Care providers expand throughout region

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Residents of the region who need physical therapy and treatment for sports injuries have seen their options expand significantly over the past 12 months. One of the biggest movers is Bridgewater-based Jag-One Physical Therapy.

In October, the chain announced its biggest acquisition to date: an expansion to seven additional Pennsylvania facilities.

Under the leadership of Bill Gregory, Bucks Physical Therapy joined the Jag-One banner, adding locations in Bensalem, Doylestown, Fairless Hills, Newtown, Richboro, Somerton, and Warminster, Pa.

“The Bucks Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab Team has found a partner who shares in our patient care-first values,” said Gregory, owner and founder of Bucks Physical Therapy. “We have strived to provide the best physical therapy services in Bucks County. With the ever-changing health care environment, partnering with the Jag-One Physical Therapy team will allow us to continue our commitment to the patient care-first culture our community has come to know and respect for over the past 20 years. We are still the same family and faces, just growing and always looking to improve our services to the community!”

Bucks PT has specialized in research-based physical therapy, work conditioning and hardening, functional capacity evaluations, sports medicine and performance, and aquatic therapy since 2000. As a result of its commitment to quality care and to fostering strong community ties and relationships, Bucks Physical Therapy has flourished as a staple of the local community.

“I am very excited to welcome Bucks Physical Therapy to the Jag-One Physical Therapy family,” said John Gallucci Jr., Jag-One Physical Therapy chief executive officer. “Under Bill’s leadership, Bucks PT has established a culture of customer service and clinical excellence that is second to none. We welcome Bill and his entire team to the Jag-One family and are excited to expand our resources to best serve the community of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.”

Earlier, the company opened a facility in Jersey City, its fifth in Hudson County, while growing the company’s overall footprint across the tri-state area.

Eric Fichera was named as the clinical director of the Jersey City Newport location. Fichera graduated with his Bachelor of Science in psychology from the College of Staten Island in 2015. He completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Touro College’s Manhattan campus in 2018. Fichera has been with JAG-ONE since his graduation.

Additionally, he has completed affiliations at Eger Rehab, a private outpatient clinic that specializes in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and Maimonides Hospital acute bedside care, and has a passion for working with athletes and sports-related injuries, specifically combat sports.

“We are extremely proud to announce the opening of JAG-ONE Physical Therapy’s Jersey City Newport location,” Gallucci said at the time. “We are excited to continue our expansion throughout Hudson County, bringing even more members of the community our gold standard of care. I am confident the clinic will see immense success under Eric’s leadership.”

The Jersey City move followed the opening of a facility in Bayonne, its second in the city.

Michael Fina was named as the clinical director. He has worked with JAG-ONE Physical Therapy since earning his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Seton Hall University in 2016, and has developed a strong passion for orthopedic rehabilitation.

According to Jag-One, Fina takes pride in working with sports-related injuries, post-operative cases and chronic pain conditions, believing that a client-centered approach with an emphasis on education, empowerment, and exercise contributes to successful outcomes.

The company, which has more than 80 locations throughout the Tri-state area it has served for more than 20 years, is a comprehensive physical and occupational therapy company that has developed a unique, care-first model of rehabilitation delivering high quality clinical outcomes for its patients.

But Jag-One isn’t the only provider expanding capacity. Academy Orthopedics recently added a new office in northern New Jersey specializing in trauma, reconstruction and sports medicine.

The Wayne location at 504 Valley Road joins offices in Clifton and Morristown, offering a focus on sports medicine from its physicians who serve as team doctors for Seton Hall and Montclair State universities.

And those skills are used to provide care across the spectrum, from athletes to adolescents, to seniors and in between.

The team offers the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients, also specializing in trauma and reconstruction. While dedicated to providing patients non-surgical solutions, when necessary, Academy physicians use the most advanced procedures in arthroscopic surgery, mako robotic joint replacement surgery, and minimally invasive fracture repair.

The five surgeons previously all practiced together at another Garden State orthopedic office before forming the new practice:

• Dr. Anthony Festa is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He serves as head team physician for Seton Hall University and an orthopedic consultant for Montclair State University, The New Jersey Jackals semi-pro baseball team and multiple New Jersey high schools.
• Dr. Anthony Scillia is an orthopedic surgeon with sub-specialties in adult and pediatric sports medicine. He serves as an associate professor and a team physician for Seton Hall University, as well as vice president for the New Jersey Orthopedic Society.
• Dr. Craig Wright is an orthopedic trauma surgeon specializing in orthopedic traumatology and direct anterior hip replacement surgery. He serves as assistant clinical professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Seton Hall University.
• Dr. John Callaghan is an orthopedic trauma surgeon specializing in treating fractures and orthopedic trauma in adult and pediatric patients. He serves as assistant clinical professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Seton Hall University.
• Dr. Casey Pierce is an orthopedic surgeon with sub-specialties in sports medicine and arthroscopy, specializing in treating shoulder, elbow, hip and knee disorders. He serves as head physician for Montclair State University, the Sussex Miners Professional Baseball team and assists with medical care of more than 16 regional high school teams.

“We are thrilled about the grand opening of Academy Orthopedic,” said Carlos Curras, practice manager at Academy Orthopedics. “As evidenced by their extensive educations, in-depth medical research and esteemed academic positions, our team of physicians is committed to offering the latest and best orthopedic techniques, delivering exemplary care throughout the patient journey – all with the goal of achieving best-possible outcomes.”