First established in 1990, A T.E.A.M. Approach Physical Therapy Center was opened in Bloomfield, N.J. by Robert Ruffalo, P.T., D.C., TPI CGFI-MP3. A second location in West Orange was established in 2004. The 20-year-old company has been treating patients for a wide variety of injuries and pain, and has grown into a thriving, successful rehabilitation center due to its great reputation and excellent patient outcomes.
“I chose Bloomfield for my first private practice/location. Bloomfield is a great town with a lot of opportunities. I feel honored to have my practice in Bloomfield for 20 years,” said Dr. Ruffalo.
In business since 2004, and solely owned and directed as of July 2009 by Dr. Robert Ruffalo, A T.E.A.M. Approach Physical Therapy Center West LLC has the same core goals and treatment strategies as does his A T.E.A.M. Aprroache Physical Therapy Center Bloomfield office. Patients can expect the same personal service that the Bloomfield practice is so well known for. Our West Orange office is conveniently located directly across from the Essex Green Shopping Center.
Dr. Ruffalo was born and raised in Bloomfield. He attended Bloomfield High School and was involved in the wrestling team. After suffering an injury from wrestling, he was treated by a local chiropractic physician and became interested in the field of physical therapy and chiropractic care. Ruffalo graduated from Bloomfield High in 1980 and continued his education at Kean College, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and New York Chiropractic College, from which he was graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian.
Dr. Ruffalo was co-founder of REI Rehab Education Inc. from 1991-2001, a company whose sole purpose was to conduct continuing education seminars for physical therapists, athletic trainers, physical therapy assistants, and chiropractors. Dr. Ruffalo had the privilege to lecture with the late Dr. Janet G. Travell, the founder of the trigger point (myofascial pain) model of diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ruffalo also taught with the late Dr. John Mennell, founder of the joint dysfunction model for diagnosis and treatment. In 2007, Dr. Ruffalo formed a new continuing education company known as CESI, Continuing Education Seminars Inc., reinforcing the work of both Dr. Janet G. Travell and Dr. John Mennell for physical therapists and chiropractors. Dr. Ruffalo has a passion for educating not only his peers but the insurance industry (case managers and adjusters), his patients, and the community as well. Dr. Ruffalo gives lectures to the insurance industry on a variety of topics such as treatment protocols. He has given his stress management, fitness and motivational talks to many local groups and organizations.
At A T.E.A.M. Approach Physical Therapy Center, patients are treated for pre and postoperative cases, general musculoskeletal conditions, and injuries related to sports, work and automobile accidents. Dr. Ruffalo specializes in manual therapy of the cervical spine and extremities and is trained in a variety of treatment approaches and techniques such as the McKenzie, Mulligan, Maitland and Mennell techniques.
Dr. Ruffalo specializes in enhancing athletic performance by identifying physical limitations through an extensive physical performance evaluation, which includes mobility, stability, posture, balance, strength, coordination, and mental toughness.
Dr. Ruffalo is also a TPI Level 3 Medical Certified Golf Fitness Instructor (TPI’s highest designation) through the world-renowned Titleist Performance Institute. His program is known as G.P.S. - Golf Performance Strategies - and will identify any physical restrictions that are limiting your potential through an intensive physical screen assessing a "total picture" of your body in regards to mobility, stability, posture, balance, coordination, power strength and swing mechanics. Our program integrates with your existing PGA or LPGA professionals to help you optimize your performance.
Dr. Ruffalo's Athletic Performance Enhancement and Golf Performance Strategies program gets you back in the game, with decreased chance of injury, as your potential is maximized with specific individualized exercise protocols. He has lectured to many of the local middle and high school students, coaches and parents about his Athletic Performance Enhancement program and the benefits it can yield.
In addition to his profession, which is dedicated to helping people, Dr. Ruffalo is involved in several local organizations. He is Vice President of the Bloomfield Chapter of UNICO, a member and past officer of the Bloomfield Lions Club, a member of the Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce, a member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the National Federation for the Blind. His involvement is inspired by his personal experience with two brothers and one sister who are blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa. “We were raised with motivation to achieve high goals and to inspire others in the process. When you challenge yourself, you challenge others along with you,” reflected Dr. Ruffalo.
Dr. Ruffalo was named 2005 Chiropractor/Physical Therapist of the year by the Crecco Foundation. “I enjoy treating people who work and live in our community, such as the Police Department, the Fire Department, and other local residents and business associates who have become my patients and friends,” stated Dr. Ruffalo.
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