Reviews

Dear Phil,

This is a letter of endorsement for Riverwalk Physical Therapy and for the course of treatment that you and your staff provided to me through November and December, 2012. When I arrived at your clinic on on November 19, 2012, I was in a wheel chair with a serious lumbar herniated disc problem and in terrible pain.

After your initial assessment, you and Scott recommended a regimen of electrical stimulation, decompression, self exercises and soft tissue massage.

I believe that my recovery was greatly accelerated with your help and support. In about six weeks I was 90 to 95% recovered and I was standing, walking and sleeping normally.

I want to thank you, Scott and all of the staff who were very knowledgeable and friendly throughout the treatments including Marielle, Kara, Sarah, Felice, Chris and I know I missed many others. You have a well-trained staff who made the visits very cordial and pleasant. It's evident that you personally impart a spirit of camaraderie throughout all of your organization.

I am continuing to do the list of exercises you provided in order to strengthen the back muscle bundle.

Thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

Nick Finamore

Phil Pesce may be the most caring, professional and skilled health caregiver that I have ever met in my life period! Take it from me, I've met a bunch!

I met Phil, while recovering from my second back surgery in 10 months. I was in severe pain, frustrated with the health care system, and caregivers in general. Having seen 7 Chiropractors, 2 pain management doctors, and 2 surgeons before coming to where Phil worked, with 1 or 2 exceptions most of these "highly recommended" caregivers gave me marginal care, but Phil was different, he truly is a shining light. He gave me attention, recognized my needs, and never made me feel, "it was just a job to him" because it's not. Phil cares for you like family. Don't accept any "Physical Therapy Mills" where you are just a number, and a time slot, because you don't have to with a guy like Phil around!

I'd follow Phil for care, anywhere he went, and I have already!

Anyone who wants to get a reference on Phil can call me directly.

Captain Frank Crescitelli
Age 51
Charter Boat Services
Staten Island, New York
718-317-1481

I went to see Phil Pesce with a broken ankle. After carefully assessing my situation, Phil put together a strengthening regimen to get me back to the things I love to do. The immediate impact of the therapy and training sessions paid dividends. I was told by my orthopedic that this injury would set me back 16 to 24 weeks but I was back golfing and playing football in 9 weeks. The diligence, professionalism and analysis that Phil provided gave me the determination to work hard daily and get back in the game. He is a genuine person who knows his art and I would not go anywhere else.

Anthony Bellardino
North Jersey
Age 51

John first treated me for carpel tunnel pain in my right hand, before I had surgery and then in March of 2007 after surgery. In addition to him being a well trained, skilled physical therapist, he is responsible, conscientious, and thorough with all his patients. Truly dedicated to his profession, it is not only a job to him, but a vocation. John Amodio is called to this healing work.

After getting a rotator cuff injury in August of 2009, I immediately sought out John Amodio. After calling to make the appointment, I learned that he moved to another facility. I didn't care the new place was inconvenient, because I'm a John Amodio "Groupie". Once John has worked with you, it's hard to go to someone else. John is like a "rock star" of the physical therapy world!

Thanks to John's healing hands, dedication and hard work, my right hand is all healed and my rotator cuff injury is well on the mend. I for one will follow him wherever he goes! While doing my exercises, I have also watched John working with other patients with much more difficulties than I have ever had. Watching John with these other patients was like watching Apollo 11 in 1969 . . . John is as talented at his profession as Neil Armstrong was at walking on the moon! He just glides through it . . . a true art. I am delighted to have the opportunity to give this reference and I would be happy to provide any additional information that would be helpful to you in making your decision to be made whole and well with John Amodio at this new physical therapy facility.

Gail Staiti
Central NJ

After severe shoulder surgery, i was in much pain and never thought i would recover. Then I met John. He gave me back my life and thanks to his skill, compassion, encouragement and love I was able to fully recover. He is the best and I love him for all he has done for me.

Marilyn Olsen
New Jersey

I came to see Phil Pesce in April of 2010 to help alleviate the severe and excruciating pain in my lower back. I had herniated six discs. I was walking with a walker and it took me 40 minutes every morning to get out of bed. I was taking 3 different pain meds just to cope with my agony. My doctor was sure I would need surgery, but I really wanted to avoid that if I could. Therapy was tough. I wont lie about that. There were many days where I wanted to just give up. But 4 months later, I was able to go back to work, and live a normal life again. No more pain. No more drugs. Phil pushed me because he knew I could do it. Quite frankly I am glad he did.

Danielle Jerome
Central NJ
Age 43
Banking Industry

Phil's manual techniques and knowledge of anatomy sets him apart from all other therapists. I have been to 3 different physical therapy places and have been treated by 6 different therapists. I left each one because I wasn't satisfied with the treatment I received and felt as though the therapists didn't really care but instead were just doing their "job". When I met Phil he was very friendly and welcoming. As my therapy progressed with him, he continued to challenge the targeted areas as well as provide manual techniques (which not many therapists want to do nowadays).

