𝐃𝐫. 𝐊𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐈𝐈𝐈 of the 3DPT Cherry Hill team is for all intents and purposes a South Jersey local. He went to high school right around the corner from the clinic at Cherry Hill High School West, graduated from Drexel University for undergrad and Rutgers University for PT school, but he actually spent most of his elementary and middle school years living in Germany while his father was in the military.
Keith’s dad conducted maintenance activities on the C-130 then led the flight crew later on in his career.
Keith in a C-130 cock-pit in 2004.
Hanging on a sign of the Edelweiss – Lodge and Resort, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The mountains are the Zugspitze, highest peak in Germany
Keith is now too a service member and an active Army Reservist in addition to being a physical therapist. Keith was inspired to become a PT by his mother who spent her career helping others regain their functional abilities and independence but he especially has a passion for working with fellow military members and other first responders.
For this reason, Keith is the driving force behind 3DPT’s new Tactical Athlete rehabilitation program. Tactical Athletes are personnel in military, law enforcement and rescue professions with the physical ability, stamina and strength to function on the battlefield. Similar to athletes who participate in regular sports, tactical athletes must be strong, fast and agile—but also have the endurance to perform repeatedly. 3DPT’s Tactical Athlete rehabilitation program is designed to help first responders in high-stress professions recover from injuries sustained in the line of duty, optimize physical capabilities, and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Fort Knox, Kentucky 2014
Here’s what Keith says about his commitment to developing a program for tactical athletes at 3DPT:
In life, there are moments that profoundly shape our perspective, guiding us toward a purpose we may not have initially foreseen. For me, the journey toward developing a Tactical Athlete Program was ignited by a combination of experiences and a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who serve our country.
A Personal Connection: Growing up as a military brat, I witnessed the incredible dedication and sacrifices made by my family members in uniform, particularly my father, an active-duty Air Force C-130 mechanic. These experiences provided me with a unique insight into the lives of military families and the physical and mental demands placed on our service members.
Adaptability and Resilience: My upbringing, marked by frequent relocations and ever-changing environments, taught me the art of adaptability and resilience. Adapting to new schools, making friends, and thriving in diverse settings was not just a choice but a necessity. It instilled in me the belief that individuals in uniform deserve specialized support to excel in their roles.
The Call to Serve: Inspired by my father’s example and a deep-seated desire to contribute to the greater good, I embarked on a journey to serve our nation. This calling led me to Drexel University, where I enthusiastically joined the ROTC program, aiming to learn not only how to be a soldier but also how to lead them.
Commissioning into the United States Army Chemical Corps: In 2017, I proudly commissioned into the Chemical Corps through the Drexel University ROTC program. My transition from a dedicated student to a commissioned officer was a defining moment in my life, reinforcing my commitment to support those who serve our country.
Drexel Commissioning Ceremony 2017 – Independence Hall
During an Army Commissioning Ceremony, the officer candidate selects a Non-Commissioned Officer to give the “First Salute”. My Father, MSgt (R) Keith E. Daniels Jr., giving me my first salute!
During a commissioning ceremony, the officer candidate selects a women who play a pivotal role in the life of the Officer-to-be. Depicted here is my Mother, Janet M. Daniels receiving a yellow rose. Yellow is a sign of welcome and new beginnings. The budding flowers represents the anticipation of things to come.
Leadership and Specialization: Throughout my military career, I have had the privilege of serving as a Platoon Leader, leading highly specialized chemical soldiers. This experience deepened my understanding of the unique requirements and challenges faced by tactical athletes.
The Birth of the Tactical Athlete Program: My journey from being a military brat to a leader in the Chemical Corps crystallized the need for a specialized program that caters to the physical and mental demands of tactical athletes. It became evident that these heroes required a dedicated support system to enhance their performance, prevent injuries, and nurture their mental resilience.
My Driving Force: My compelling desire to develop the Tactical Athlete Program is fueled by a profound commitment to those who serve, a firsthand understanding of their challenges, and a belief in their unwavering dedication. This program is a tribute to their sacrifices, a way to empower them to excel in their roles, and a testament to the unbreakable spirit of our military, law enforcement, and first responder communities.
In the end, it’s about giving back to those who have given so much. The Tactical Athlete Program is my way of saying “thank you” to the true heroes among us.
As a tactical athlete myself, I have experienced the benefits of physical therapy.
Several months ago, I was feeling the strain of the physical demands of military life catching up to me. For months, I was grappling with a persistent knee issue while diligently preparing for the annual Army Combat Physical Fitness Test (ACFT), a rigorous examination that assesses muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance through various events.
Dealing with my chronic knee condition was making it increasingly challenging to ready myself for this test. At some point, I humbled myself and sought the expertise of Dr. Sophia Wang at 3-Dimensional Physical Therapy in Cherry Hill. Dr. Wang, without hesitation, assessed my condition, taking into consideration the demands of my physically intensive lifestyle. She then devised a comprehensive rehabilitation program to address my specific areas of deficit while ensuring that I remained on course to meet my ACFT goals.
Since incorporating these physical therapy techniques into my strength training regimen, I’ve not only surpassed my initial expectations during the assessment but also experienced a significant improvement in my overall well-being.
The mission of the Tactical Athlete Program at 3-Dimensional Physical Therapy is to deliver the gold standard of personalized care to our local police, firefighters, EMS personnel, and dedicated service members (active duty, national guard, and reserves). Our intent is to be the primary destination for our community’s heroes.
Irrespective of their roles or the physical demands they face, our clinic’s physical therapists are well-equipped to attend to any issues that may arise, offering the necessary resources when required. The clinic’s services are a unique blend of physical therapy and strength and conditioning, designed to guide tactical athletes on their journey to peak performance.
Let’s Make a Difference Together!
Spread the word about our 3-Dimensional Physical Therapy Tactical Athlete Program and help others achieve their peak performance. Your story and support can inspire and empower fellow athletes to excel. Let’s unite and elevate the tactical athlete community!
Support to our Tactical Athletes
Local tactical athletes in the South Jersey area represent the embodiment of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their craft. They are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. By supporting these athletes, we not only honor their sacrifices but also contribute to building a safer and stronger region. Let’s rally behind our local tactical athletes, providing them with the recognition and resources they deserve, ensuring that they continue to excel in their mission, and inspire the next generation of heroes. Together, we can create a community that values and supports these incredible individuals who safeguard our neighborhoods day in and day out.
The Billy Walker Jr Foundation is a local Cherry Hill organization that supports aspiring first responders. To learn more about the organization and to donate to their cause, click the button below
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