OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE YOU FEEL
WELCOMED AND RELAXED

From the moment you walk through the doors at IPTFC you will feel
our teams genuine concern for your overall health and general comfort.

During your initial visit, our team will evaluate your health history and discuss your current condition. Following the evaluation, a thorough examination will be performed in a private treatment room in order to identify the cause of your pain and/or discomfort. Once the source is discovered, an intricate treatment approach is established in order for you to achieve positive results.

Pain alone is inconvenient enough, so we’ve made our care as convenient and easy as possible, our flexible office hours and short wait times work around your busy schedule.

Check out our Patient Info page to learn about our flexible insurance and payment options.

about

Meet the Team

Founder/CEO

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Suresh Babu

Founder/President
PT, DPT, MS

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Suresh Babu, Founder/President, PT, DPT, MS

Dr. Suresh Babu, Founder/CEO of Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center graduated with Advanced Masters in Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University, CT followed by which he pursued Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy at MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston.

Dr. Suresh believes that a successful clinical outcome depends on three factors: respecting patient values, competent clinical judgement and incorporating evidence based treatment approach. Dr. Suresh uses cutting edge technology in combination with Manual Physical Therapy skills that had given ground breaking results. In addition Dr. Suresh holds Certification in Artificial Intelligence in Health care from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Health care Data Analytics from Wharton School of Business Management that had successfully enabled him to analyze various data from medical research and derive at a successful evidence based treatment approach for his patients.

Dr.Suresh is an active member of American Physical Therapy Association and New Jersey Chapter of Physical Therapy. Dr.Suresh has been a Clinical Instructor at Seton Hall University in the past. Dr. Suresh is actively pursuing MBA in Health care.

Dr. Suresh also is a Co-Founder of Innovative Physical Rehab and Wellness Center, Old Bridge, NJ.

In his free time Dr. Suresh enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and loves working out in the gym.

Physical Therapists

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Preyas Mehta

Clinical Director
PT, MS

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Preyas Mehta, Clinical Director, PT, MS

Preyas was born and raised in India. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in India. Preyas then continued his education at Midwestern State University in Texas where he obtained his Master of Science in Exercise Physiology.

Preyas began his career working in India as a Clinical Physical Therapist in 2009 prior to coming to the United States. Preyas relocated to the East Coast in 2012 when he started his first job in New York. Preyas currently holds his Physical Therapy license in New Jersey, New York and Texas. He enjoys treating patients with orthopedic conditions, post-operative cases and sport injuries, but has treated patients in various settings.

Preyas currently lives in Somerset County with his wife. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends doing activities such as trying out different food, bowling, hiking, camping, kayaking, shooting and taking long drives.

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Aditi Chandan

PT, DPT, CLT, WCS

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Aditi Chandan PT, DPT, CLT, WCS

Dr Aditi Chandan is a NJ transplant hailing from Western NY. She gained her Bachelor of Science from SUNY-Buffalo in Buffalo NY, and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) at the University of Hartford in West Hartford CT in 2012. After that she spent 6 years in TX where she worked as part of the Baylor Scott & White Rehabilitation system and completed a 14-month post-professional residency in all genders’ Health Pelvic Physical Therapy management, including certification as a lymphedema therapist (CLT). Following residency, she received her national Board certification as a Pelvic Health Specialist in Physical Therapy.

Aditi has experience in treating various patients in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, subacute rehabilitation, and outpatient orthopedic settings. She is adept in the treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions and takes a particular interest in female athletes (dancer/gymnasts). She has taken several continuing education courses on the management of orthopedic diagnosis as well as chronic pain diagnosis. On the WH/MH side, Aditi is specialized in the treatment and rehabilitation of pelvic floor dysfunction, constipation, fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, obstetrics/post-partum therapy, gender transitioning, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphedema, oncology management, and fibromyalgia/chronic pain.

When Aditi is not working, she loves to spend time outdoors, and with family and friends. She is an avid fan of reading, dancing, musicals/theatre, cooking, and watching her Buffalo sports teams.

