Our Knowledgeable Therapists
Mission Statement
To help an individual regain their quality of life by providing the most complete care through comprehensive evaluation, individualized and customized programs, and advanced rehabilitation techniques.
We complete our mission by:
- Each therapist spends personal time with you completing a thorough initial evaluation and establishing a personalized program specific to your goals.
- Each therapist maintains higher level knowledge and advanced manual and treatment techniques through continuing education.
- Each treating therapist is well experienced in a number of areas. Our therapist share our knowledge with each other at monthly meetings and discuss challenging cases that may not be responding to PT.
- Each treating therapist and staff member cares. We put the patient first.
- We offer affordable post rehabilitation services to help you maintain you quality of life.
Earl Cox, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, MS
Dr. Earl Cox, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, MS graduated from Beaver College (now Arcadia University) in 1995 with his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy. He then pursued and achieved his transitional doctorate of physical therapy from Evidence in Motion. Dr. Cox is the founder and CEO of Superior Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab. He opened his first office in 2001 when he had the vision and goal to become one of the preferred outpatient physical therapy private practices in Frederick County. Since opening, he and his team have been fortunate enough to a second location in Frederick and one in Purcellville, VA.
Dr. Cox has over 20 years of clinical experience and prides himself on his ability to listen and help solve the root cause of a injury or pathology for patients of any age. He holds certifications in proficiency for Electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCV Studies) and Vestibular rehabilitation. He also earned is Orthopedic Specialist certification from ABPTS and is a Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Earl has a passion for sports and played lacrosse, soccer and ice hockey at the collegiate level. His passion for playing sports has helped him with his treatment of athletes at various levels. His abilities have been helping athletes return to their sport as quickly, safely, and most prepared as possible.
Dr. Cox is also very active in the community currently coaching soccer for MVAA and is the former head Coach of both the Middletown and Linganore High School Ice Hockey teams. Prior to having 3 lovely daughters he enjoyed playing hockey for a Men’s National Ice Hockey Team and coaching travel ice hockey. He now enjoys volunteering at his daughter's schools and attending numerous community events. Dr. Cox's goal is not only to provide the best care in helping individuals reduce pain and improve function, but to be at the forefront of wellness and evidence-based practice in the region.
Eric Shawl, DPT
Director of Physical Therapists
We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Eric Shawl as one of our leaders at TEAM TJ. Dr. Eric Shawl, retired from the U.S. Navy here in Maryland in 2003, remained in Frederick, calling it home for 14 years. During this time, Dr. Shawl became interested in expanding his healthcare career of 20 years towards Physical Therapy. First achieving his Physical Therapist Assistant degree and licensure and then on to receiving his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Neumann University, Aston, PA in 2012. Since that time Dr. Shawl has served as a Physical Therapist in Maryland, Texas and Mississippi and as full time faculty Physical Therapist Assistant instructor in both Texas and Mississippi. Dr. Shawl's heart brought him back to family and the area he loves here in Frederick, MD
Eric has a passion for the human body, how it works, its response to active health maintenance and its resilience to injury and treatment. From maintaining physical independence with minimal pain to maximizing optimal performance, Eric believes physical therapy offers a full array of treatment options and exercise regimes to achieve the desired physical goals. Success is achieved by the client and the therapist working as a team. Seeing his patients progress through their efforts in physical therapy or achieve their desired goals in physical performance brings him the most satisfaction.
Eric has always valued the active lifestyle of the military. He enjoys walking in and around Frederick, attending Orioles baseball games with family, and all things corvette related.
Jennifer McConnell, PTA
After suffering a running injury, Jenn was introduced to Physical Therapy and decided to make a career change into PT. Jenn graduated from Carroll Community College as a Physical Therapist Assistant in December 2020. Jenn has experience in treating patients in both the outpatient orthopedic and inpatient environments. Currently, Jenn is pursuing certification as a Certified Strength and Condition Specialist. Jenn lives in Ijamsville with her husband, two children, two dogs and two guinea pigs.
Nick Terzulli, PTA
We are pleased to welcome Nick to TEAM TJ. Nick earned his associate's degree in Physical Therapy from Allegany College of Maryland in 2024. Prior to joining Superior, he spent five years working as a gym teacher in special education, where he developed a strong foundation in teaching and working with diverse student populations.
Nick's academic journey includes an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, which he completed in 2014. He then pursued a Master's Degree in Education in 2016, all while working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Frostburg State University.
Passionate about providing the best care possible for his patients, Nick brings a deep commitment to improving their health and well-being. Outside of work, Nick enjoys playing video games, cooking, and staying active.
Nathan Anwar, PTA
We are excited to welcome Nathan to TEAM TJ. Nathan is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with a passion for fitness and helping others lead active, healthy lives. His interest in fitness and commitment to helping others led him to pursue his career in physical therapy.
Nathan graduated from Frederick Community College in 2024, where he received multiple awards including clinical excellence and professionalism. Nathan has experience working with post surgical patients, along with sports related injuries. Nathan stays active by working out, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and two dogs.
With a positive, compassionate approach, Nathan is committed to supporting his patients and helping them achieve their goals. His enthusiasm for fitness and care for others make him a valuable member of our tea