If I ever had a question as to why I was doing a certain exercise Phil would provide a clear explanation to me of the benefits and how it would help my recovery while keeping the medical terms to a minimum. Through his charisma, work ethic and my recovery - you know that Phil isn't a therapist but your friend who is helping you get your body back to its optimal health. Thank You PHIL!!!! You're awesome!

Ana Rivera
Central NJ
Age 20
Student at Rutgers University.

I recently completed 4 months of physical rehabilitation for a hip injury that threatened my favorite pastime of running. I was referred to Riverwalk after my sports medicine doctor diagnosed my condition as muscular, assuring me that with the right treatment and right therapists, I would be on my way back to running at my prior level. He was right, and thankfully he referred me to Riverwalk Physical Therapy, where physical therapists John Amodio and Scott Gander took an active role in designing my treatment, delivering effective modalities, ensuring I understood my condition and how to avoid reinjuring myself.

I cannot speak highly enough of their patience, clinically-focused approach, and demonstration of the highest degrees of respect and empathy for their patients, including me. I had never had PT before and didn't know what to expect. It was hard work but with their encouragement and my determination to get better so I could run again, I am thrilled to report I'm back on the mend, back on the track, and pain-free. The entire staff at Riverwalk, in particular John, Scott, Brittany and Kara, were top notch and I proudly and enthusiastically recommend them to anyone who may find themselves in a situation where PT is the answer. Thanks for helping me lace up my running shoes again!

Sincerely,

Lisa Calicchio
Age 44
Warren, NJ

My husband and I are former patients of John Amodio. Over two and a half years ago, I had a knee replacement performed. I had physical therapy in the hospital for three weeks. Upon discharge from the hospital I was sent immediately for out-patient therapy. John was my therapist. If it wasn't for John, I would not be walking as well as I am. He was tough on me and he would NEVER take NO for an answer, even when I wanted to give up. He is a very caring person and I couldn't have found a better therapist. My husband had a frozen shoulder two years ago which was very painful. Over several weeks, my husband had full range of motion. Recovery was painful but well worth it. Thank you John for everything. You are the Best!

Martha Tondi
New York

Thank you Phil for giving me my life back! You understood my condition and "always" listened and encouraged me. Your knowledge and professionalism combined with your genuine concern for your patients is remarkable. I am now able enjoy life again and can't thank you enough.

Doug Gruskowski
New Jersey
Age 33
NJ School Teacher

I have been to Riverwalk Physical Therapy 4 or 5 times so far and must say the entire staff is friendly, helpful and always willing to take the necessary time to discuss your ailment in between visits. John, who was my primary therapist, is very knowledgeable and I couldn’t believe that I was feeling better after two visits from a meniscus repair. They don’t rush you through your sessions and they take the time to work on you individually. If you want to rehabilitate quickly, deal with professionals with a great bedside manner, this is the place to go.

Ed Sagendorf

I’ve been in pain for 11 years. Since receiving major surgery in 2001, my right arm has kept me from having a good night’s sleep, playing a game of catch with my son, and living a normal life. After a month of working with John, however, that’s all changed. Through thorough examination, expert diagnosis, and a constantly evolving regimen of exercises and physical therapy, John’s managed to totally get rid of the pain in my right arm. His staff is also kind and helpful. I would once wake up every day at 5 AM from the pain; now I need an alarm clock to get up at all! I truly believe God sent John to me, and I can only hope that I pass that blessing on to you.

Vladimir Risman

Two weeks after having a total knee replacement I walked into Riverwalk Physical Therapy using a walker. After 2 sessions my walker was retired and I was using a cane. Shortly after my 4th session, I was using a cane only when outside.

Almost all of my sessions were with John Amodio. During each session new exercises were added and John increased the extension and flexion of my knee. John always explained what he was doing, encouraged me and within 4 weeks, I reached the goal that was set at my evaluation.

Marielle, the Physical Therapy Assistant, was very patient with me and encouraging especially when setting up and introducing new exercises.

I have been staying with family during this time, but will be returning to my own home independent and stronger than before surgery and will continue with physical therapy for at least another month. When the time comes, I will have a total knee replacement on my other knee and plan on doing my rehab at Riverwalk. I would highly recommend this facility to all needing physical therapy.

Andrea McKenna

About six weeks ago, I was in severe pain in my knees. Climbing stairs, lifting items, and bending my knees were a big struggle. One day, one of my colleagues told me about Riverwalk Physical Therapy and said that she was very impressed with the results and encouraged me to give them a try. During these six weeks, I went to therapy twice a week and I am now pain free! Scott and John were the therapists that helped me overcome my joint problems.

They evaluated me and examined me inch by inch. They spent a lot of time figuring out the causes of my knee pain. There were many factors that contributed to the pain and swelling of my knees and the surrounding muscles. I must say that their professionalism, positive attitude, good humor and encouragement made a huge difference in the healing process. This environment is full of laughter, love and kindness. I could not have asked for a better place to go for treatment. I highly recommend this magical healing center to everyone. Today I am pain free. Thanks to Scott and John. Their healing hands work wonders. I am so grateful to be back to normal activity, and that I no longer have to deal with debilitating pain. Many thanks to all the staff at Riverwalk Physical Therapy; their work and dedication are outstanding.

Affie Siadat