Paramus Orthopedic Physical Therapy Takes Additional Steps to Protect Patients Against COVID-19

Paramus, NJ - In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the doctors and staff of Paramus Orthopedic Physical Therapy have taken precise proactive measures to protect staff and patients against infection.

“We know that during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, many patients feel reluctant to receive non-emergency medical care. It is an understandable concern, and one of the big reasons why we took so many precautions that went above and beyond those required by local ordinance. With these extra safety measures, our patients can be certain they will stay safe. At the same time, they get the physical therapy treatment they need,” said Dr. Jason de la Bruyere of Paramus Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

Ensuring that patients remain safe has become a primary challenge for many physical therapy and medical facilities around the nation. At Paramus Orthopedic Physical Therapy, putting in place early safety protocols was paramount. Consequently, the staff implemented extensive safety standards not found in other medical facilities in New Jersey.

Doctors and staff began adhering to glove and mask-wearing protocols before it became apparent that the virus carries serious health and safety implications. These precautions were just the beginning. Realizing the virus has airborne qualities, the organization’s leadership took additional, extensive measures.

At the beginning of 2020, the center’s staff purchased and distributed critical safety equipment, including N95 and KN95 masks. These masks, proven to filter out 95 percent of airborne particles down to .3 microns, go above and beyond the typical surgical masks worn at other facilities. Except for a medical restriction, every patient, every doctor, and every staff member at the Paramus, NJ physical therapy center wears these masks.

Other measures taken by the staff of Paramus Orthopedic Physical Therapy include the purchase of hospital-grade, anti-microbial air filtration systems and ultraviolet air sterilization equipment designed to kill viruses upon contact. Also, the center implemented weekly COVID antibody testing for all staff members via a rapid response test. Combining these aggressive safety measures creates a Medical Safe Zone providing the highest standard of care. Today the New Jersey physical therapy facility is the only center in Paramus to have that distinction.

“We have taken every precaution to ensure that our patients are treated in the safest way possible,” said Dr. Phil Lombardo of Paramus Orthopedic. “Physical therapy utilizes advanced manual techniques that call for close physical contact between therapist and patient. Keeping patients safe is our number one priority. We have such a dedicated staff, and their support and commitment in these trying times have allowed us to offer safety measures not found in other facilities.”

At Paramus Orthopedic Physical Therapy, all patients and staff adhere to the safety protocol suggested by the CDC. These include social distancing when possible and adherence glove-wearing. Sanitizing stations are available throughout the facility for patients’ convenience. All surfaces are rigorously cleaned throughout the day with a disinfectant designed to kill coronaviruses. Doctors and staff continue to sanitize hands before and after each contact with patients.

“At Paramus Orthopedic Physical Therapy, we are proud of the extra safety precautions we’ve taken, and that our patients remain safe when they come for physical therapy treatments. Together with our other affiliated locations, we are very proud to be the only Medical Safe Zone facilities in the State of New Jersey,” said Dr. Lombardo.

The other affiliated physical therapy centers in New Jersey that offer Medical Safe Zones are Wayne Orthopedic Physical Therapy, New Jersey Center of Physical Therapy in Riverdale, and Montville Physical Therapy. Those interested can learn more about Paramus Orthopedic Physical Therapy on their website.