All Testimonials

I went cross country skiing today. It was bitter cold, but the cold temperature was an advantage as the snow tends to stick to the skis and make gliding difficult when the weather is milder. The canal tow path in the Princeton area is an excellent cross country ski venue for the few days a year when there is good snow cover. But today was the first time I have been on my skis in several years. I am excited to be out on the skis again, and I have Dave Harwood to thank.

For several years, I was cutting back on physical activity because of chronic knee issues. First I gave up squash, then after an aggravating touch football injury I had to give up almost everything else. I could barely walk. So I admitted to Dave that it was time to act, and in April of 2016 I had a partial knee replacement on my right knee, followed by a full replacement of left knee at the end of August. After the first surgery, even with the other knee still problematic, I was walking in a couple of days, working from home for less than a week, and I was biking to work (about 5 miles) within a month. During rehab, I made an effort work both legs (I referred to the process as pre-hab) so that I would be OK for the second surgery.

The second surgery (full replacement) took a bit more recuperation, but I was still walking within about 3 days, and was biking to work within about six weeks. I am told by multiple sources that full recovery takes six months to a year. My experience is that I was back to my pre-surgery self within about six weeks after the second surgery, and then I started to get pieces of my life back: biking to work, tennis, platform tennis, then longer bike rides. For me the milestone that marked full recovery was a the Covered Bridges Bike Ride in Bucks County in October of 2017. I did the hilly 32 mile course, and the knees were not an issue at any point during the ride.

No one wants to have surgery. But I can say that the team at University Orthopedics and Robert Wood Johnson made the experience as easy and painless as possible. Dr. Harwood uses an implanted catheter to administer a local anesthetic after surgery, so I largely avoided using any other prescription pain killers. This did require two or three nights in the hospital, but once I was discharged I was mobile. The staff at RWJ provided excellent care, and managed to be attentive without being intrusive.

I will add that anyone considering surgery also needs to be prepared for physical therapy. Between the two surgeries, I was going two or three times a week for almost a year. The surgeon can make the miracle of recovery possible, but the therapists (if you work with them) make it inevitable.

I cannot say the new knees are perfect. They ache occasionally, and are sore after a lengthy platform tennis session. But then again so are my hips, ankles and other joints. The bottom line is that I am back to doing the various forms of physical activity that I enjoy. I am again optimistic about extensive travel when I retire in a couple of years. Many days, I do not think about my knees, at least not as a limitation on my life. When I do think about them, I am grateful to the staff at University Orthopedics for my ability to walk, bike, and cross country ski.

Never having had physical therapy before, I didn’t know what to expect. My first reaction was of the cleanliness of the facility and then of the professionalism of the staff. It was a rewarding experience and I would high recommend UOA to all!

The physical therapy treatments for my left knee that I received at UOA, under the professional care of my therapist, Dino Pinciotti, brought about a quick end to the pain I was experiencing and progressed to strengthening not only my left knee, but my entire core. As a result, my quality of life improved exponentially. UOA has all the right P.T. equipment, but more importantly, they have caring individuals like Dino that took a personal interest on my recovery.

I started physical therapy with Dino on September 13th (2 weeks after my shoulder surgery), he took time to take initial measurements and explain to my wife and I the course of the treatment. During the last four months Dino gradually increase the intensity and pressure on my treatments which enabled me to recover faster than expected, enabling me to resume playing Pickleball in three months and golf in less than four months. I have had physical therapy in other facilities for previous surgeries and this was the best PT experience I have had. Here, I received more personal care from the therapist than other facilities that send you on your own or to a trainee for most of the session.

My experience with Dino and Center for Rehabilitation & Sports Excellence was EXCELLENT, and afforded me great care and coordinated communication with the therapist and doctor and would continue to recommend to everyone.

Dino was a wonderful therapist. He had patience and compassion with a sense of humor. I was so pleased with my progress. He pushed me to do things I didn’t think I could do. I see a big improvement in my movement because of him.

I received therapy for lower back pain. I was very pleased with the services I received from Dean and his assistant Billy. The care I received was excellent and provided in a professional, respectful and caring manner. I felt Dean listened to my concerns and provided clear answers to my questions. His instructions were easy to understand.

Dear Dr. Gatt – You performed two surgeries on my daughter Stephanie Stojanovski when she was 13 years old for floating kneecaps.  Stephanie is now 18 and a Freshman in College and attends Fairleigh Dickinson University in Florham Park.  She is playing college soccer for FDU, and is on their starting line up as a center midfielder.  Just this past weekend she scored her first college goal and I wanted to share it with you to THANK YOU again for the surgeries and great care!   Stephanie always remembers how you were very supportive and encouraging during both surgeries and it really helped her to get through it and recover. 
  
Ever since she has been able to kick a soccer ball she’s been dreaming of being able to play in College and it’s moments like these that she has worked hard for.
  
THANK YOU AGAIN!

After having a Total Hip Replacement by Dr. Kayiaros on February 27, 2017, I went for physical therapy at U.O.A for six weeks starting in March 14th. My physical therapist was “Dino” and I can’t say enough good things about him. He was professional and had a wonderful bedside manner, he was very encouraging. I also saw other physical therapists who were just as professional and wonderful to work with even though I was not their primary patient. No matter why you need physical therapy, I highly recommend U.O.A.

The staff at UOA PT was very professional and provided me with an excellent program that was encouraging and interesting. The ladies at the front desk always greeted me with a smile and Billy, the physical therapy assistant was friendly, helpful and accommodating. I especially want to thank Kevin for his attentiveness, patience and caring demeanor. No matter how busy he was, he treated me as if I was his only patient at the time. He always made sure to review the exercises with me and to take his time and engage in friendly conversation when working with me. My knee pain has greatly improved as a result.  I have been through many physical therapy programs, but none were as professional and effective as UOA PT. I would gladly recommend them to anyone I know.

Dino was very helpful and professional. It was a pleasure to have him as my physical therapist. I am feeling much better now and I am grateful and thankful for his help. I will do my best to keep up with the exercises he has designed for me.