Anchor Sponsor: Raising the Bar Rehabilitation & Fitness

By Jennifer Ersalesi

For over thirteen years, Raising the Bar Rehabilitation & Fitness has been providing exceptional care to patients needing physical therapy and rehabilitation. Owner and lifelong Rutherford resident, Chris Ford, is also an active community member who focuses on assisting senior citizens through balance and fall prevention programs. He is also a member of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Chris Ford and his business located in East Rutherford.

TIR: When did Raising the Bar Rehabilitation & Fitness open?

Chris Ford: Raising the Bar Rehabilitation opened in May of 2012, but I have been a practicing physical therapist in the area for over 27 years.

TIR: How do you and the other physical therapists in your office provide individualized treatment plans to best care for your patients?

CF: At Raising the Bar, every patient is given the individualized treatment that they

deserve.

Too often, you might hear someone say “I went to ______ for physical therapy

and they put me on a table, told me what to do, and walked away from me – I did everything myself”.

While performing exercises is part of most physical therapy programs, all of our patients at Raising the Bar receive personalized, individualized physical therapy care that they require from a clinician, including stretching, massage, and hands-on guarding during balance and fall prevention training. At Raising the Bar, you will never feel like just a number!

TIR: What are you most proud of after owning this business for many years?

CF: I am very proud of the local “word of mouth” that our facility has earned. When I’m out and about in the community, I always hear very nice feedback about the facility and past patient experience with the clinical staff. Very often, new patients say that in addition to their doctor’s referral, they choose Raising the Bar based on recommendations from friends and family who have also had a positive experience in our facility.

I am often told by patients that going to Raising the Bar is like going to ‘Cheers’ (for those of us old enough to remember Cheers), “where everybody knows your name).

I have worked in this field for many years. I have worked for many of the larger, corporate physical therapy companies where patients are ushered in and out all day. Each patient is allotted 45 minutes of therapy, and very often, no hands-on care. For all intents and purposes, they are unfortunately seen and treated as “numbers”.

My goal since day 1 has been to offer exceptional physical therapy services, provided by an experienced staff, combined with excellent customer service - in a welcoming, fun, and relaxed environment. My slogan has always been, and continues to be, “You will never feel like just a number.”

TIR: What would you like potential patients to know about Raising the Bar Rehabilitation?

CF: Raising the Bar is very proud to offer one of the most experienced physical therapy staff in the area. The professional experience of our clinical staff ranges from 12 years to 27 years.

We are also proud to offer one of the most well-equipped facilities in the area: 3,000+ square feet with a full gym located on premises to better accommodate the rehabilitation needs of our patients. And again, as always…. You will never feel like just a number!

TIR: How does Raising the Bar give back to the local community?

CF: Raising the Bar’s “Walk – Safe” balance and fall prevention program has been

helping local seniors become more independent, stronger, and safer for over 12 years. I have spread information about this very important service by doing presentations

with the 55 Kip Center, the Rutherford Board of Health, and the Woman’s Club.

I am also very proud of our relationship with 55 Kip Center. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 pm, I offer a strengthening and balance. prevention exercise class for local seniors, hosted conveniently in the 55 Kip Center.