Hamilton Physical
Therapy Services
YOUR CHOICE FOR EVIDENCE-BASED REHABILITATION
providers of comprehensive outpatient PT & OT services
Hamilton Physical Therapy Services is a well-established provider of rehabilitation services in Mercer County since 1978. Our modern state-of-the-art facilities are equipped to offer our patients an excellent opportunity to reach their optimal functional abilities. Managed and operated by Physical Therapists mandates that patient care is our number one priority. H.P.T.S. takes pride in the level of personal and compassionate care that is delivered; emphasizing a ‘hands-on’ approach to rehabilitation and exercise.
Physical Therapy by Physical Therapists. Each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to identify impairments and functional limitations. A plan of care is then established, patient education initiated, and expected outcomes are discussed. Patient participation in their rehabilitation process is emphasized and reinforced throughout their episode of treatment and is absolutely necessary to the success of their individual program. Communication with our referral sources is provided in a timely manner through faxes, updates, and reports.
Direct Access to Physical Therapy is Available Now.*
If you are in pain – there is no reason to wait. Thanks to Direct Access IN NEW JERSEY you are able to come to physical therapy right away – without the need for a referral from a physician. This means that as a patient you can go to Hamilton Physical Therapy directly if you have an injury, pain, stiffness, or weakness that you want to be evaluated.
Direct access to physical therapy has helped many patients avoid wait times and expensive testing, experience better results and satisfaction levels, and has helped patients get pain relief without dependence on opioids or surgery.
If your insurance plan DOES NEED A REFERRAL we can recommend you to a trusted physician or specialist before continuing your care. We have relationships with many local providers and may be able to get an appointment for you sooner than if you went on your own.
*Direct Access is not applicable to patients in federal or state-funded programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare. Direct Access does not apply to Workers Compensation and MVA
Hamilton Physical Therapy Services
Our Directors and Specialists
Allison Davis, PTA, CSCS
Amy Hoyer PTA
Chris Salaga PT
Chris received his Bachelor of Science in biology at Ursinus College where he also competed in varsity football and track & field. Following undergraduate studies, Chris decided to continue his academic experience with completion of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Rutgers University School of Health Related Professions in Newark, NJ. Chris believes physical activity and exercise to be a major pillar of overall health and well-being. He enjoys coaching individuals who wish to achieve their physical performance goals and to improve their quality of life. Chris enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and training for long distance running. Specialization: General Orthopedics Certification: Level 1 Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA Level 1)Hamilton NJ Office
Donna Russo
Courses/Certifications -Ehlers Danlos Specialist and complex regional pain specialist, mirror therapy Donna Russo is our full-time Occupational therapist in our Hamilton office. She has been with HPTS since 2010. She first learned about occupational therapy during a 7th grade career day. After recovering from a motor vehicle accident at the age of 16 she had a greater appreciation for the little things in life such as, dressing yourself independently and was determined to give back and become an occupational therapist. She graduated from Quinnipiac University in 1998 with a BS in Occupational Health and has been specializing in hand therapy since 2003. In our Hamilton Office Donna treats elbows, wrist, and hand injuries, She is proficient in fabrication of custom upper extremity splints, wound care, treating upper extremity injuries, complex tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. She has a special interest in treating patients with hypermobility and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome as EDS runs in her family. When at home she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, gardening, crafting, and shooting pool.
Emily Eltz, OTR/L
Hand & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation High School-Conwell-Egan Catholic College- Temple University & Thomas Jefferson University Question-How did you become interested in Physical/Occupational Therapy? Answer-It combines my love for both science and art and allows me to work with individuals in all different stages of life. OT has endless flexibility, creativity, and it really provides you with the opportunity to connect and know your patients on an individual level. Question-What’s your favorite part of being a clinician? Answer-connecting with my patients and really developing good rapport and a good relationship throughout their treatment. Question-What do you like about HPTS? How did you find out about HPTS? Answer- friendly supportive environment. Question- What are your future plans (professionally/personally) Answer- Still TBD. Hopefully working in OT doing hand therapy, owning a home, and starting a family and just enjoying my time being with people and doing what I love. Question- what do you like to do in your free time? Sports, Volunteer, Hobbies, Reading etc.. Answer-Crossfit/HIIT, reading, crafting, creating designs using my Cricut. Question-What is your favorite meal? Answer- Chicken Gyro with bacon ,lettuce ,tzatziki , and fries Question-What is your favorite genre of music, artist, and song? Why? Answer-country. Question-do you have pets? If so, what are their names? Answer- Jade Cane Corso Mastiff, Harlee Cat Question- If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you spend your money on? Answer- paying my student loans, a house, and rescuing some dogs.
Fred York PT
Fred started his physical therapy career at Hamilton Physical Therapy after graduating from Hahnemann University/Drexel. His interest in physical therapy developed during his own rehabilitation for a fractured ankle he suffered while playing college baseball, and through his friendship with Gary, one of the founding partners of Hamilton Physical Therapy. He enjoys treating athletes of all ages and ability levels as well as golfers. He uses his experience and skills to build trust with each patient, so they become comfortable and look forward to attending their physical therapy sessions. Specializations: Adolescent Orthopedics, Sports Injury Rehab, General OrthopedicsRobbinsville NJ office
Hilario Torreto PTA
Jaime Caceres PT
Jaime became interested in the field of physical therapy while undergoing treatment for injuries he sustained while playing high school sports. He started working at Hamilton Physical Therapy after graduating from the University of Medicine and Dentistry (UMDNJ) in 1993 and has been a partner at HPTS since 2002. Jamie strongly believes in delivering the "HPTS Experience" which is to provide physical and occupational therapy and excellent customer service in a positive, compassionate environment to achieve maximum rehabilitation potential for each patient we are privileged to serve. He is very grateful to the four founding partners of HPTS; Gary, Ginny, Rick and Alvin for being great role models and mentors. On his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife, spending time with his children, and playing with his pups Cooper and Sophie. Specializations: Foot and Ankle, Spine, General Orthopedics Certifications: Matheson System of Work Hardening and Work Conditioning Provider, WorkSteps Functional Capacity Evaluation and Functional Employment Testing Provider, Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS), Graston Technique Clinician Member of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) Member of the Academy of Aquatic Physical TherapyHamilton NJ, and Schafer Center Ewing NJ
Jeffrey Nicheporuck, DPT PT
General Ortho, Vestibular/Balance Rehab, Spanish Speaking College- Rutgers, Arcadia Question-How did you become interested in Physical/Occupational Therapy Answer-I like exercise, helping people and teaching all important aspects in being a physical therapist, in my opinion. Question- What areas of therapy do you take interest in working with most? Answer- I enjoy general strengthening, anything LE and love getting people more active! Let’s get you running or playing that sport you took a break from. Question-What’s your favorite part of being a clinician Answer-watching you improve and returning to the things you are passionate about Question-What do you like about HPTS? How did you find out about HPTS? Answer- everyone at HPTS is very intelligent, caring and hard working. They make it easy to want to come to work. Question- What are your future plans (professionally/personally) Answer- I am still relatively new and in the process of figuring out exactly what I’m passionate about and what I would further like to improve. Question- what do you like to do in your free time? Sports, Volunteer, Hobbies, Reading etc.. Answer-I love games! Puzzles, riddles, board games, video games. I basically want to play all day, I’m like a puppy. Question-What is your favorite meal. Answer- BBQ Question-What is your favorite genre of music, artist, and song? Why? Answer-Latino, get those hips moving. Question-do you have pets? If so, what are their names? Answer-I have a lap cat named Mousse, he is very cuddly.
Jessica Coe PT DPT
Growing up Jessica had multiple knees and shoulder sports injuries. In high school, she underwent shoulder surgery where she experienced the many benefits of physical therapy post-operatively. From that point on she knew that a career in PT was her path. Since graduating from PT school, she has worked primarily in outpatient sports, orthopedic, and neuro rehabilitation. Specializations: General Orthopedics, Aquatic TherapyEwing NJ office
Krystal Emerson PT DPT
Krystal’s dad was her inspiration for becoming a Physical Therapist. He spent most of her childhood suffering from pain due to the injuries he incurred while serving in the Army. It was difficult to watch him being sidelined from the activities he loved to do. In high school she had a sport related injury and was referred to a physical therapist. It was during her many weeks of treatment that she came to appreciate the role of the physical therapist in rehabilitation and developed a strong interest in becoming a Physical Therapist. While at Thomas Jefferson she found her passion for working with a Geriatric population, specifically those with Parkinson’s Disease. She loves being a Physical Therapist and helping her patients get back to the activities they enjoy. Specializations: Parkinson’s Disease, LSVT BIG, Post CVA, Geriatrics, Balance Deficits, Neurological Disorders. Certifications: LSVT BIG, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!)Hamilton NJ office
Mark Laurinaitis PT
Melanie Barber CHT
Melanie was inspired to become an occupational therapist after watching her grandfather go through acute rehabilitation for a stroke when she was in high school. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from TCNJ and continued her education at Columbia University where she earned both a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and in Public Health/Health Policy and Management. She specializes in burn rehabilitation, trauma and wound care and spent 6 years working in New York Presbyterian Hospital’s burn unit. Melanie has been working in outpatient hand therapy since 2010 and became a Certified Hand therapist in 2015. Specialization: Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation, Burn Rehabilitation, Trauma and Wound Care. Certifications: Hand Therapist (CHT)Ewing NJ Office
Melissa LEE, DPT Ewing Office Director
Rachna Mehta PT DPT
Rachna Mehta PT, DPT, CIMT, OCS, PRPC graduated from Columbia University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She has worked in major New Jersey healthcare systems as well in private practice settings for close to 15 years with a dual focus on Orthopedics and Pelvic Health. Her dual specialization in Orthopedics and Pelvic Health has given her a unique skill set to work with a wide variety of complex orthopedic patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, bowel and bladder conditions to name a few. Rachna has an interest in eastern holistic healing traditions and complementary medicine. She has spent many hours training in Acupressure and Yin Yoga workshops with teachers based worldwide. Specializations: Orthopedic, Pelvic Rehabilitation Certifications: Certified Integrated Manual Therapist (CIMT), Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) Member of American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and APTA Pelvic Health section.
