PHYSICAL THERAPY FOCUS: “Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center provides patients with the highest standard of care and cutting edge techniques that can maximize the body’s ability to move, heal, and perform at an optimal level, and takes a one-on-one approach that focuses on patient education — not only for treatment but also for prevention.” Suresh Babu, PT, DPT, MS, (right) founder and CEO of Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center, and Laura Wong, PT, DPT, clinical director, look forward helping patients regain a full quality of life.

By Jean Stratton

It’s the back; no, the neck. Or is it that troublesome knee, shoulder, or hip?

Whatever the problem and whether it stems from overdoing it on the tennis court, golf course, soccer field, or the myriad other ways one can put too much pressure on all those joints, help is at hand.

Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center (IPTFC) opened at the Princeton Shopping Center in May, and is ready with an expert staff and state-of-the-art equipment to help patients find the road of recovery.

Founder and CEO Suresh Babu, PT, DPT, MS, established the first IPTFC in Edison in 2011, followed by another in Kendall Park in 2012. Princeton is the third location, and he looks forward to a special association with the community.

Best Care

A hands-on physical therapist, he also holds a clinical doctorate and an advanced master’s degree in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. In addition, he is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the New Jersey Chapter of Physical Therapy. He has previously served as a clinical instructor at Seton Hall University.

“My goal in opening was to provide people with the best care, incorporating a variety of state-of-the-art techniques now available,” says Babu. “We use cutting-edge technology in combination with manual physical therapy. I wanted to have the very best treatment and equipment possible for our patients.

“I believe successful solutions include three factors: respecting patient values; competent clinical judgement; and incorporating an evidence-based treatment approach.”

In addition, traditional equipment, such as exercise balls, free weights, pulleys, treadmill, balance equipment, resistance machines, and more are all available.

Quality of Life

All ages can benefit from physical therapy, points out clinical director Laura Wong, PT, DPT. Whether the condition is from an accident, sports injury, arthritis, or post-surgical, the experienced IPTFC staff incorporates a full program to help the client.

“Our focus is wellness,” emphasizes Wong, who has degrees from Boston University and Rutgers School of Health Professions. She also had a clinical internship in an outpatient wellness facility while studying in Australia before returning to the U.S. and working in a series of physical therapy locations.

“I have worked in different practices, and nothing is like IPTFC,” she continues. “Every patient here experiences individualized care to help them reach their goal and improve their quality of life. It’s so fulfilling to help people continue to be active and have a good quality of life. For example, the Baby Boom generation is very interested in being active and being on the move. We believe movement is medicine!”

The first step toward wellness at IPTFC is the evaluation, she reports. Common problems that can benefit from an evaluation and treatment by a physical therapist are waking up with a stiff neck, low back pain, ankle sprains, shoulder pain with limited mobility, muscle strains, knee pain, and many other conditions limiting one’s ability to function at a maximum level — at home, at work, or in a recreational sport.

“During the initial visit, the team will evaluate the patient’s history and discuss their current condition,” explains Wong. “Following the evaluation, a thorough examination will be performed in order to identify the cause of pain and/or discomfort. Once the source is discovered, an intricate treatment approach is established to help the patient achieve positive results.”

The evaluation will include a personal history, adds Babu. “If it’s an injury, how did they get it? What is the patient’s range of motion? How is their walking? Exercise? Overall function? And what is their goal? Based on this, we make an individualized plan. We can focus on balance, stretching, and our state-of-the-art technology and equipment.”

This can include hands-on treatment and specific exercise programs to maintain flexibility and strength. Patients also receive an exercise program to do at home in order to reinforce their on-site care.

“Physical therapy combines strength and mobility in order to restore movement and promote the highest level of function,” points out Babu. “The PT program at IPTFC also offers a variety of prevention methods, wellness activities, and health promotion.”

Cutting-Edge Equipment

The equipment at the IPTFC facilities is the most up-to-date available, he adds. Among the equipment and treatment options are ultra sound, infrared and cold laser, and electrical stimulation.

The cutting-edge equipment includes such advanced “next level” options as robotic physical therapy and robotic laser technology, Redcord Zero Gravity Therapy, EPAT/Shock Wave Therapy, and Solo-Step (overhead track and harness systems), among others.

These systems provide pain relief, reduce inflammation and swelling, include use of slings and bungee cords to prevent pain while exercising, and a series of devices to help numerous conditions, including recovery from stroke, orthopedic surgery, Parkinson’s disease, etc.

In addition to her role as clinical director and hands-on physical therapist, Wong is a Parkinson’s specialist, and she also supports the addition of new treatments.

“For example, pelvic health is another area we will be refocusing on,” she explains. “It is very important to strengthen these muscles and the core.”

Direct Access

Patients are from Princeton and the surrounding area, and typically come two to three times a week. Sessions are one to one-and-a-half hours, and the length of time for recovery varies depending on the condition.

“The earlier the patient comes in, the better, and the quicker they can improve,” adds Wong.

In many cases, patients are referred to physical therapy by a doctor, but another option is Direct Access, which offers the opportunity to receive physical therapy without a doctor’s referral.

“Many patients take advantage of this,” reports Babu. “This enables them to reach out quickly to the physical therapist. Ninety percent of our patients are using this, and it is covered by insurance.”

He and Wong are very encouraged with the response to IPTFC in the short time it has been open. The number of patients is growing, and the word-of-mouth has been excellent.

Patients have been enthusiastic not only about the professional service, state-of-the-art equipment, and friendly atmosphere, but also by the spacious setting and its attractive blue and white decor.

“Physical therapy can be so beneficial,” point out Wong and Babu. “And think of it this way too: people go to the dentist for regular check-ups — why not go for physical therapy the same way? It is wellness.

“Helping someone to achieve wellness is our priority. We feel we are making an important difference in someone’s life. And we look forward to becoming a real part of the community here in Princeton.”

Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (609) 423-2069 or visit the website at innovativeptnj.com.