more than bones & joints
Berks Ortho is your trusted partner in
specialized orthopedics and sports medicine
Who We Are
At Berks Ortho, we are more than orthopedic surgeons.
We are a coordinated team of physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists working together, from diagnosis through recovery, to help you move comfortably and confidently.
Conveniently located in Suite 3220 of the Doctor’s Office Building at Reading Hospital, we provide comprehensive orthopedics and sports medicine care in one connected location. From hip and knee replacement and fracture care to sports medicine, advanced non-surgical treatments, and on-site physical therapy with Freedom Therapies, your care is centered around you.
Leaders in Joint Replacement and Fracture Care
We are recognized for excellence in hip and knee replacement and comprehensive fracture treatment. We pride ourselves on delivering extraordinary results and low complication rates. In 2015, ProPublica reported that our providers had the lowest complication rate in Pennsylvania for Hip and Knee Replacements. It is our unique approach to care, one which combines a patient-centered medical practice with the most effective, innovative, and expertly-executed orthopedic procedures available, that enables us to achieve high-quality orthopedic outcomes for our patients.
Our Physicians
Stephen C. Longenecker has led the development of the Reading Hospital’s Joint Replacement Program where he currently serves as Medical Director. A Fellowship-trained specialist in total hip and knee replacement, Dr. Longenecker helped Reading Hospital become the first and only hospital in the area to achieve Joint Commission Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacements.
Kenneth J. McAlpine, Jr. has expertise and training in the latest advancements in orthopedic care, like 3D total joint replacement. His focus is on robotic-assisted total joint replacement as well as lower-extremity adult reconstruction. Additionally, Dr. McAlpine is highly experienced in joint revision surgery and the evaluation of painful or infected total joints. Dr. McAlpine has also been named the Director of Hip Fracture Care at Reading Hospital.
Denise M. Donahue has been practicing for over 30 years, with experience specializing in urgent care and orthopedics and has expertise in non-surgical care, ED follow up, and consultations.
Christopher Schumacher has a strong background in treating athletes and active individuals. His specialties include sports-related injuries, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, and joint preservation techniques such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy.
Gary Canner is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 40 years of experience, dedicated to restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. Alongside Dr. Schumacher, Dr. Canner leads our Sports Medicine team, helping athletes of all ages recover from injuries and return to peak performance.
Our Physician Assistants are an essential part of the patient care team, bringing specialized orthopedic expertise, continuity of care, and a patient-centered approach that enhances every stage of treatment. Jessica A. Ertel Worrell, PA-C, works closely with our physicians to ensure comprehensive evaluation and personalized care for patients seeking to regain mobility and return to an active lifestyle. Bryce A. Petersheim, PA-C brings strong credentials and experience in orthopedic practice, supporting both surgical and non-surgical care and collaborating across specialties to deliver effective treatment plans. Daniel S. Hawkins, PA-C provides dedicated pre- and post-operative management and assists in surgery, helping patients feel supported throughout their orthopedic journey. Complementing their expertise, our full-time nursing staff play a crucial role in delivering compassionate, continuous care, from patient intake through recovery, ensuring safety, comfort, and clear communication at every visit.
More Than Treatment. A Clear Plan.
Your care begins with a thorough evaluation and a straightforward treatment plan. We take time to explain your condition, review your options, and answer your questions. Whether treatment involves therapy, medication, advanced non-surgical techniques, or surgery, every step is carefully coordinated. Our experienced nurses and physician assistants guide you throughout the process, scheduling tests, preparing you for procedures, and supporting you during recovery. You will always know what to expect and who to contact.
For qualified patients, we offer same-day discharge for hip and knee replacement, allowing you to recover safely at home with a structured plan and close follow-up. This allows for faster recovery in the comfort of home, along with a lower risk of hospital-related complications and continued personalized care through follow-ups and therapy.
More Than Surgery
While we are leaders in joint replacement, we offer much more. Our goal is to help you heal quickly and safely, no matter what the diagnosis.
Sports Medicine and Active Lifestyle Care
We believe the best outcomes happen when care is coordinated and so we take a team approach to helping patients stay active at every age. We offer treatment for all types of sports injuries, from ACL, MCL, and meniscus tears, to sprains, strains, and fractures. Our specialized services include arthroscopic surgery for minimally invasive treatment of joint injuries, fracture care and casting, and injections.
Advanced Non-Surgical Options
We provide innovative treatments that may reduce pain and promote healing, including:
For some patients, these therapies can delay or even prevent the need for surgery.
More Than Recovery. Seamless Rehabilitation.
Healing continues after your procedure. Through our partnership with Freedom Therapies, you receive orthopedic-focused physical therapy in the same location as your surgical care. Our teams communicate directly, monitor your progress, and adjust your plan as needed. From pre-surgical strengthening to post-operative rehabilitation, your care remains coordinated under one roof.
Our Commitment
At Berks Ortho, we combine expert diagnosis, advanced surgical care, innovative non-surgical treatments, and on-site rehabilitation to provide complete orthopedic care. We provide more coordination, more support, and more confidence in your recovery. We’re more than orthopedics: we’re Berks County’s best choice for comprehensive orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy.
PRIMARY SERVICES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS
