Recognizing the Mohawk Valley’s Leading Physical & Occupational Therapists
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
Recovery is rarely a straight line. Whether someone is returning from surgery, managing chronic pain, recovering from injury, or rebuilding strength after illness, the process takes time, patience, and expert guidance. Across the Mohawk Valley, physical and occupational therapists play a critical role in helping people regain movement, independence, and confidence in their everyday lives.
These clinicians do far more than treat injuries. They help patients relearn essential movements, restore mobility, strengthen the body, and safely return to the activities that matter most, from walking and working to playing sports, caring for family, or simply living without pain.
The Mohawk Valley is fortunate to be home to an exceptional community of rehabilitation professionals who combine clinical expertise with a deep commitment to patient-centered care. In clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers across the region, these therapists guide patients through each stage of recovery using
evidence-based techniques, thoughtful evaluation, and personalized treatment plans designed for long-term success.
Physical therapists focus on restoring strength, mobility, and stability through movement, exercise, and hands-on care. Occupational therapists help individuals regain the practical
skills needed for daily life, from dressing and cooking to returning to work or navigating the world safely after illness or injury.
Together, these professions form an essential part of the healthcare system, helping people reclaim both independence and quality of life. The professionals recognized in this feature
represent some of the most trusted and respected therapists serving the Mohawk Valley today. Their work reflects not only
technical skill and clinical knowledge but also the compassion, encouragement, and persistence that successful rehabilitation requires.
Through their dedication to helping others move better, live more comfortably, and return to the activities they love, these clinicians have earned recognition as MV’s Best Physical and Occupational Therapists.
Evaluation, Rehabilitation, Strength
Dr. Erik Winberg, PT, DPT Brings Performance-Based Rehabilitation
Helping patients return to the activities they love is at the heart of Erik Winberg’s approach to Physical Therapy.
Winberg Physical Therapy, located inside FORTE Strength & Fitness in New Hartford, are two services offered in one location. A native of the Utica/Rome area, Erik Winberg shares his love of sports as he focuses on providing individualized care designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and help patients build long-term strength and resilience.
Winberg Physical Therapy offers a modern approach to Sports and Orthopedics specializing in sports injuries, post surgical rehabilitation, joint replacement recovery, neck and back conditions, gait and movement challenges, concussions and overall general Orthopedics. His philosophy centers on understanding each patient’s goals and designing treatment plans that support a safe and effective return to daily life, work, and recreation. If it hurts, we can treat it.
At Winberg Physical Therapy, patients receive one-on-one evaluations with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, along with targeted treatment plans based on evidence-based techniques and detailed movement analysis. Patients benefit from a hands-on approach that emphasizes movement quality, strength progression, and functional recovery. The goal is not only to relieve pain, but to help patients move more efficiently, build confidence, and reduce the risk of future injury.
The clinic also offers performance assessments designed to help patients and athletes safely and confidently return to sport or activity at a high level. The practice operates within the FORTE Strength & Fitness facility, creating a unique setting that seamlessly blends rehabilitation with strength training and performance-focused care. No matter your game, we take you to the next level.
Erik Winberg has become a trusted resource for rehabilitation and performance-driven care. His commitment to personalized treatment, measurable outcomes, and long-term wellness continues to help patients regain mobility, strength, and confidence. That dedication to patient success and community wellness has earned Erik Winberg recognition as one of MV’s Best Physical Therapists.
A Legacy of Care:
Helen M. Sarandrea, PT Celebrates 45 Years of Physical Therapy
For forty-five years, Helen M. Sarandrea, PT has helped Mohawk Valley residents recover from injury, move with greater ease, and regain confidence in their bodies. Over the course of more than four decades in practice, she has built a reputation not only for clinical excellence but for the kind of compassionate, patient-centered care that keeps people coming back and recommending her to friends, family, and physicians across the region.
A graduate of Ithaca College, Helen entered the field of physical therapy with a strong belief that rehabilitation should focus on the whole person. While injuries and conditions may bring patients into the clinic, recovery involves far more than simply addressing symptoms. It requires understanding each patient’s goals, lifestyle, and daily challenges. That philosophy has guided Helen throughout her career and remains the foundation of the care provided at Helen M. Sarandrea Physical Therapy today.
Strength, Support, and Community Care
Jerry Bushey, PT Creates a Patient-First Approach to Rehabilitation
At Performance Therapy & Fitness in St. Johnsville, Jerry Bushey is known for his patient-centered approach to physical therapy and the welcoming, family atmosphere he has created within his practice.
Bushey believes rehabilitation works best when patients feel supported, understood, and actively involved in their own recovery. From the first visit, he takes time to learn each patient’s goals, concerns, and lifestyle so treatment plans are tailored to the individual, not just the injury.
