
Is It Okay to Feel Pain During Physical Therapy?
One of the most common questions we hear from patients recovering from tendinopathies—like shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or Achilles tendon pain—is: “Should I stop if it hurts?”
We are a family-owned physical therapy practice in Park Ridge, NJ in northern Bergen County. Specializing in sports medicine and orthopedics, we pride ourselves on providing goal-driven, hands-on, individualized care to get you back to what you love to do.
We recognize that medicine has changed over the years. Medical professionals are under pressure to see more people in less time. Many small practices have been absorbed by larger, more corporate practices. This has all made it much more difficult to find compassionate care, where you feel heard by your providers and you’re treated as individual with specific goals and abilities.
Altius is a family run physical therapy clinic. We are locally owned and personally invested in the well-being of our community, our friends and our neighbors. We aren’t your typical PT clinic and nor do we look, feel or act like one. As soon as you walk through our door, you’ll feel right at home in our inviting, friendly and high energy environment. We strive to differentiate ourselves through an exceptional standard of care that remains accessible, fun and highly effective.
Dr. Evan Bracconeri is the founder and owner of Altius Physical Therapy. He graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo in 2008 and went on to attend Columbia University, where he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2012. During his time at Columbia, Evan completed rotations in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, with a special emphasis on the endurance athlete.
New Jersey Law allows potential clients to seek treatment from a physical therapist without a referral for up to thirty days (except Medicare).
Janelle Aharoni2023-11-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Evan is amazing and has helped me with neck and wrist pain. Bee S2023-11-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been going to this PT place for the past few months for a condition that other places were not able to help me with. Evan is an excellent, warm, and very knowledgeable DPT. He has helped me improve my condition, and I appreciate his service and what he has done for me. Evan's staff is very warm and friendly as well. The entire team makes you feel at home and friends. I feel very satisfied to have found Altius and continue going here. Jam W2023-10-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Evan is great ! He has been so helpful and also so nice. He's busy but always accommodates. Highly recommend . Jamie Sussman2023-10-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was nervous coming to my first appointment. I didn’t know what Evan would be like, and I guess my fear was that he (or other people there) might be intimidating in some way. To be clear, that fear could not be farther from reality. Nobody likes to be vulnerable or in pain, but somehow Evan makes this part fun. Evan maintains a relentlessly cheery disposition. Most days you get an enthusiastic welcome from him when you walk through the door. This energy seems to be contagious, and you start to feel a bit of team spirit with a common goal. He has a great sense of humor, too. There is a lot of laughter, good music (unless he’s on his 90’s kick), and an endless stream of tennis matches playing on TV - he’s a huge fan but doesn’t play, lol. Also, just to paint a full picture, there are live plants all over the place! Each session includes heat, massage, stretches and/or strengthening exercises & the option of icing at the end. You might even have a nice chat with Evan or another person in there. He manages time well & is genuinely concerned with your welfare and progress. He’s open to discussing any concerns you have and offers helpful suggestions. On a lucky day, you might run into his wife, who Evan swears exists, or his mom who helps out with the laundry. In summary, you do some goofy exercises with other people who can empathize with your reason for being there, and eventually you get stronger and have less pain. It’s physical therapy, but it includes some emotional therapy as well. Try it, you will like it here. Elizabeth Ferguson2023-09-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Evan is the BEST physical therapist I have ever had. He shows to utmost care and concern with every exercise and makes sure that I am ok with everything we are doing. I can’t recommend him enough! I’m so happy that I found him because he has helped me so much with all of my therapy needs. Amir Khan2023-08-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been to a few PT places but Evan is definitely In the top tier. He figured out in the first session what the problem is and started me on the right track. He provides the needed attention and time to ensure proper treatment is given in every session. I felt a big difference right after the second appointment. Now three of my family members are his patients. Thanks so much Evan Rob Patterson2023-07-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patient, kind, compassionate....and funny. Dr. Evan is a rare gem. He genuinely cares about the well being of his patients AND gives them the time of day..adding such a personable experience; a rare quality in the medical world! His facility is awesome and his supporting staff are incredibly helpful. Dr. Evan created a custom game plan for my plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis, a double whammy. Happy to report that I am doing significantly better. Dr. Evan's wisdom, knowledge, and healing aura is exactly what we all need. Karina Merritt2023-07-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Couldn’t recommend Evan enough! So so so happy with all the treatment I’ve gotten here. So kind & so caring! Overall an amazing experience!!! Yordin Caceres2023-07-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Came to Altius for a sports injury involving my shoulder and from day one Evan was very understanding and knowledgeable about my injury. He explained in detail what is happening, and how can we make it better. Evan is very friendly and motivating which made the session not only fun, but something to look forward to. I am grateful to have found Altius. Everyone who works there always receives me with a smile and are very helpful with setting appointments. I will definitely be recommending Altius to all my friends and family that need physical therapy! Nick Petrizzi2023-06-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Evan is very knowledgeable and helpful. Had my best PT experience at Altius
One of the most common questions we hear from patients recovering from tendinopathies—like shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or Achilles tendon pain—is: “Should I stop if it hurts?”
Physical therapy is a well established and effective means for recovery but did you know there is a growing body of evidence for “PreHab”? Prehab is a course of therapy prior to a surgical procedure that helps improve surgical outcomes.
Our new office will be open to patients on January 2nd, 2023
Please contact us at evan@altiusnj.com or at (201) 391-8932 for more details!