Rita Schnell, OT, CHT
Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
Rob Dykeman PT DPT
Rob became a physical therapy patient after sustaining several sports related injuries in high school. His physical therapy sessions helped him return to sports and taught him how to protect himself from future injuries. His interest in becoming a physical therapist grew throughout college and he made the decision to attend graduate school at D’Youville College where he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy. Robs works with all patient populations and enjoys helping athletes meet their goal of returning to sports. Specializations: General Orthopedics, Certifications: Titleist Golf Performance Program (Hamilton office only)Robbinsville Office Director
Scott Giallella PT
Scott Giallella started working at Hamilton Physical Therapy in 2002 after graduating from Widener University with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. He is currently a partner at HPTS. He married his wife, Gina, in 2004 and they have 3 boys – Luca 15, Logan 12, and Levi 11 – which keep them very busy. In June he will celebrate his 20-year anniversary with Hamilton PT. Specializations: Vestibular Rehabilitation, General Orthopedics, Sports Injuries, Sports Specific Rehab, Post-concussion, Balance/Gait DysfunctionsHamilton and Robbinsville NJ offices
Tracy McCarty PT DPT
Tracey became a Physical Therapist because she wanted to help other people and make a positive difference in this world. Physical Therapy is a second career, and she is so grateful for being able to do something she loves every day. When she is not stretching patients, Tracey enjoys being outdoors in her vegetable garden or fishing with her hubby and friends. Specializations: General Orthopedics, Oncology Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, LSVT BIG and Parkinson’s Disease Certifications: LSVT BIGHamilton NJ office
Forms
New Patient Forms
For your convenience, you may print and complete these forms prior to your first visit.
Physician Use
This copy may be faxed, mailed or hand delivered to the clinic. DO NOT EMAIL PRESCRIPTION.
Functional Outcome Questionnaires
Please fill out the appropriate survey prior to your first visit.
Monthly Newsletter
FAQ
For Additional Questions Please Contact Us
Yes. The choice of where you receive therapy is always yours. While the majority of our patients come to us by physician referral/recommendation, many clients request to see us due to our strong clinical reputation in the community.
In New Jersey, you can see a physical therapist without a referral from a physician. However, your insurance may require a referral from a physician to cover your expenses. To find out, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask if a referral is necessary for coverage of physical therapy.
- We participate in the majority of major health insurance plans including Medicare and Worker’s Compensation. Please contact us prior to your first visit to see if we participate with your specific health plan.
As a service to our patients, we will gladly file claims with your insurance company on your behalf. In order to appropriately submit these claims, we will need to obtain a copy of your insurance identification card to ensure that we have the necessary information.
Your therapist will conduct an evaluation of your condition lasting between 60-90 minutes. The evaluation is necessary to create a program designed specifically to address your needs for maximum recovery.
– Referral slip from your medical doctor
– Your medical insurance card
– Your ID
– If you are getting therapy as a result of a worker’s compensation claim or an automobile accident, you will also need to bring your claim information, including claim number.
Please arrive 15 minutes early on your first visit to fill out any necessary paperwork.
We recommend comfortable clothing such as sweatpants or shorts, a T-shirt or tank-top and sneakers.
Each visit will last 60 – 90 minutes on average. Times vary due to the treatment and exercises being performed.
The regularity of your visits will be determined after your initial evaluation, but most patients have 3 visits each week scheduled.
Join Our Team
Please Submit Your Resume to jcaceres@hamiltonphysicaltherapy.org
Links
PT&Me is an educational site for patients interested in or considering physical, occupational, and/or hand therapy.