Bushey works with a wide range of patients, including those recovering from surgery or injury, individuals managing chronic pain, and people looking to improve strength, mobility, and overall physical function. Bushey and his team also emphasize long-term wellness, encouraging patients to continue strengthening and conditioning beyond rehabilitation so they can maintain mobility and prevent future injury.
His care combines hands-on therapy with guided exercise, movement training, and education designed to help patients safely return to the activities that matter most in their daily lives.
The environment at Performance Therapy & Fitness reflects Bushey’s belief that healing happens best in a supportive setting. Patients are often greeted by Jerry’s wife, Kelly, whose warm and welcoming presence helps set the tone for the practice. From the moment they walk through the door, patients are encouraged throughout their progress and treated like part of the family.
Serving St. Johnsville and surrounding communities, Bushey has built a reputation for compassionate, personalized care, with a fitness center open daily from 5am to 10pm supporting ongoing health and wellness for patients and members alike, earning his place among MV’s Best Physical Therapists.
Restoring Movement and Independence
Raymond A. Alessandrini, OTR/L and Dr. Richard M. Panetta, PT, DPT Provide Collaborative Rehabilitation Care
At Inertia Wellness Center in Utica, patients receive comprehensive rehabilitation care designed to restore movement, independence, and confidence.
Occupational therapist Raymond A. Alessandrini, OTR/L and physical therapist Dr. Richard M. Panetta, PT, DPT work together to provide personalized treatment that helps individuals return to the activities that matter most in their daily lives.
Both clinicians focus on understanding the unique needs and goals of every patient. Their care begins with a thorough evaluation and continues with individualized treatment plans that support recovery while promoting long-term functional health. By combining hands-on therapy with targeted exercise, movement training, adaptive strategies, and patient education, they guide patients through each stage of rehabilitation.
Alessandrini’s occupational therapy work centers on helping individuals regain independence in everyday tasks. He works with patients recovering from injury or surgery, those managing neurological or orthopedic conditions, and individuals who need support rebuilding the skills required for daily living. His approach emphasizes practical strategies that help patients safely return to routines at home, work, and in the community.
Dr. Panetta’s physical therapy care focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring strength and stability. He treats a wide range of conditions, from post-surgical rehabilitation to chronic pain and orthopedic injuries. Through carefully guided therapy and
movement training, he helps patients rebuild physical confidence and return to active lifestyles.
Together, Alessandrini and Panetta have created a welcoming environment at Inertia Wellness Center where rehabilitation and wellness come together. Their collaborative approach ensures patients receive thoughtful, individualized care that supports steady progress and lasting results.
Their philosophy is grounded in the belief that recovery happens through consistency and dedication. In fact, a quote from Winston Churchill perfectly captures the mindset behind their work: “Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential.” That perspective reflects the way both therapists guide patients and defines why both are among MV’s Best Physical & Occupational Therapists.
Specialized Care for Strength and Movement
Dr. Carrie Caruso, PT, DPT Combines Neurologic and Orthopedic Expertise
At Caruso PT in New Hartford, Dr. Carrie Caruso, PT, DPT, OCS, NCS is known for delivering highly specialized physical therapy that combines advanced clinical expertise with individualized care. Her approach focuses on understanding each patient’s goals, lifestyle, and daily challenges so treatment plans address not only the condition, but the person as a whole.
Dr. Caruso holds dual board certifications in orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy, a distinction achieved by only a small number of clinicians nationwide. This advanced training allows her practice to treat a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries and post-operative recovery to neurologic disorders that affect movement, balance, and coordination.
Patients receive focused one-on-one care designed to restore mobility, rebuild strength, and improve overall function through personalized treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
Neurologic rehabilitation is a major focus at Caruso PT, with treatment programs for individuals recovering from stroke as well as those living with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular disorders, and neuropathy. Dr. Caruso is also LSVT BIG certified, a specialized therapy program that helps people with Parkinson’s improve movement, mobility, and independence.
What sets Caruso PT apart is the level of personal attention patients receive throughout their care. Dr. Caruso works closely with each individual to guide progress and build confidence during recovery.
Serving patients throughout the Mohawk Valley, Caruso PT has built a strong reputation for thoughtful, patient-centered care focused on helping people move better and return to the activities that matter most in their daily lives, earning recognition as one of MV’s Best Physical Therapists.
Recover Stronger. Move Better. Perform at Your Best.
