It Matters Where You Go For Physical Rehabilitation

Dr. Mitchell Hackerman has been practicing physical therapy for more than 20 years and holds various specialized physical therapy certifications.
Disillusioned with the way physical therapy services were being delivered via large corporate rehab facilities, he decided the only way he could continue in his profession was to ensure an environment that allowed him to provide physical therapy services as he knew services should be provided.
Over the years, he noticed numerous ads promoting the use of a treatment device called spinal decompression to help people avoid the need for back surgery. He came to learn that health care providers were charging patients thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for the use of these devices to treat back pain.
As it turned out, the health care providers were calling the device spinal decompression because the insurance companies were lead to believe that this was a new experimental form of treatment which they were not required to pay for.
By calling the device spinal decompression, patients could be charged thousands, all of which was not covered by insurance. However, spinal decompression has been around for decades; its real name is mechanical traction.
Insurance companies pay for mechanical traction; they just don’t pay very much, so in an endeavor to make a financial killing, many health care providers have latched on to the title, spinal decompression.
Hackerman has been doing everything possible to get the word out that this is not a treatment for which people should be paying out-of-pocket for other than their normal co-payments.
“I cannot imagine sending someone home in pain when I have a device which could help them,’ said Hackerman. “Especially when they have insurance which pays at least something for the treatment.”
In 2008 when he acquired his physical therapy practice in North Cape May — Professional Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, PC — one of his first patients was Elaine, a woman who had suffered with back pain for more than 40 years.
She had an extensive history — including surgery, disc problems, and Fibromyalgia. She had tried everything in the medical and health care fields to reduce her pain and regain function, yet absolutely nothing helped.
“Even after 20 years of practice, I could find nothing to help her either,” Hackerman noted. “At the time, I was familiar with a device called ATM2 — Active Therapeutic Movements. ATM2 treatment is a combined clinician/patient effort to manage and control musculoskeletal pain. It involves personalized body repositioning for finding unique, pain-free position for each user, using a series of compressive belts in a weight bearing functional position.
“Most people who purchase a new practice allow some time to go buy before considering the purchase of such state-of-the art equipment; however, I just couldn’t leave this woman suffering in pain when I knew of the ATM2’s existence and its potential for helping her. Against financial sense at the time, I went with my gut and figured that if it helps her it will help others as well.
The results of the use of the ATM2 can be seen on the doctor’s Web site: www.ProPTRehab.com, under the testimonials page, along with others who have benefited from this treatment.
Elaine responded beautifully, and to this day offers her testimony, not only for the benefit of using the ATM2, but also for the entire treatment program provided.
So many other patients have also been able to benefit from the ATM2. The lesson is that when your heart is in the right place, rewards will follow, and they have. Professional Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, PC has been growing by leaps and bounds.
Once this position is found, the systems stabilize the patient allowing specific neuromuscular training based on body movement isolation that aims to achieve and sustain immediate pain reduction, increase range of motion, and improve function.
Another device called, “Biodex Balance System SD” has made a huge difference in the rehabilitation of patients with lower extremity injuries, post total knee or hip replacement surgery and to treat overall balance deficits.
The Biodex System assesses one’s balance, and a balance and weight bearing program is developed to address areas of revealed deficit.
Yet another unique treatment involves ASTYM — Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization — which is designed to detect and eliminate fibrotic / scar tissue buildup, which can develop with overuse injuries and/or post-surgical healing processes.
Hackerman, et al, use a variety of hands-on approaches (manual therapy) which often makes the difference between success and failure.
While Professional Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, PC advertises, word-of-mouth has been its best form of promotions.
Professional Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, PC is the fastest growing physical rehabilitation center in the region offering no treatment session time limits, an enjoyable, social and festive atmosphere, and there are no “timers” pushing you through your program within a specified time period.
One participates in accord with one’s tolerance and need. Patients are encouraged by their fellow patients who might notice one another’s improvements before noticing him/herself.
Billing problems are also an area of great concern when it comes to receiving treatment. At Professional Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, PC, one deals with us directly — not an “off-site” office staffed by people who don’t know patients personally and who haven’t a personal interest in ensuring discrepancies are remedied expeditiously.
Many are discovering that “location of convenience” is not the way to find the best place to receive care. Our patients become part of our family! People are learning that it truly matters where you go for your physical therapy.
Professional Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, PC is located at 650 Town Bank Road, STE 203; North Cape May, in the same complex with Dr. Maroldo, Dr. Boyle, and Dr. Tinney.
Call (609) – 884-9800, or visit www.ProPTRehab.com.