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Abigail Bautista

PT, DPT

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Abigail Bautista PT, DPT

Dr. Abigail C. Bautista, an avid shoe collector and basketball lover, knew she wanted to work in physical therapy at an early age. Growing up, she participated in various sports teams, oftentimes getting injured but never discouraged as each injury solidified her deep passion in helping people heal. Her aspiration to become a physical therapist further grew after her grandfather suffered a stroke. She would take her grandfather to his physical therapy appointments where he often told her that she possessed the qualities to be successful in this field. After he passed, she promised herself she would fulfill his wish.

Abigail graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science and Sports Studies, minoring in Nutrition. In 2013, she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. She has experience working with a variety of patients with orthopedic conditions, balance/gait difficulties, sports injuries, and post-surgical cases. She believes in establishing a positive rapport with each patient and creating individual treatment plans to ensure their successful rehabilitation while making each session fun.

While not in the clinic, she loves spending time with her family and friends. She also can be found maximizing her Target Circle offers and winning sneaker raffles.

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Dr. Amita Mali

PT, MS, OCS, FAAOMPT Clinic Director (Old Bridge)

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Dr. Amita Mali PT, MS, OCS, FAAOMPT Clinic Director (Old Bridge)

Amita Mali is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT), with over 15 years of clinical, operational, and leadership experience in outpatient orthopedics, pelvic health, and women’s health physical therapy. She is known for delivering compassionate, evidence-informed care and for mentoring the next generation of therapists through structured clinical education and fellowship guidance.

Currently, Amita serves as Clinic Director at Innovative Physical Therapy and Fitness Center in Old Bridge, NJ, where she leads clinical operations, manages staff, and spearheads business growth initiatives. She oversees both in-person and telehealth services, with a focus on orthopedic and pelvic health rehabilitation. Her leadership includes developing performance metrics, guiding referral strategies, and collaborating with executives to expand patient access and service quality.

Throughout her career, Amita has designed and implemented successful pelvic health programs, conducted continuing education trainings, and mentored physical therapy fellows and residents through academic affiliations with Regis University and NYU. Her clinical expertise spans manual therapy, vestibular and concussion rehab, post-operative care, and pelvic floor dysfunctions—including urinary and bowel health, pain disorders, and postpartum recovery.

Amita earned her Bachelor of Physical Therapy from Seth G.S. Medical College & KEM Hospital in Mumbai, India, followed by a Master of Science in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. She later completed a fellowship in orthopedic manual therapy at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

She is committed to lifelong learning and her advanced training includes dry needling, biofeedback, spinal and peripheral mobilization, and pelvic health rehabilitation. Licensed in New Jersey and California, Amita is an active member of the APTA and AAOMPT. Her passion for advancing the physical therapy profession shines through her mentorship, teaching, and leadership-always grounded in ethical care and patient empowerment.

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Khushboo Patel

PT, MS

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Khushboo Patel PT MS

Khushboo Patel, PT is a licensed Physical Therapist in New Jersey with over 8 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. She is known for her hands-on, patient-centered approach and her ability to treat individuals with complex orthopedic and neurological conditions. Her clinical experience includes post-surgical rehabilitation, joint replacements, spine injuries, chronic pain, and neuromuscular disorders.

Khushboo earned her Master of Rehabilitation Science in Physical Therapy (Musculoskeletal) from the University of Pittsburgh and holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Sardar Patel University in India. She is committed to providing evidence-based care and creating individualized treatment plans that support long-term recovery and functional independence.

Her areas of expertise include manual therapy, functional movement assessment, and neuromuscular rehabilitation, with advanced training in Mulligan Concepts, McKenzie Method (Lumbar Spine), and Muscle Energy Techniques. She also has specialized experience in treating TMJ dysfunction, headaches, chronic spine conditions, and fibromyalgia, allowing her to address both pain and movement dysfunction comprehensively.

Khushboo’s professional background includes working across diverse clinical settings in the United States and internationally, including owning and operating a private outpatient physical therapy clinic. This experience has shaped her holistic philosophy of care—one that emphasizes education, open communication, and empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery. Her professional interests include women’s health (pre- and post-partum care), concussion management, and research and clinical development.

Outside the clinic, Khushboo is a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys exploring and tasting different cuisines. She also loves traveling with her family, finding inspiration in new cultures and experiences that enrich both her personal life and her approach to patient care.

