Physical Therapists
Graham Laidler, PT
Clinic Director – Physical Therapist
Graham Laidler, PT comes to the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia with over 30 years of experience in Physical Therapy. Originally from Scotland, Graham graduated from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Scotland in 1987 with a Bachelors in Physiotherapy. He worked in England and Scotland as a physical therapist until 1993 when he moved to the United States. As a teenager, Graham’s mother underwent multiple orthopaedic surgeries exposing him to her Physical Therapy appointments. He knew then that Physical Therapy was his calling. He offers numerous treatments including manual therapy and dry needling, to therapeutic electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy. “Above all, I believe in the Golden Rule… Treat others the way you would like to be treated, or the way you would want your family to be treated. And that is what we do here at BJISG.”
Joseph Hires, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Joseph Hires, PT, DPT graduated from Armstrong University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Rehabilitation Science degree. He then went on to the University of St. Augustine where he graduated in 2019 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Born and raised in Jesup, GA, Joseph knew he wanted to return home after school to give back to his community. “It’s a dream come true to work with the physicians at the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia; physicians I’ve known of my whole life,” Joseph said. Growing up, Joseph was involved in sports and knew he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. “Physical Therapy allows me to combine my love of sports and medicine to help patients with a variety of conditions. We work hand in hand with the physicians to provide these patients with the best possible care.”
Cephas Gumbs, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Cephas Gumbs, PT, DPT, comes to the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia with over 20 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. He received his Bachelor of Physical Therapy degree from Georgia State University and then went on to complete his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Montana. He has worked with patients of all ages creating optimal treatment plans to meet the specific goals of the patients and their families.
Derek Tucker, LPTA
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Derek Tucker, LPTA comes to the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia from the Savannah/Richmond Hill area. Derek initially pursued a nursing degree at Armstrong University but following his interests, received his Physical Therapist Assistant degree at South University in Savannah, Georgia in 2019. “I’ve been in and out of Physical Therapy my whole life for a wide variety of injuries due mostly to my involvement in sports. Being in that environment piqued my interest and I knew it was my calling.” In his free time, Derek enjoys staying active and is involved in wrestling, power lifting, and participates in strongman events.
Chris Goddard, LPTA
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Chris Goddard, LPTA, comes to the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia with nearly 30 years of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant. A native of Georgia, he has lived in Waycross since 1995. After being in a severe auto accident in 1988, and going through physical and occupational therapy to regain function in his right hand, he decided to pursue becoming a licensed PTA from Gwinnett Tech. He is excited to be a part of the physical therapy services at the Waycross location of BJISG.
Gracie Cox, LPTA
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
Gracie Cox, LPTA, graduated with honors from the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Albany State University. She is a native of Waycross, GA, and is excited to be a part of the BJISG physical therapy team where everyone treats each other like family and works together to give patients the best care possible. She loves helping people and being able to make a visible difference in their lives.