Our Team
John Pugh
DPT, ATC, SCS
Physical Therapy // Co-Founder
John received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Elon University in 2009, following a BS in Athletic Training from Lenoir-Rhyne College. With his Board Certification in Sports Physical Therapy in 2014, John is the only Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist in Western Maryland. He played collegiate baseball while attending Lenoir-Rhyne and has carried his passion for sports into his physical therapy practice.
John uses his expertise in biomechanics, fundamental movement, corrective exercise, and manual therapy to address muscle imbalances, muscle and joint restrictions, as well as strength and motor control deficits to improve human performance. He enjoys working with injured athletes of any age and takes pride in returning them to their sport at a higher level than before. John is also a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Level 2 Medical Practitioner, SFMA Certified Level 1 practitioner, and affectionately known as the “Dad” by our EPI clients.
Thomas Burge
MS, CSCS, PES, FMS
Performance Trainer // Co-Founder
Thomas received his BS in Exercise Sport Studies and Health Sciences in 2006 from Guilford College. He moved on to earn his Masters of Exercise Science with a focus on Injury Prevention and Human Performance from California University of Pennsylvania in 2008.
While attending Guilford college, Thomas was a starter and team captain for the Guilford basketball team who went to the Elite 8, NCAA Division III basketball tournament and finished the season with a 24-5 record his senior year. He carried that competitive passion and attitude into his coaching career at multiple gyms in North Carolina, Tennessee, and now Maryland. Education, experience and practice has lead Coach Burge to drill basics in biomechanics, corrective exercise, and fundamental athletic movement to prepare athletes of all ages to get ready for their sport. He believes mental and physical performance are improved through the process of training and he takes pride in getting athletes to perform their best. Thomas holds the Certified Strength and Conditioning Certification through the NSCA, Performance Enhancement Specialist through the NASM, the Functional Movement Screen certification through the FMS, and whereas John is called “the Dad” by their EPI clients, Thomas is pleased to be known as “the cool older brother.”
Brian Pikerowski
PTA, LMT, CKTP
Brian is our physical therapist assistant, graduating from Allegany College of Maryland in 2006 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science, He has spent his career treating in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation facilities, with a focus on athletic injuries and orthopedic disorders. In addition to being a PTA, Brian has been a licensed massage therapist for over 20 years, holding a certification from the Virginia School of Massage. With experience and certifications in Kinesio taping and cupping, Brian utilizes many forms of treatment to help meet patient goals. As a former high school, college and semi-professional football player, he understands the need & importance to perform at a high level.
Brian’s knowledge and experiences have honed his manual skills, improving his ability to restore range of motion and facilitate pain free function. He’s honestly one the premier therapists in the tri-state area & we’re proud to have “Guns Piknasty” (or “The Pik” for short) on board at EPI!
Kevin Zeger
DPT, CSCS
Kevin received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore in 2022. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist who is passionate about bridging the gap between between rehabilitation and performance. Kevin is a former college football wide receiver and track and field athlete.
Lessons from the GYM
