About Us

Our Mission The mission of 1st Choice Physical Therapy is to make a positive impact in the lives of our patients, through a commitment to offering the best possible care in a timely manner.

Our Goal Our goal is to restore patients to their highest functional abilities, and provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to maintain wellness.

The history of 1st Choice Physical Therapy begins with its founder, Jonathan Hartstein. Jonathan’s lifelong interest in sports, fitness and helping others led him to pursue physical therapy as a career after leaving journalism. In 2003, he decided to open his own clinic in Bexley, Ohio. In the beginning, it was only Jonathan and one person answering phones.

In June of ’05, 1st Choice Physical Therapy expanded to their current location at 2736 E. Main Street, and have since added another full time therapist, a part-time therapist, a front office administrator, a part-time biller, and other support staff to the 1st Choice family.

The 2400 sq ft facility offers clients a calming, pleasant atmosphere with state-of-the-art equipment.

1st Choice Physical Therapy also has a presence at the local Jewish Community Center (JCC). In 2004, the Fitness Director, Jody Decker, asked Jonathan to have a presence at the JCC. The office is located in the rear of the fitness center near the racquetball courts. The JCC offers patients the opportunity to use the swimming pool as well as the fitness center. Many patients transition from therapy at the JCC to remain on a healthy fitness path.

1st Choice Physical Therapy, Bexley, OH, formed a formal partnership between Jonathan Hartstein, PT and Jessica Iams, PT, DPT in January 2012, to concentrate on growing the business in areas such as, Occupational Health, Ergonomic Job Analysis and Workplace Assessment, Fall Risk Screening and Injury Prevention. Click here to read more.

Meet Our Staff

Jonathan Hartstein, PT

Jonathan Hartstein is a physical therapist who cares greatly for the well-being of his patients. Over the years he has gained experience in treating all types of injuries.

After graduating from the Cleveland State University’s Physical Therapy department, Jonathan’s first jobs were with Nursing Home companies. He then found a mentor at a sports and orthopedic clinic in Lancaster, Ohio, allowing him to hone his skills in this area.

In 2001, a chain of Urgent Care facilities hired Jonathan to open and provide physical therapy services to 3 clinics in the Columbus area. Two years later, Jonathan decided it was time to be his own boss, and opened 1st Choice Physical Therapy in Bexley.

Jonathan has been very involved with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and has been a member since 1996. He has served locally at the district level as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Treasurer. Jonathan resides in Columbus with his wife Agi, and their three girls: Aleeza, Ariella, and Chana Orli.

Jessica Iams, PT, DPT

For Dr. Iams, the decision to pursue a career in physical therapy came at age 16 and was driven by her interest in health and athletics, as well as her desire to provide an invaluable service to the public.

Jessica has been in private practice since 2001. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio University, a Master of Science from Walsh University, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Alabama State University. Since 1999, she has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and has served in multiple positions, including Chair of the local board. This keeps her informed of the latest research and techniques, as well as with issues affecting the profession, allowing her to provide the best possible care and to advocate for patients’ rights in government healthcare issues.

Dr. Iams is a Certified Workability Therapist (CWT) with expert knowledge in the rehabilitation of injured workers on the job site and in the clinic. She also works with the elderly to improve function and activities of daily living, reduce fall risk, and cure vestibular dysfunction such as vertigo, which commonly affects the elderly. As a sports fan and former athlete, Jessica has good knowledge of many of the needs and demands of injured athletes. She also specializes in non-specific back pain, which now affects more than half of Americans.

Jessica joined 1st Choice in 2005. She is fully licensed to work with all types of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, and seeks to provide the education and the tools to foster independence and restore prior functional level in all the people with whom she works.

Dr. Iams lives with her husband Brian, their son Bradley, and their daughter Katie. She and her family attend St. Catharine of Siena Church.

Darla Knapp, Receptionist

Darla Knapp currently serves as Receptionist for 1st Choice. Darla is the smiling face you see first, and her commitment to customer service is second to none. Darla joined the staff in August, 2010 and brings many years of Customer Service experience, from Executive Secretary to Human Resource Manager to 1st Choice Physical Therapy.

Darla’s personable nature drove her pursuit to a vocation that would enable her to have interaction with the public.

Always open to honing her skills, she continues to take courses to improve her knowledge.

Darla resides in Columbus near her two grown sons, Jason, a Construction Services Representative, and Jeremy, a Nurse. Two “daughters”-in-law, both of whom are named Jennifer, one a Head Start Teacher and the other a Speech Therapist in the Southwestern City School District. She is blessed with four wonderful grandchildren whom she adores, Brice Michelle, Trenton Erik, Matthew Sean and Emily Faith.

Call Today, Get Started Tomorrow! 614-586-1305