendons. Another critical step in her practice is educating the patient on their role in treatment and the use of a home program.