Putnam Hospital Marks Physical Therapy Month

Putnam Hospital Center therapists love a success story like Gerry Cerasuolo’s.

After having a stroke five years ago, Cerasuolo has fond feelings for them, too. In a statement marking October, which is Physical Therapy Month, she thanked PHC’s Rehabilitation Department for helping her to walk again.

“I came here in a wheelchair,” said Cerasuolo, of Carmel. “They nursed me back to walk, to do it without my cane.”

Putnam Hospital Center’s Rehabilitation Department includes orthopedic, neurological, pre- and post-surgical and sports specific rehab for athletes of all ages. The department also specializes in pulmonary and vestibular therapies.

“What makes this place unique is that they treat you with love,” said Cerausolo, who is now part of the Rehabilitation Department’s wellness program at Putnam Hospital Center. “They are like family.”

Putnam Hospital Center employs 12 outpatient physical therapists throughout the system, each with a minimum of 10 years of experience. Additionally, there are 10 inpatient physical therapists who compassionately assist patients in taking their first steps out of bed after surgery or illness, helping them facilitate an optimal and healthy recovery.

The staff strives to improve their skills with higher education and continuing education in order to provide the best evidence-based practices and utmost quality of care.

“The patient is at the core of what is being treated, not a disease or injury,” said Matthew Kriniske, director of rehabilitation at Putnam Hospital Center. “The positive patient-therapist relationship that develops allows for the best functional outcomes possible. A sense of family is easily felt as one walks through any of our doors.”

Outpatient physical therapy services are offered at Putnam Hospital Center’s main campus and three satellite offices in Pawling, Jefferson Valley, and Katonah.

For more information on Putnam Hospital Center’s Rehabilitation Department, call 845-279-1785 (TTY 1-800-421-1220) or visit www.healthquest.org/rehabilitation/physical-therapy.aspx