About The Clinic
Pure Physical Therapy was founded in May of 2025 in Wilmington, NC to offer active individuals a better way to relieve pain, improve mobility, and rebuild strength—ultimately helping them transition back into the wellness activities they love. Too often, insurance-based therapy stops short. It’s designed to get you out of acute pain, but it rarely supports the full progression to functional wellness and long-term performance. That final stretch—the part that truly restores your ability to thrive—is left out. Pure Physical Therapy was created to bridge that gap. Here, we prioritize individualized care, ongoing progress, and whole-body wellness, making sure you're not just pain-free, but truly living the active life you deserve.
Meet The Team
Jennifer Russo DPT
Owner | Physical Therapist
​Dr. Jennifer Russo earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Youngstown State University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University.
With over 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Russo has treated a wide range of conditions including back pain, conservative and post-surgical orthopedic injuries, neuromuscular disorders (such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, and Parkinson’s Disease), vestibular dysfunction, and balance impairments. Her diverse clinical background spans skilled rehabilitation, hospital-based therapy, and, most recently, outpatient private practice.
Jennifer believes in a holistic, individualized approach to care—understanding that every patient is unique and requires personalized treatment plans that address the whole body, not just isolated symptoms.
Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Russo stays current with the latest evidence-based practices through continuing education. She has completed advanced training in manual therapy techniques including McKenzie Method, Maitland Mobilization, and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). Her continuing education has also focused on Pilates, kinesiotaping, TMJ dysfunction, and vestibular rehabilitation.
She holds certifications through the Barbell Rehab Method, is a dry needling specialist certified by the Integrative Dry Needling Institute and serves as a Clinical Instructor through the APTA.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has enjoyed mentoring students from undergraduate and graduate programs, helping them discover their passion in the fields of exercise science and rehabilitation.
Originally from Ohio, Dr. Russo and her husband relocated to Wilmington 10 years ago to enjoy all that this vibrant coastal city has to offer. In her free time, she loves running with her daughter, cheering on her son at the ballfield, and soaking up the sun at the beach.
Ian Howes DPT
Physical Therapist
Ian Howes, DPT, joined Pure Physical Therapy with a passion for helping patients move better, recover stronger, and return to the activities they love. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in Austin, TX, graduating in 2022, and brings over three years of clinical experience to the team.
Ian specializes in dry needling, shoulder rehabilitation, and comprehensive orthopedic care, providing individualized treatment plans to address both acute injuries and long-term movement goals. His approach blends evidence-based practice with a personalized touch, ensuring each patient feels supported every step of the way.
​
Outside of the clinic, Ian is an active powerlifter with BTB Barbell, where he continues to challenge himself in strength training and athletic performance. His background as both a therapist and an athlete gives him a unique perspective on injury prevention, performance, and recovery.
Ian is excited to be part of Pure Physical Therapy and looks forward to helping patients achieve results that last.