Physical Therapist

Alice Tran, PT, DPT

Alice Tran is a dedicated physical therapist who brings both Southern hospitality and evidence-based expertise to her practice at Zarett Rehab. A University of Georgia graduate with her doctorate from Georgia State University, Alice made the cross-country journey from the South to bring her skills and passion for rehabilitation to the Philadelphia area.

Alice’s approach centers on empowering patients through education and promoting independence. She believes that when patients truly understand their condition and the purpose behind each exercise, they become active participants in their own recovery—leading to better outcomes and lasting results that extend far beyond the clinic.

With experience treating patients across the entire age spectrum—from pediatrics to geriatrics—Alice has developed a comprehensive understanding of how to tailor rehabilitation programs to each individual’s unique needs, goals, and life circumstances. Her particular expertise in shoulder and hip pathologies, combined with her focus on joint replacement recovery, makes her an invaluable resource for patients navigating both non-operative and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Education & Credentials

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Georgia State University, 2022

Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science
University of Georgia, 2019

Professional Commitment:

Dedicated to lifelong learning through continuing education
Stays current with the latest research and evidence-based practices
Continuously refines clinical skills to provide optimal patient care

Areas of Expertise

Alice specializes in the evaluation and treatment of all orthopedic musculoskeletal injuries, dysfunction, and pain—both non-operative and post-operative. While she treats a wide range of conditions, she has particular passion for:

Shoulder Pathologies – Expert treatment of rotator cuff injuries, impingement syndrome, labral tears, frozen shoulder, and post-operative shoulder care
Hip Pathologies – Specialized care for hip pain, labral tears, FAI (femoroacetabular impingement), bursitis, and hip mobility issues
Joint Replacement Rehabilitation – Comprehensive post-surgical programs for hip, knee, and shoulder replacements
Post-Operative Orthopedic Care – Evidence-based protocols for optimal surgical recovery
Mobility & Functional Restoration – Helping patients regain and maintain independence
Strength & Balance Training – Improving power, stability, and overall function across all age groups

Treatment Philosophy

Alice believes that patient education is key to inspiring self-motivation and helping individuals fully understand the purpose of each exercise in achieving their goals. When patients understand the “why” behind their treatment, they become invested partners in their own recovery.

She is committed to promoting patient independence, equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue progressing beyond physical therapy and maintain optimal movement and function throughout life. Alice’s approach is rooted in evidence-based practice, providing meaningful alternatives for addressing pain and dysfunction without relying solely on medication.

While physical therapy isn’t a quick fix, Alice knows it empowers people to move better, stay functional, and ultimately improve their overall quality of life. Her patient-centered approach ensures that treatment plans are not only clinically effective but also sustainable and aligned with each person’s long-term health goals.

Clinical Experience

Alice brings diverse clinical experience from her training and practice across multiple settings:

Skilled Nursing Facilities – Gained valuable experience working with geriatric populations, focusing on mobility restoration, fall prevention, and helping older adults maintain independence in their daily activities
Outpatient Orthopedic Clinics – Extensive experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions in various outpatient settings, developing expertise in both non-operative and post-operative care
Pediatric to Geriatric Care – Background treating patients of all ages, understanding the unique considerations and treatment approaches needed across the lifespan

Her experience spans the full continuum of orthopedic care, from acute post-operative rehabilitation to chronic pain management, allowing her to create comprehensive treatment strategies for any stage of recovery or dysfunction.

Populations Served

Alice treats a diverse range of patients, including:

Young athletes recovering from sports injuries
Weekend warriors managing overuse injuries
Older adults maintaining independence and function
Post-operative patients across all age groups
Joint replacement patients (hip, knee, shoulder)
Individuals with chronic pain or dysfunction
Patients recovering from falls or mobility loss
General population seeking improved movement quality

Treatment Techniques

Alice employs a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that includes:

Manual stretching and flexibility training
Passive range of motion techniques
Soft tissue mobilization for pain relief and muscle function
Joint mobilization to restore proper movement
Functional movement analysis
Gait assessment and correction
Progressive strengthening programs
Balance and stability training
Patient education and self-management strategies
Home exercise program development
Movement pattern retraining
Fall risk assessment and prevention strategies

Personal Background

Originally from Georgia, Alice made the adventurous cross-country move to Philadelphia—a journey that reflects her bold, determined spirit. In fact, she once drove across the entire continental United States in just three days, demonstrating the same dedication and endurance she brings to patient care.

Outside the clinic, Alice maintains her own active lifestyle through weightlifting and resistance training at the gym, which keeps her connected to the physical demands her patients face and provides firsthand insight into exercise programming. She’s an avid reader who enjoys escaping into a good book, and she has a soft spot for romantic comedy shows and movies—perfect for balancing the intensity of clinical work with lighthearted entertainment.

As a self-described foodie, Alice loves exploring Philadelphia’s diverse restaurant scene and trying new cuisines. Her curiosity and openness to new experiences—whether it’s a new workout routine, a new book, or a new restaurant—mirrors her approach to patient care: always learning, always adapting, always seeking the best solutions.

Why Physical Therapy?

Alice chose physical therapy because it offers a meaningful, evidence-based alternative for addressing pain and dysfunction without relying primarily on medication. She recognized that while physical therapy isn’t a quick fix, it empowers people to move better, stay functional, and ultimately improve their overall quality of life in sustainable ways.

As a physical therapist, Alice values being a lifelong learner—continuously growing through continuing education courses and staying current with new research so she can provide the best, evidence-driven care. She appreciates that this profession allows her to work with people from diverse backgrounds and build meaningful connections with individuals from all walks of life.

Ready to Start Your Recovery?

Schedule an appointment with Alice to begin your personalized rehabilitation journey.