{"id":2073,"date":"2022-05-26T13:23:21","date_gmt":"2022-05-26T17:23:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/?p=2073"},"modified":"2022-05-26T13:23:21","modified_gmt":"2022-05-26T17:23:21","slug":"first-rehab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevoiceoflakewood.com\/first-rehab\/","title":{"rendered":"First Rehab"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Physical Therapy the Way It Should Be<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meir Kass<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon entering First Rehab in Lakewood for the first time, I am immediately struck by its spa-like environs, a welcome far cry from the sterile and cold atmosphere of therapy clinics I\u2019ve become accustomed to following an injury to my neck. Sunlight streams through the reception area\u2019s large windows, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts tantalizingly through the air, infusing a curiously inviting atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Settling into a plush armchair to fill out the necessary paperwork, I take in my surroundings: clean, neat, with light music playing softly in the background. This feels different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And different it is. After a brief wait, an aide escorts me to a private room for an initial assessment. As I approach the room, a therapist walks over and introduces himself, saying, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll take care of your neck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does he know? I\u2019ve been suffering from severe chronic neck pain, but I never spoke to the therapist, nor did I describe my problem to any other First Rehab employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeing the quizzical and surprised look on my face, he is quick to explain. \u201cI simply saw how you were holding your neck and watched your gait. Your neck and shoulders are hurting, and the pain is affecting your posture and gait. We\u2019ll take care of all of it. I\u2019ll see you soon,\u201d he says with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stunned at his perception, I enter the private therapy room, where heated pads and plush towels are wrapped around my neck, alleviating the sharp pangs that have been accompanying me everywhere. I close my eyes and for the next several minutes, let the pain and discomfort melt away as I relax in the quiet tranquility of First Rehab\u2014a place I already know I will come to love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difference makes a difference<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Rehab isn\u2019t the first therapy clinic I turned to, not by a long shot. I\u2019ve been around the carousel of clinics, with physical therapists essentially throwing up their hands in despair and urging me to learn to live with chronic pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But then I heard about First Rehab and the top-tier staff they employ. With its decades of experience and relentless drive to better the lives of their patients, First Rehab offers me a glimmer of hope, a shining ray of light in what has become a frustrating, vexing fight for a return to normalcy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several months of physical therapy at First Rehab result in a drastic improvement to my condition, but I don\u2019t quite know how or why. What makes First Rehab so exceptionally different that allows it to accomplish what others can\u2019t?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clinical director Baruch Gottlieb has the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t only focus on the physiology of treatment and healing; we focus on the psychology of it as well,\u201d he says. \u201cCreating and nurturing a deep rapport between therapist and patient as well as maintaining an environment that is welcoming and conducive to healing are crucial parts of what we do and help maximize objectively superior outcomes. That\u2019s what makes us different, and that\u2019s why we have such great success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, the difference makes a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excellence tailored to you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Rehab has been providing top-notch physical and occupational therapy for 15 years, combining expertise with compassion, persistence with empathy, and professionalism with respect to best assist every patient that walks through its doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The clinic was bought last year by The Towne Group, a leading name in the health-care industry with vast experience and know-how in providing patients with stellar care. The Towne Group\u2019s purchase of First Rehab has turbocharged the already high-quality and unique services provided by its therapists and complements the clinic\u2019s constant upgrading and enhancement of the care it proudly provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The clinic offers treatment for a wide array of injuries, disorders, and conditions, ranging from minor aches and pains to recovery from major surgery and chronic conditions. Its therapists and aides are trained in the latest and most cutting-edge treatment options and bring the full weight of their training and experience to every patient they encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Rehab\u2019s physical therapists include clinical director Baruch Gottlieb, who began his career working in orthopedics at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, went on to serve as rehab director in a skilled nursing facility, and has now brought his talents\u2014and congenial nature\u2014to First Rehab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Female therapists Karen\/Chany Tischler and Sora Schonfeld lead the way with female patients, providing superior therapy and using their exceptional ability to connect on an emotional level to maximize positive treatment outcomes. They are particularly highly skilled in dealing with complex issues, some of which are unique to the frum <\/em>community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Occupational therapists Chana Hellman and Malky Wilschanski are highly acclaimed experts in their field who place a special focus on hand therapy, including treating issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tennis elbow, and shoulder tendonitis. They are also highly trained and experienced in treating post-stroke patients, and both hold advanced certification in the use of electrotherapy and ultrasound as treatment modalities, both popular options among First Rehab patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With First Rehab\u2019s patient base growing by leaps and bounds, a new physical therapist was added to its roster after Pesach: Shia Itzkowitz, an expert in manual therapy and a longtime physical trainer. Already one of First Rehab\u2019s most popular physical therapists, Shia is exceptionally fluent in the language and treatment of sports injuries and has extensive training in deep tissue massage, joint manipulation, and high-level exercises. He also brings years of experience in treating patients with neurological issues, including Parkinson\u2019s, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery therapist here has a vast wealth of knowledge, years of intensive training and experience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of their patients,\u201d Shia says. \u201cThe atmosphere, the service, and the therapies themselves are all tailor-made especially for each patient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close and convenient<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Rehab is conveniently located at 1352 River Avenue in Lakewood, next door to Seagull Square and behind the office of Dr. Cohen and Dr. Lempel. Its proximity just a short drive from The Fairways and The Enclave provides ease of access to members of Lakewood\u2019s 55-and-above community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To best serve its patients, in addition to its regular business hours, First Rehab operates on Sundays and weeknights. Open slots fill up quickly, so it\u2019s important to contact them as soon as possible so the dedicated staff can work with your schedule to get you an appointment at the most convenient time possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To book an appointment with one of their physical or occupational therapists, contact First Rehab\u2019s 24-hour call center by dialing 732-370-2010. For further information, call or visit first-rehab.com. First Rehab is always happy to answer your questions and be of service to you in any way possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sidebars with Photos<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n