AVALA EXPANDS PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES TO HAMMOND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 2, 2026
Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com
Covington, Louisiana— AVALA will expand its physical therapy services into Hammond beginning March 2, 2026, through a partnership with the established practice of David M. Heap, PT. The clinic will operate as AVALA Therapy – Hammond, further strengthening AVALA’s growing rehabilitation network across the Northshore.
The expansion enhances access to high-quality rehabilitation services in Tangipahoa Parish while building upon trusted patient relationships and clinical foundation already established in the Hammond community.
“We are excited to expand our presence into Hammond through this partnership,” said Jomel Whittington, MHA, FACHE, President of the AVALA Physician Network. “By aligning with experienced therapists like David Heap, we continue to improve access to coordinated, high-quality physical therapy services across Southeast Louisiana. This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering comprehensive care closer to where our patients live and work.”
The Hammond location complements AVALA’s two existing physical therapy clinics in Covington and strengthens continuity of care across the region. As part of AVALA Hospital’s integrated network, AVALA Therapy – Hammond offers patients the added benefit of physician-aligned, hospital-based coordination—ensuring seamless communication between providers and more efficient recovery pathways.
David M. Heap brings extensive clinical experience and a longstanding reputation for personalized, results-driven rehabilitation. His expertise, combined with AVALA’s collaborative care model, enhances the level of service available to patients seeking comprehensive therapy solutions.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to exceptional, patient-centered care,” said David Heap, PT. “We are proud to continue serving our existing patients while expanding access to comprehensive, individualized therapy services for the Hammond community.”
AVALA Physical Therapy emphasizes a whole-person approach to rehabilitation, integrating manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and advanced treatment techniques tailored to each patient’s goals.
Physical Therapy Services include:
- Fall Prevention
- Manual Therapy
- Spine Surgery Rehabilitation
- Shoulder Rehabilitation
- Sports Injury Rehabilitation
- Total Joint Rehabilitation
- Work Injury Rehabilitation
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
Key Benefits of AVALA Physical Therapy:
- Patient-focused care guided by evidence-based treatment plans
- Hospital-based, physician-aligned coordination of care
- Customized rehabilitation programs designed around individual goals
- Direct access to services (physician referral not required in most cases)
- Comprehensive support for recovery from injury, surgery, or chronic movement conditions
With the addition of AVALA Therapy – Hammond, AVALA continues to invest in expanding access to high-quality, coordinated rehabilitation services throughout Southeast Louisiana.
David Heap, PT, will begin seeing patients on Monday, March 2, 2026. Appointments can be scheduled today.
AVALA Therapy – Hammond
- Website: avala.com/physical-therapy
- Phone: 985-340-0102
- Fax: 985-419-0220
- Address: 307 West Minnesota Park Road, Suite 8, Hammond, LA 70403
