US Physical Therapy Inc. ( ) is set to report earnings before the market opens on Thursday, August 6th (USPH Webcast). U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. operates approximately 350 outpatient physical and/or occupational therapy clinics in 42 states across the United States. The Company’s clinics provide post-operative care for a variety of orthopedic-related disorders and sports-related injuries, treatment for neurologically-related injuries, rehabilitation of injured workers and preventative care. In addition to owning and operating clinics, the Company manages several physical therapy facilities for third parties, including physician groups.

USPH is expected to earn 31 cents for its 2nd quarter. We expect the Specialized Health Services company to announce earnings that will beat investors’ and analysts’ expectations. On July 20th, US Physical raised its earnings guidance for the current quarter. We expect they will earn closer to 33 cents and raise their outlook for the rest of 2009.

According to our technical analysis of USPH’s stock chart, a solid quarter with a positive guidance could push its shares to the $18-$19 range immediately following earnings. A little longer time horizon and we can see it move towards its 52 week high of $21.00. The shares recently broke though a double top at $15, which should provide support if the stock were to head south.

Suggested Closing Price Stop: $14.97