Business Details
10 Years
experience
Expert Physical Therapy Services in Columbia, SC
Vertex PT Specialists was founded in 2016 by Dr. Brandon Vaughn with a mission to address systemic issues in traditional physical therapy clinics. The practice emphasizes one-on-one, hour-long sessions with licensed doctors of physical therapy, prioritizing personalized care over high-volume protocols. With three clinic locations and outpatient home health services across Lexington and Richland counties, the company focuses on quality time with patients to achieve better outcomes.Core values include pride in work, respectful treatment of all individuals, and fostering a fun, authentic workplace culture. The team invests in continuing education and mentorship, ensuring clinicians stay at the forefront of their field while maintaining deep community roots.
Services
Blood Flow Restriction
Concussion Management
Dry Needling
Manual Therapy
Outpatient Physical Therapy
Pre and Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Sports Physical Therapy
Women's Health
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- 60-minute, one-on-one care with licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy
- Specialized certifications in orthopedic clinical specialties and pelvic health
- Trusted by surgeons, athletes, and active adults across the Midlands
- Locally owned and operated with deep community roots
- Customized treatment plans built around individual patient needs
What people say
Expertise
Personalized care
Rapid recovery
Knowledgeable staff
One-on-one attention
Services
Blood Flow Restriction
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy accelerates strength gains with low-load exercise, ideal for post-op recovery. This technique uses specialized tourniquets to create metabolic benefits similar to heavy lifting without joint stress. It treats ACL reconstructions, rotator cuff repairs, and tendon injuries while following surgical timelines for safe progression.
Concussion Management
Concussion Management addresses post-concussion symptoms through vestibular therapy, ocular motor training, and balance retraining. The program includes baseline testing, return-to-play protocols, and coordination with physicians. Treatment focuses on reducing dizziness, headaches, and cognitive changes while guiding patients back to school, work, or sports safely.
Dry Needling
Dry Needling targets muscle trigger points to relieve pain and tension using thin sterile needles. This evidence-based technique treats neck/back pain, headaches, and sports injuries by releasing knots and restoring normal muscle function. Sessions combine needling with corrective exercises for lasting pain relief and improved mobility.
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy employs skilled hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Services include spinal manipulation, myofascial cupping, and soft tissue mobilization. This approach treats chronic pain, post-surgical stiffness, and musculoskeletal conditions through joint mobilizations, Active Release Techniques, and instrument-assisted soft tissue work.
Sports Physical Therapy
Sports Physical Therapy combines injury recovery with performance enhancement for athletes of all levels. The program includes return-to-sport protocols, movement analysis, and sport-specific training. Certified specialists treat common athletic injuries while focusing on injury prevention and optimizing athletic performance through evidence-based rehabilitation techniques.
People
Dr. Brandon Vaughn
Founder & Physical Therapist
Dr. Vaughn founded Vertex PT Specialists in 2016 after identifying systemic issues in traditional clinics. He holds an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification and focuses on one-on-one patient care. His expertise includes post-operative rehabilitation and sports injury prevention.
Dr. Remey Timo-Dondoyano
Sports Clinical Specialist
Dr. Timo-Dondoyano is one of only 1.5% of U.S. physical therapists board-certified as a Sports Clinical Specialist. She specializes in athletic injury rehabilitation and performance optimization. Her expertise includes working with elite athletes preparing for major competitions.
Dr. Thomas DeHaven
Golf Performance Specialist
Dr. DeHaven combines physical therapy expertise with Titleist Performance Institute certification to address golf-related movement limitations. He develops customized mobility plans for golfers experiencing pain or performance issues related to physical restrictions.
Questions
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept Medicare, Tricare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and private pay options. Contact our office to verify your specific insurance coverage.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy?
South Carolina has direct access laws allowing physical therapy without a referral. However, some insurance plans may require a physician's referral for coverage.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement and exposes the treatment area. Athletic shoes are recommended for functional assessments.
How long are therapy sessions?
All sessions are 60 minutes of one-on-one care with a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Do you offer home health services?
Yes, our Outpatient Home Health division serves patients across Lexington and Richland counties with clinic-level care in home environments.
What makes Vertex different from other clinics?
We provide 60-minute one-on-one sessions with Doctors of Physical Therapy, specialized certifications, and personalized treatment plans focused on long-term outcomes rather than temporary fixes.
Reviews (4)
Melissa Mishkin
Jan 25, 2022
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Vertex PT is the best in Columbia! The staff creates a fun and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the doors. I have felt comfortable since my first day as a practicum student and have already learned so much. Brandon and the rest of the team are excellent teachers and make time spent at the clinic enjoyable for everyone who is there. I would highly recommend Vertex to anyone who needs physical therapy!
Meagan Jacobin
Jan 25, 2022
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I began interning at Vertex PT Specialists in Cayce about two weeks ago and can already tell that I am going to gain tremendous amounts of knowledge from the staff here. The patient-care interaction at this practice is unlike anything I have ever witnessed before. The ability to receive 1-on-1 care from an outpatient physical therapist is rare and should be taken advantage of. I would recommend this practice to anyone that I know in need of rehabilitation. Vertex PT does a great job of creating a fun and safe environment for their patients to grow and learn in. As a pre-physical therapy student
Kelly Reid
Jan 24, 2022
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Vertex is by far the best physical therapy clinic I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. One patient, per physical therapist, per hour is such an amazing business model that allows quality care and rehabilitation interventions suited to meet individual needs. Every single PT at VertexDr. Brandon Vaughn, Dr. Josh Jeffery, Dr. Aimee Depelteau, Dr. Thomas DeHaven, Dr. Thavi Chhoun, and Dr. Mara Argyriou are very intelligent, experienced, and motivational physical therapists that I was honored to work with. Their kindness, altruism, and optimism radiates throughout the whole clinic, which
Jasmine Booth
Jan 12, 2022
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I started going to pt at Vertex due to a car accident. I can truly say that experience and going through physical therapy at Vertex was one of the best experiences of my life! Everyone was so nice and welcoming and I felt very comfortable every time I was there. My therapist was Thomas Dehaven and he was very nice and I was definitely always challenged with my workouts. Lol! Mr. Thomas knew what it took for my body to recover and get back to how it was before my accident and helped me get to that point. I believe I am even stronger than before my accident and if anyone is looking for a place to
