Thanks to Varsity Rehab injuries did not sideline me.
Saadia Doyle
MEAC All-Time Leading Scorer
MEAC Hall of Fame Inductee 2022
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Michael for 10+ years. Knowledgeable, patient, and professional, Dr. Merrick is willing to journey the extra mile to provide the best care for each one of his patients. He is truly a master of his craft, an excellent therapist and even better person. I highly recommend Dr. Merrick if you’re in need of a physical therapist.
Keith Pough, B.S., CSCS, USAW, CAFS, FST, FMS,
Assistant Director of Basketball Performance
University of Maryland Basketball
I have worked with Mike Merrick for 6+ years. During that time, he has been a major asset to not only myself but to the Bowie State student-athletes. He understands that he is working with athletes and treats them as such while they go through the rehab process. Not only has his rehab abilities been a major help, but he is always willing to provide a second opinion for injured athletes who are not under his care. Working with Mike I have developed not just a professional relationship but also a friendship. I would recommend Mike to anyone as they would be pressed to find anyone better.
Caitlin Lovend MS, LAT, ATC, GTS, FMT, PES
Head Athletic Trainer
Bowie State University
James (JByrd) Daniel, III
Former University of Tennessee Athlete, Basketball
Former Howard University Athlete, Basketball
Professional, motivating, knowledgeable and personable, that's how I describe
Dr. Merrick. I am so thankful for Mike's help and direction after my broken ankle. He brings a ton of knowledge and professionalism to every workout and pushes every day to achieve the best possible results in my PT conditioning, to help bring my game to the next level! As a physical therapist, he is constantly evolving and is ahead of the curve to get his clients in the best physical shape! I've had a lot of physical therapists over the years and know that you won't find better than him.
Saadia Doyle
MEAC Hall of Fame Inductee 2022
Divine intervention came in the form of a torn ACL (2008, 2021), meniscal tear (2010) and a SLAP tear (2013) that would later on become defining moments for me. Dr. Merrick was a beacon of light that led me out of an all-consuming darkness that has a tendency to prey on athletes after a sidelining injury, into my own greatness. I became MEAC Rookie of Year (2010), MEAC Player of the Year (2011), MEAC All-Time Leading Scorer (2013), WNBA Draft Prospect (2013), Waratah League Finals MVP (NSW, AU 2016) and MEAC Hall of Fame Inductee (2022) in large part because of Dr. Merrick’s expertise. My jersey number was retired at my alma mater (2019), but thanks to Varsity Rehab my injuries did not force my game into an early retirement. Dr. Merrick has assisted me with getting 75% of my limbs back to pre-injury functioning. This has allowed me to remain highly competitive, with surgical scars as the only indicator of a prior injury. I hope that my days of getting injured are behind me. However, knowing that Varsity Rehab is still in business gives me the freedom to compete fearlessly for the foreseeable future without concern.
Daniel Bellamy
Associate- Athletics Director/Sports Medicine
University of Texas San Antonio
I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mike Merrick for the majority of my career. He’s a passionate professional who builds strong relationships by always putting the athlete first. One of my first initiatives at Howard University was to solidify his position as the Director of Rehabilitation. His reputation with student-athletes was one of confidence and trust, built on years of dedication and compassionate care during their most vulnerable moments - recovery from traumatic injury. I can say that if we ever need high level rehabilitation for sports injuries in the DMV area, Mike will be our guy.
Mike is a guy who combines years of experience with high level athlete rehab and a genuine “heart-level” investment in his patients success. This creates trust and buy-in with even the most difficult cases.
I met Mike when I worked as the Head Athletic Trainer at Bowie State University. He was the physical therapist that we called when we had athletes that needed a little extra attention with rehab and treatment than maybe we could give them. Mike worked with a lot of the BSU athletes to get them back to where they were before they were injured, and his success rate was extraordinary. Many of the athletes could not wait to work with him because they knew he was going to get them back to where they were, or better. Mike is a professional, fun, and supportive physical therapist whose main goal is to get people healthy and functional. I have watched him not only succeed in this but excel.
I absolutely love working side by side with Mike!
Teresa Morningstar, MS, AT-C, LAT
Former Head Athletic Trainer, Bowie State University
Dr. Merrick is an excellent sports physical therapist. I have entrusted my patients to him for over 10 years. His expertise in helping athletes recover from injury and surgery is second to none.
Terry L. Thompson, M.D.
Charles H. Epps, Jr. Professor and Chairman
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and
Rehabilitation
Having PT with Mike is one of the best experiences in my life. He pushed me to levels that I didn't know existed. Mike was the one who got me back in 6 months when I was supposed to recover in 10-12 months. He is caring but tough when need be. I couldn't have asked for a better PT coach!
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Alayah Hightower
Howard University Women's Soccer