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Dr. Priyank Patel

PT, DPT (Kendall Park)

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Dr. Priyank Patel PT DPT (Kendall Park)

Dr. Priyank Patel is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy with a strong focus on post-surgical rehabilitation, orthopedic care, balance training, and fall prevention. With a patient-centered and evidence-based approach, Priyank is dedicated to helping individuals recover from surgery, regain strength, and return to their everyday activities with confidence. He has extensive experience working with patients following joint replacements, spinal procedures, and other orthopedic surgeries. Priyank combines manual therapy techniques, individualized exercise programs, and comprehensive education to ensure safe, effective, and lasting recovery.

Passionate about fall prevention and balance training, he also works closely with older adults to improve stability, reduce risk of injury, and promote independent living.

Outside of the clinic, Priyank enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures. He’s an avid cricket and football fan, and loves connecting with others over sports and shared experiences.

With a warm, approachable personality and a deep commitment to patient success, Priyank strives to make every rehabilitation journey a positive and empowering experience.

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Dr. Aum Tejani

PT, DPT, OCS (Kendall Park)

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Dr. Aum Tejani PT, DPT, OCS (Kendall Park)

Dr. Aum Tejani earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Rutgers University in New Brunswick and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in San Diego, California. He has gained clinical experience in both outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation settings. In 2024, Aum became a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Specialist through the APTA. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based care while fostering a comfortable and engaging environment to help patients achieve their specific goals. Outside of work, Aum enjoys hiking, cooking, working out, and spending time with family and friends.

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Sheryl Goodridge

PT, DPT, c/NDT

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Sheryl Goodridge, PT, DPT, c/NDT

Sheryl Goodridge received her undergraduate degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University Sargent College and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northeastern University. She is experienced in general orthopedics for adults and children and is NDT certified and SI trained. She has held adjunct faculty positions at the University of Southern California and Fisher College, and is a certified Clinical Instructor through the APTA. She is certified in Blood flow restriction treatment and was an insructor for the Kinesiotaping Method. She is working parttime for Jogo Innovative treating patients with the use of biofeedback via telehealth.She is a bicyclist, plays tennis and pickleball, and in winter is a cross country skier.

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Doug White

PT, MS

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Doug White PT, MS

Following graduation from The University of Miami, School of Medicine with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy, Doug completed work at Harvard University to fulfill his requirements for certification as an athletic trainer. After volunteering at Boston University, he received a certification as strength and conditioning specialist. Doug was involved in the 1996, and 2006 Olympiads as well as, Sports Medicine Director of USA Olympic Skeleton Team from 2000-2002, where the athletes he trained won a silver and two gold medals. Doug is now Director of WHITE’S PHYSICAL THERAPY & BODYMECHANIX LLC, where he trains healthy athletes and offers injury rehab and safe return to sport for injured athletes. Currently an EMG, Biofeedback consultant with JOGO Healthcare since 2021.

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Deepika Kothandaraman

PT, DPT (tDPT)

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Deepika Kothandaraman, PT, DPT (tDPT)

Deepika Kothandaraman is a New York–licensed Physical Therapist specializing in pelvic health rehabilitation across the lifespan. She is currently completing her Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) at Arcadia University and brings over a decade of clinical experience in women’s and pelvic health across hospital, outpatient, and digital care settings.
Deepika treats a wide range of pelvic floor conditions including urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, coccygodynia, and high-tone pelvic floor disorders. Her approach integrates evidence-based pelvic floor muscle training, EMG biofeedback, pain neuroscience education, and individualized therapeutic exercise to support meaningful, long-term outcomes.
She has extensive experience in digital and telehealth-based pelvic rehabilitation, delivering care in compliance with New York and Florida practice standards. Deepika is particularly passionate about preventive pelvic health, early postpartum care, and improving access to specialized pelvic rehabilitation.
In addition to her clinical work, Deepika has been appointed by the APTA Board of Directors to serve on the APTA Public and Consumer Relations Task Force, contributing to national initiatives focused on public education, patient engagement, and advancing the physical therapy profession.

