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Vol. LXV, No. 12
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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Vol. LXV, No. 12
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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 HANDS-ON HELP: “The purpose of physical therapy is (1) to relieve pain, (2) to increase range of motion, flexibility, and strength, and (3) to return patients to their normal level of functional mobility,” says Rich Ciullo, MPT, director of IvyRehab Princeton. He is shown stretching a patient’s shoulder for passive range of motion. |
“It’s all about the people at Ivy Rehab,” says Rich Ciullo, MPT, director of IvyRehab Princeton at 330 North Harrison Street. “This is our motto, and we always want to help people feel better and to make a positive difference in their lives.”
Accidents — especially broken arms, wrists, and ankles — resulting from the treacherous ice this winter have caused many people to seek physical therapy. In addition, those recovering from surgery, or with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or herniated disks, can also benefit from physical therapy.
“We work with all orthopedic and neurological conditions, and gait and balance problems,” says Mr. Ciullo, who is also trained in McKenzie, an evaluation and treatment approach to the spine. “Common problems we see are back and neck pain, and shoulder and knee issues. We treat many sports injuries and orthopedic problems, including fractures. ACL tears are very common in teenage girls who play soccer and basketball. Another thing to be aware of is that poor posture plays a big part in the problems we see.”
IvyRehab Princeton opened last December, and is one of 26 IvyRehab locations in New Jersey. “We are the third largest proprietor of physical therapy practices in New Jersey,” notes Mr. Ciullo. “IvyRehab is a network of private physical therapy practices.”
Masters Degree
A licensed physical therapist, Mr. Ciullo holds a masters degree in physical therapy, and has 11 years experience. Before coming to Princeton, he was director of a private practice in southern New Jersey.
It takes as much as six years to become a licensed physical therapist, he adds, and he works in close association with the patients’ physicians. Either an M.D. or a chiropractor refers the patient to the physical therapist.
Not only does IvyRehab see many post-op patients, individuals who have injuries, or chronic conditions, but it also treats pre-op patients, says Mr. Ciullo. “We help patients prepare for surgery, including with range of motion and stretching exercises. In addition, we have a joint replacement program in which people can come and tour our facility before surgery. We will explain the surgery and the recovery period.”
After surgery, patients typically go to an in-patient rehabilitation facility, he explains, and then when they have completed that portion of the recovery, they go to IvyRehab or a similar physical therapy facility for an extension of their prescribed physical therapy.
All Ages
Patients normally go to IvyRehab two to three times a week for one hour over an extended period. “For a torn rotator cuff, it could be four months, for a knee or hip replacement three months. It depends on the individual,” reports Mr. Ciullo.
All ages are treated at IvyRehab, he adds. “We see kids six years old up to people over 90. In my previous practice, I had a patient who was 101. It’s never too late!”
At IvyRehab, after a comprehensive evaluation, each patient receives a treatment plan, including a home exercise program.
“Every patient is provided with a one-on-one program with my personal attention,” says Mr. Ciullo. “Every patient receives manual treatment (hands-on), and supervision with all exercises. There is homework with the home exercise program, and the biggest challenge is to get everyone to reach their full potential. I have been very impressed with how motivated my patients are in Princeton.”
Full Complement
The facility provides a full complement of up-to-date exercise equipment, including treadmill, upper body cycle, multi exercise master machine (for a variety of work-outs), exercise balls, steps for balance and gait, and traction unit for stretching.
Mr. Ciullo works very hard to ensure that his patients receive the best care and results they can. He notes that after spending numerous sessions with them over time, many of his patients are like friends.
“We are very encouraged with the number of patients we have seen and with their results,” he adds. “We tend to see more people in spring for rehab, especially for injuries sustained in the winter. People also tend to postpone elective surgery until after the holidays, and then rehab can be needed in the spring.”
Mr. Ciullo is very optimistic about IvyRehab Princeton’s future, and he is pleased with the facility’s location. “This is an excellent setting. There is lots of parking, and we are right across the street from the Princeton Shopping Center. We try to make things as easy as possible for patients, and we accept all insurance, even out of network.”
Ivy Rehab is open Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday 9 to 3, Thursday 10 to 7, Friday 8 to 3. (609) 924-0697. Email: rciullo@ivyrehab.com. Website: www.ivyrehab.com.