The Patient Comes First
At Family Physical Therapy Services, you are special: like family. We want all of our patients (and their families) to feel at home and confident that we will treat them as we would treat any member of our own family; with the professionalism, care, and compassion that they deserve. That level of compassion and commitment along with the experience of our therapists is what makes the difference in your ability to achieve your goals. Because life is waiting for a healthy, fully-functional you to enjoy it.
General Orthopedic Physical Therapy for All Ages
Cathy’s Story
Hi, I’m Cathy Leer. In 1991 I started Family Physical Therapy Services. But the story of this business started long before that. You see, I was only about 3 years old when my mother started having symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Obviously, I didn’t realize the significance of that until I was a little older, but for all intents and purposes, she suffered from this very debilitating disease for nearly my entire life.
Of course, my dad was her primary care giver throughout the years, but I helped with many things and often times saw her receiving treatment and going to physical therapy. Unfortunately, when I was only 17, my father took ill and on his death bed, I promised that I would take care of my mom. Naturally I took this very seriously, and many responsibilities fell on my shoulders. So, when my guidance counselor suggested physical therapy as a possible career choice, I felt it was meant to be, and I enrolled in the PT program at Russell Sage College.
I’m happy to say that I completed the program, graduated, got engaged and eventually married. I made a commitment to stay within driving distance to my mom so that I could continue to provide whatever assistance and care that she would need. Unfortunately, circumstances changed in 1986, and she moved in with us and lived with us until her passing in 2005. In 1991, I started Family Physical Therapy Services, and guess who was by my side…yup, my mom. She came to work with me every day and was my very first receptionist!
During the nearly 20 years of caring for her in our home, there were many health and emotional challenges that we faced together. I heard her on more than one occasion, question why me? Lord, what did I do to deserve this? Why can’t I do these things myself anymore? I also saw the tears and frustrations of trying and failing, trying and falling, and yes… the tears of joy of finally trying and succeeding. And although she brought great joy to myself, my husband, and our two sons, and helped in any way that she could, she also felt like she was a burden. She was totally dependent upon others, and that bothered her greatly.
My own emotions ran the gamut during this time as you can well imagine. I was running a business, raising 2 children, and taking care of my mom pretty much full time. Like her, I shed tears of joy when I could help, and became frustrated, angry, and felt like a failure when I couldn’t. At times, I was exhausted and felt like I was at wits end and couldn’t go on but in the end, I found the strength and stamina to somehow succeed.
So why did I tell you my story? All my life experiences have guided me in the choices I made throughout my life time. From college, to where I lived, to having my mom live with us because of promises I made to my dad, and eventually starting my own clinic. Her experiences, frustrations, emotions, and desires as a patient and one in need of care, as well as my own as her care giver, have influenced how I run the business and WHY we continue to focus upon the needs of our patients and their families. In my mind, and in my practice, patients and their family are extensions of our own family and family always come first!
As I said, my life experiences have influenced me all of my life, and I want to do more to put CARE back into HealthCARE!
TESTIMONIALS
I Had to have my Mom carry me into Physical Therapy because I broke my Tibia in two places. I couldn’t even walk, or run, or do anything. Tom helped me go on the treadmill and let me jump on the trampoline. I really like how there’s a picture of Tom as a skeleton. Slim is so silly and I like when he dresses up. James helped me so much. I loved when we did obstacle courses, did races, and catched the ball. He made me so strong. Now I can do all kinds of stuff. Tom taught me a secret handshake and made me run so fast now. I just love Tom and James so much”! ~Ian
GREAT JOB IAN! YOU ARE THE GREATEST!
Hi Cathy,
I received your thank you letter today and want to take this time to say thank you to you! You have such a wonderful practice.
