About Summit Physical Therapy & Performance

Our Story

Built around better patient care.

Summit Physical Therapy & Performance was founded in 2016 by Dr. Michael Russo and Dr. Sarah Bennett with a simple goal: create a physical therapy clinic that prioritizes quality care, meaningful relationships, and individualized treatment plans.

After years of working in busy rehabilitation environments, they recognized that many patients wanted a more personal experience. Summit was created to provide one-on-one attention, thoughtful treatment planning, and a supportive environment focused on helping people return to the activities that matter most.

Today, Summit serves patients throughout Long Island from locations in Huntington and Smithtown.

Our Approach

Personalized care from evaluation to progress

Every patient has different goals, movement patterns, and daily demands. Our process is designed to understand the whole person, not just the injury.

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Full-Body Evaluation

We look at how the body moves as a system to better understand strength, mobility, balance, and function.

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Personalized Plans

Treatment plans are built around individual goals, activity demands, and progress over time.

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Patient Education

We help patients understand their movement, plan of care, and ways to support progress outside the clinic.

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Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques may be used when appropriate to support mobility, comfort, and movement quality.

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Strength & Mobility

Programs include progressive movement, strengthening, mobility work, and functional training.

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Long-Term Prevention

We focus on building habits and strategies that support long-term confidence and function.

Meet The Team

Experienced professionals focused on your goals

Our team combines clinical experience, patient education, and a welcoming approach to help patients feel supported every step of the way.

Dr. Michael Russo, PT, DPT

Founder & Physical Therapist

Specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation and sports injuries. Michael brings 12+ years of experience helping active adults and athletes restore movement and confidence.

Dr. Sarah Bennett, PT, DPT

Co-Founder & Physical Therapist

Specializes in post-surgical rehabilitation, movement restoration, and patient education with a focus on meaningful long-term improvement.

Dr. Kevin Martinez, PT, DPT

Sports Rehabilitation Specialist

Works with high school, collegiate, and recreational athletes on return-to-sport programming, strength, and injury prevention.

Dr. Tood Shirley, PT, DPT

Manual Therapy & Mobility Specialist

Focuses on movement quality, mobility limitations, and individualized treatment strategies for patients of all activity levels.

Emily Carter

Patient Care Coordinator

Assists patients with scheduling, insurance verification, and creating a welcoming experience from the first interaction.

Jennifer Walsh

Office Manager

Oversees clinic operations and works closely with patients to support a smooth, organized, and positive experience.

Core Values

The principles behind our care

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Compassion

We treat every patient with empathy, respect, and understanding.

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Excellence

We strive to provide high-quality care and a professional patient experience.

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Integrity

Honest communication and patient-centered decision making guide everything we do.

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Education

Knowledge helps patients better understand their movement and participate in their progress.

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Community

We believe in supporting the communities we serve throughout Long Island.

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Purpose

Every treatment plan is connected to the goals and activities that matter most to the patient.

Modern Facility

Designed for recovery, movement, and performance.

Our clinic environment is built to support a wide range of patients, from post-surgical recovery to athletic performance and daily mobility goals.

Private treatment areas
Open rehabilitation gym
Strength training equipment
Functional movement space
Comfortable patient environment
Performance-based rehab tools

Community Involvement

Invested in Long Island health and movement

Summit Physical Therapy & Performance participates in local wellness initiatives, youth athletics, road races, educational workshops, and community health events.

Road Races

Supporting local runners and community fitness events throughout Long Island.

School Athletics

Connecting with athletes, coaches, and families through education and support.

Wellness Workshops

Helping community members learn about movement, injury prevention, and healthy habits.

Health Events

Participating in local events that promote active and healthy communities.