Dr. Jonathan Small, PT, DPT Delivers One-on-One Care at Every Body Physical Therapy
Helping patients achieve more than they thought possible is at the core of Every Body Physical Therapy, a Herkimer-based practice that has become a trusted resource in the Mohawk Valley over the past decade. Founded by Dr. Jonathan Small, PT, DPT, the practice is known for its highly personalized, one-on-one approach and its commitment to helping individuals move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities that define their everyday lives.
Specializing in sports and orthopedic rehabilitation, Dr. Small and his team work with a wide range of patients, from student athletes and competitive performers to individuals recovering from surgery or managing chronic pain. Each plan of care is designed with intention, focusing not only on recovery, but on long-term performance, mobility, and overall quality of life.
At Every Body Physical Therapy, patients work directly with a Doctor of Physical Therapy at every visit. This level of individualized attention allows for a deeper understanding of each patient’s goals, movement patterns, and physical demands. Treatment plans incorporate evidence-based techniques, motor control training, and targeted rehabilitation strategies that support safe, effective progress.
Services include care for sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, joint replacement recovery, neck and back pain, gait and balance challenges, and select neurological conditions. Performance assessments are also available, helping athletes and active individuals return to sport with confidence.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Small remains actively involved in the community, working with local schools, teams, and organizations to support injury prevention and performance education. That connection to the community continues to define the practice today, reinforcing a mission centered on helping every patient move forward with strength and confidence.
The clinic’s approach is rooted in building trust and consistency with every patient interaction, creating an environment where individuals feel supported throughout their recovery journey.
By combining clinical expertise with a genuine understanding of each patient’s lifestyle and goals, Every Body Physical Therapy continues to stand out as a leading provider of rehabilitation services in the Mohawk Valley. Recognized as one of MV’s Best Physical Therapists, this commitment to individualized care defines every patient experience and outcome achieved here daily.
Evaluation, Rehabilitation, Community Care
Dr. Kevin Kress, PT, DPT Delivers Personalized, Patient-First Physical Therapy
Dr. Kevin Kress has built his career around a deep commitment to patient care, community connection, and advancing the field of physical therapy across the Mohawk Valley. A member of just the second graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy class from Utica College in 2009, Dr. Kress continued working as a PTA and certified personal trainer throughout his graduate studies, bringing both clinical knowledge and hands-on experience into his practice from the very beginning.
He spent eight years as Clinical Manager at the Function Better Herkimer office, where he served patients throughout Herkimer County and surrounding communities. During that time, he became known not only for his clinical expertise, but for the strong relationships he built with patients, physicians, and local organizations. His approach has always been rooted in understanding the individual, creating care plans that reflect both physical needs and personal goals.
Dr. Kess has continued to advance his clinical training with a focus on shoulder and knee rehabilitation, vestibular therapy, and the McKenzie Method for treating back and neck pain. In addition to his work in the clinic, he has contributed to the next generation of therapists as a Clinical Instructor for students from Herkimer College and Utica University conducting their fieldwork experiences. He remains an active member of both the American Physical Therapy Association and the New York Physical Therapy Association.
In 2018, he opened Kress Physical Therapy in Little Falls with a clear mission: to provide high-quality, individualized care while continuing to serve the community he calls home. Recognized as one of MV’s Best Physical Therapists, his practice reflects a balance of clinical excellence and personal investment, helping patients recover, strengthen, and return to the lives they love.
Advanced Rehabilitation for Every Stage of Recovery
Ryan Monaco, PT, DPT and His Team Specialize in Orthopedic, Spine and Vestibular Care
Comprehensive care and a collaborative approach define the team at Ryan Monaco Physical Therapy. With two Mohawk Valley locations, the practice is led by Dr. Ryan Monaco, PT, DPT, and Dr. Mike Jarmak, PT, DPT, and supported by a skilled group of clinicians committed to delivering high-quality individualized rehabilitation.
The team specializes in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, working with patients recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. From post-surgical care and joint replacements to athletic injuries and everyday movement challenges, each treatment plan is designed to restore strength, mobility, and confidence.
That philosophy extends into Sports Performance Institute (SPI), a complementary program created to keep individuals performing at their best and help prevent injury before it happens.
As the team puts it, RMPT was created to return injured athletes to their sport faster while SPI was created to keep you away from RMPT. Together, the two offer a full continuum of care, from prevention and performance training to rehabilitation and recovery.
What sets the practice apart is its team-based approach and continuity of care. Patients benefit from clinicians who communicate closely, adapt plans as progress is made, and create a supportive, motivating environment throughout every stage of recovery.
Serving the Mohawk Valley, the team at Ryan Monaco Physical Therapy continues to build a reputation for results-driven, patient-centered care, a commitment that defines the practice as one of MV’s Best in Physical Therapy.