Today was my second appointment and I just want to let you know how pleased and impressed my husband, Joe and I are with the experience at FPTS! You were recommended to me by our neighbor, Henry Dubois, after my knee replacement surgery, and I am so happy I called him for a recommendation! I had Tom on Tuesday, he was so incredibly thorough, professional and explained everything so well, that we knew I was in the right place! Today I worked with James, and he too is fabulous, very kind, professional and thorough. He explained what, why and how of what we are going to work together on for full recovery.
Heather is also very sweet, friendly and welcoming as I am sure the rest of your staff is as well!
Thank you again, I am looking forward to my appointments next week!
I came to PT in hopes to release my neck and right shoulder pain that I was experiencing due to a car accident I was in. Prior to starting PT I found it difficult to sleep through the night. I also found it almost impossible to look over my shoulder, which made driving very difficult. The staff here worked with me not only release the muscle tension I constantly felt, but also strengthen those muscles to prevent further tension. I enjoyed all of the friendly faces of the staff here. From the moment you walk in, to your last visit the staff is awesome and very personable. THANKYOU
My PT Story About My “Diastasis Recti”
“After 4 children the last pregnancy being twins. My weak mom tummy was not appealing. Working with Effie weekly and strictly sticking with the exercises and workout stretches, I am able to do my motherly duties as well as feel comfortable in my own body. I thank Effie for all I have been able to accomplish.”
Several years ago I was diagnosed with Nystagmus, a nerve disorder that affects the muscles which control eye movement. Constant eye movement causes balance issues and my ENT doctor thought vestibular therapy rehab might help mitigate the problem. Fortunately, I was referred to Family Physical Therapy Services and specially, Lauren Fournier, who put together a program of exercises designed to improve my balance. Over the 10 week treatment period, she made the process challenging, enjoyable, and more importantly, effective. As a result, my balance has improved substantially and simple daily activities have become more manageable thanks to Lauren and Family Physical Therapy Services.
I learned what a 10 on the pain scale was the night I tore my MCL. It was in bad shape, but thanks to the good care of Tom, Lauren, and James I can see a full return to normalcy. I also know that I am prepared to better care for myself so that my future looks much brighter than it otherwise might.
I appreciate the questions, friendliness, and the attention that I received.
Thanks to all , and I hope I only see you again outside the office!
I started working with Effie early in my pregnancy to strengthen my pelvic floor and back. She has been an amazing resource for all things related to staying strong and active during my pregnancy and coming up with a plan for postpartum recovery. I have been able to continue with exercise and she has helped to alleviate some of the low back pain I started to experience.
I wish I would have come a lot earlier. Lauren really helped when I thought nothing else could. I am big into hiking and the outdoors so when I could barely get out of bed I knew I would not be doing any of my hobbies. Thanks to Lauren, I was back to doing the things I love to do in no time.
I came to PT after a car accident that left me with severe neck and back pain. When I first started PT the pain in my neck was so bad and my range of motion was limited that I could not move. Tom was great working with me to build my strength back up and I am forever grateful! With his help I am confident that I will be able to keep up my hiking trips as planned this summer!
After a several month history of bilateral shoulder pain awakening me several times a night, I decided to seek physical therapy to help me problem solve and fix them. Tom and James were of tremendous help with strengthening exercises to reduce pain, increase flexibility, and function. My thanks to them both for the improvement and reduced pain. Biggest treat was improved sleep through the night! Wahoo!
I found myself in a really unfortunate situation, sustaining an “unhappy triad” years after my first ACL reconstruction. I wasn’t keen on having surgery a second time so I scrambled to find other options. After finding FPTS, my whole mindset on my injury changed. Having not had the best experiences with other doctors prior to my visit, Cathy was incredibly helpful, kind, and hospitable as soon as I walked in, easing my nerves about the visit. My physical therapist, Tom Fontana, is easily one of the best I have ever had! He spent a lot of time with me answering my questions in detail and gave me a thorough evaluation of my knee (even made me laugh which I was grateful for). In a matter of moments these two turned my whole medical experience around concerning my knee. I’m beyond grateful for them and for my experience with FPTS, feeling strong and hopeful about my recovery!
