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Meet Russ Poker, PT

Russ Poker, PT

What made you get into the field of Physical Therapy?

Growing up, my dad suffered a series of strokes that left him more debilitated each time to the point he was paralyzed from the neck down basically. We had the downstairs converted into his bedroom with Hoyer Lifts, Hospital Bed, etc. We had OT. PT, Speech and HHA services all the time, so I was exposed to the field from early on. My life took on a different trajectory, as a result, and I went off into different paths. I traveled and lived abroad for 11 years, went into the military for a few years, and even became a farmer and grew oranges, but I eventually came back to the USA, and in full circle to my childhood, went back to school and became a PT. I guess I became a PT because of my early exposure and because and I was meant to. I did so many other things, but they all lead me back to this profession.

 


How long have you been practicing?

I have been a PT for over 28 years now. I have worked in hospitals, home care and in private practice. The majority of my career I have owned my own practices throughout NYC and Long Island either as a partner or as a sole owner



 

What’s your favorite part about it?

I like the variety. No patient is the same and no presentation is the same. They all offer a challenge and no day is routine or boring.

 

 

What’s your favorite condition to treat? 

have predominantly dealt with general orthopedic cases involving the spine as well as post-surgical cases and focused my professional development towards that.

 

How can patients benefit from treatment?

Patients benefit from physical therapy because we can maximize their potential towards full recovery in most cases. We help them to get back to those physical activities that enhance their life as well as improve the quality of their life.

 

What do you love about being part of the Reddy Care team?

I have owned and operated my own clinics and what I like about Reddy Care is that they are organized, and the staff are happy and perform their roles well. This is a testament to the leadership who devote time to training and reinforcement of their commitment to us, the staff, by providing us the tools to perform our jobs well, which ultimately allows us to provide the best care possible to our patients.

 

What’s one fun fact about you?

One Fun Fact about me is that I love a new challenge, whether learning a language, travel, jumping out of an airplane or scuba diving. I try to make the most of the time I have because tomorrow isn't guaranteed.

 

 

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Reddy Care Great Neck (Great Neck Physical Therapy): 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale (Farmingdale Physical Therapy): 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030

 

Author
Russell J. Poker, PT Russ Poker, PT has been a therapist since 1992 primarily in private practice specializing in general orthopedic care with a focus on neck and back related issues. He graduated from SUNY at Stony Brook for Physical Therapy and hold degrees in Physical Education from Adelphi University and the Wingate Institute in Israel. Russ speaks Hebrew, Spanish and French which he finds helpful in communicating with his patients. Having a varied background of living abroad, serving in the military and participating in different sports helps him understand people better and put them more at ease. As he gets closer in age to his patients, he understands where they are coming from better and what they want to maintain in their functional abilities to stay active and vital.

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