Our Staff

Michael “Mic” Bender, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CTPS

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Tennis Performance Specialist

Mic is a native of Lancaster County, PA. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a B.S. in Health Science. While attending LVC, Mic enjoyed a successful collegiate tennis career including becoming the college's first-ever, First Team Academic All American while also earning a Mid-Atlantic Conference Singles Championship. His education continued at Shenandoah University where he earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Mic has completed his board certification in orthopaedic physical therapy (OCS); less than 8% of physical therapists are specialized in the United States. Mic also holds a certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), allowing him to further engage into the active and athletic population with guidance in training techniques, nutrition, and injury prevention.

Areas of specialization and interest for Mic include the management of orthopedic conditions (both surgical and non-surgical), biomechanical analysis of the lower extremity (with orthotic management), and the treatment of chronic tendinopathies and soft tissue disorders. He remains the only clinician locally performing the ASTYM® technique. This technique involves instrumented soft tissue mobilization to address chronic issues such as tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis.

Most recently, Mic has developed a practice niche in performance and treatment techniques of the tennis athlete. He is a Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS) through the International Tennis Performance Association (ITPA), and Mic is currently the only specialist in Pennsylvania. Using a combination of his orthopedic clinical skills, knowledge and study of the game of tennis and its biomechanical demands, and a passion for the sport through years of high-level competition, Mic is able to offer a premier service to the tennis player.

Outside of his practice, Mic enjoys competitive tennis and running. He resides in East Hempfield Township with his wife and twin daughters.

Laura Bowman, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Laura is a native of Lancaster. She graduated from Solanco High School and continued her studies at Penn State Mont Alto where she earned her Associates Degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

She joined Lancaster Physical Therapy in 2014. Laura has a developing interest in a variety of diagnoses including general orthopedic conditions, sports related rehabilitation, and treatment of balance disorders.

Outside of the clinic, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, yoga, and training for her next ultramarathon.

Ronald “Ron” Papson PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Ron is a longtime resident of Lancaster County. He graduated from Gettysburg College with a B.A. in biology before he began his physical therapy training at the University of Pennsylvania. Ron attended Penn State University where he received instruction in health care administration and subsequently attained a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Widener University.

Areas of specialization and focus for Ron are lower extremity biomechanics, sports medicine, orthopedics and postoperative joint rehabilitation. He has fabricated orthotics for patients in central Pennsylvania for many years and enjoys the challenge of problem solving for those with complex issues.

Ron has been privileged to work with some of the best competitive runners in the area and provided care to a New York City Marathon winner, Philadelphia 76ers, and astronauts. He initiated one of the first cardiac rehabilitation clinics in Lancaster County. Additionally, the sports medicine clinic he originated in Berks County was among the first to perform pre-season sport’s screenings for high school athletes.

Helping patients achieve their goals remains the most important emphasis of Ron’s clinical practice. He enjoys communicating with his clients, their family members and the physicians participating in the patient’s care in order to facilitate optimal outcomes.

Ron’s family has always been very important to him. He and his wife enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Christopher Papson PT, MSPT, DPT

Physical Therapist

Chris is a native of Lancaster County. He attended Misericordia University where he obtained his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy. He played intercollegiate soccer, basketball and swimming while at Misericordia. After graduation, he spent several years as a staff therapist with a focus on orthopedics and sports medicine before managing a large, local rehabilitation facility.

After the birth of his second child, he gained flexibility in his work/home balance by transitioning to become lead physical therapist at a long term care facility. Chris’s varied work experiences have given him expertise in many areas of patient care.

He is married to a healthcare professional and enjoys family life as a dedicated husband and father.