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Crystal Wang

PT DPT

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Crystal Wang PT DPT

Dr. Crystal Wang has been practicing Physical Therapy for over 8 years. She is originally from the Bay Area, California and moved to New York City with a dream of adventure. She is passionate about health and wellness, and believes movement is the key to a happy and healthy life.

Crystal graduated from University of California San Diego with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology then earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She has experience working with a diverse population including pelvic floor, pediatrics, orthopedics, and neurology. What she loves most about physical therapy is the joy of helping people and building meaningful connections.

In her free time, Crystal loves to travel, dance, cook, and explore all that New York City has to offer.

Administrative Staff

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Kathyria Rodriguez

Director of Administrative Operations

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Priyanka Chanbrasegaran

Sales Engineer for JOGO Health

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Priyanka Chanbrasegaran

Priyanka Chanbrasegaran is the Sales Engineer for JOGO Health. She helps patients understand the JOGO device for Telehealth appointments and with any tech support needed.
Priyanka graduated from SUNY Binghamton University with Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology

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Eden Joy Sumido

Digital Physical Therapy Clinic scheduler

DIRECT ACCESS

The Truth About Seeing a Physical Therapist First

What exactly is direct access? No smoke and mirrors here - it's just what it sounds like! Direct access is the ability to directly access your physical therapist without a physician referral or prescription.

How does it work?

Direct access is regulated at the state level. New Jersey law allows patients in New Jersey to receive physical therapy treatment from a licensed physical therapist at an outpatient rehabilitation provider (“Provider”) without a referral from a licensed health care professional (“Direct Access Law”) . Since 2003, New Jersey consumers have had the ability to access the services of a physical therapist directly without a referral from a physician, but very few understand the benefits of this strategy and when they should consider it.

If you’re interest in learning more about Direct Access Laws, we recommend visiting the American Physical Therapy Association’s site.

Common problems that would benefit from an evaluation and treatment by a physical therapist would be waking up with a stiff neck, low back pain, ankle sprains, shoulder pain with limited mobility, muscle strains, knee pain and many other conditions that are limiting your ability to function at home, work or in your recreational sport.

A recent publication by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also emphasized the benefits of physical therapy for the treatment of chronic pain instead of opioid medications which can be highly addictive. They also concluded that there is evidence that exercise supervised by a physical therapist can reduce the pain associated with knee and hip osteoarthritis and be able the sustain the reduced pain state for 2-6 months. These findings are supported by strong clinical evidence and patients can access the skills of a physical therapist directly here in New Jersey, thus saving valuable healthcare dollars.

Can a Physical Therapist diagnose my problem?

While physical therapists do not make a medical diagnosis, the diagnosis of your functional impairment is within our scope of practice and can be vitally important in determining the cause of you pain that may be affecting your ability to participate in functional and recreational tasks. The diagnosis is a label for a collection of signs and symptoms gathered through the evaluation and examination of your particular problem. It is an essential part in determining the course of treatment and the predicted time frame it will take to complete the goals established.

Why does direct access really matter to me?

Let us give you four good reasons.

Early access saves money! Over 50% in back pain costs alone. It also often prevents the need for further healthcare. Over 13 million Americans see their doctor each year for relief from chronic low back pain. The right physical therapy within 14 days of the onset of pain minimizes the average total cost of care by 50%. That’s a lot of money each year!

Low back pain patients who receive physical therapy immediately after the pain begins and adhere to their treatment plan spend $3,000 a year in associated healthcare costs. Those who delay receiving physical therapy and do not adhere to their treatment plan spend $6,000 per year for all kinds of healthcare.

At your first appointment with a physical therapist, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan based on your evaluation and will begin implementing the plan that day. The primary care physician to orthopaedic specialist to physical therapist pathway is likely to put you well over the 40-day mark before you’re even in the door to see a PT.

Physical therapy is a CDC-recommended alternate treatment plan to dangerous opioids and in some cases, just as effective (if not more!) than surgery. It’s also a much cheaper alternative to costly diagnostic imaging.

Turn on the news and it’s likely you’ll see a story about a death that can be attributed to opioids or heroin. Opioid prescriptions for pain management have quadrupled since 1999, causing a national health crisis. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines in March 2016 urging prescribers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safer alternatives in the treatment of chronic pain. Physical therapy is one of the recommended nonopioid alternatives.

Here’s why:
Physical therapists treat pain. Opioids mask it.

“Side effects” of physical therapy include improved mobility, increased independence, decreased pain, and prevention of other health problems through movement and exercise. Opioid side effects include depression, overdose, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms.

Physical therapy is effective for numerous conditions, and the CDC cited “high quality evidence” supporting exercise as part of physical therapist treatment for familiar conditions like low back pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. Opioid effectiveness for long-term pain management is inconclusive in many cases.

Additionally, physical therapy has been found to be as effective as surgery for conditions including meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spinal stenosis. Plus, you don’t have to worry about side effects, risk of infection, etc. that are associated with surgery.

Lastly, a 2015 Health Services Research study found that the average cost of care was shown to be $4,793 more if a patient had an MRI first vs. seeing a physical therapist first. The study also shows the increased use of other services like additional diagnostic imaging and medication when the MRI is done prior to physical therapy.

Your physical therapist and your orthopaedic surgeon are equal when it comes to diagnostic accuracy.

Clinical diagnostic accuracy by physical therapists and orthopaedic surgeons on patients with musculoskeletal injuries is not statistically different. Both providers had significantly greater accuracy than that of nonorthopaedic providers. (As in, double the accuracy!)

What about my insurance, will it cover my direct access visits?

Most insurances will reimburse for physical therapy services without a physician referral, although occasionally some do still require one. It depends on your insurance provider and coverage. Our billing team is more than happy to verify your benefits for you, feel free to give them a call at any time!

Medicare and Direct Access – Can you come directly to physical therapy?

If you are a senior citizen and covered by Medicare Part B you can come directly to physical therapy without a referral from your physician. However, you must be under the care of a physician and they must agree and sign the plan of care established by the physical therapist. For example, you may develop acute neck pain and would like to see us for immediate treatment. We can perform an evaluation and initiate treatment, but your physician of record must sign and agree to the plan established which is faxed to their office. Some physicians may want to see you before agreeing to this plan but most will sign and certify the plan directly.

Are there any exceptions to my insurance company paying for Direct Access to physical therapy without a referral?

Yes, there are a few instances that still require a referral from a physician in order for your insurance company to pay for services. This may include if your injury is due to a Motor Vehicle Accident or your particular insurance plan requires a referral to see any specialist. In both cases a referral and not a prescription is required. We will always tell you in advance if any of these conditions exist that may affect payment for physical therapy services.

What is the NJ Law that governs the practice of Direct Access to Physical Therapy Services?

13:39A-2.5 REFERRAL OF PATIENTS AND CONSULTATION STANDARDS FOR LICENSED PHYSICAL THERAPISTS a) A licensed physical therapist shall refer a patient to a health care professional licensed to practice dentistry, podiatry or medicine and surgery in this State, or other appropriate licensed health care professional: 1) When the licensed physical therapist during the examination, evaluation or intervention has reason to believe that physical therapy is contraindicated or symptoms or conditions are present that require services outside the scope of practice of the licensed physical therapist; or 2) When the patient has failed to demonstrate reasonable progress within 30 days of the date of the initial treatment. b) Not more than 30 days from the date of initial treatment of functional limitation or pain, a licensed physical therapist shall inform the patient’s licensed health care professional of record regarding the patient’s plan of care. In the event there is no identified licensed health care professional of record, the licensed physical therapist shall recommend that the patient consult with a licensed health care professional of the patient’s choice. In a school setting, the schedule of physical therapy services shall be reported to the child study team by the licensed physical therapist within 30 days of the date of initial treatment.

At the end of the day, we're by no means recommending you avoid your primary care physician altogether. But, in the instances when you know physical therapy is what you need, isn’t it better to get straight to the source right away? And this way, you're ready to make an informed decision on the best choice for you.

Ready to schedule an appointment or have any questions?

You can call us at 732-853-8177 or request online appointment and also post all your questions and concerns in the "request appointment" section and we will be glad to talk to you and answer all your questions.