Gartner brings physical therapy to Skylands

STOCKHOLM — An extremely positive quote is embossed on Christian Gartner’s business cards and on the wall of his newly opened physical therapy center located in Skylands Ice World on Route 23.
However, as you speak to Gartner, you begin to realize he is a truly sincere professional on a healing mission.
The West Milford resident was a hockey player when he was young as were his brothers, so it only felt natural to have a PT office within a sports facility. Skylands Ice World offers hockey, figure skating and also has a dance studio, so there is a definite care need caused by athletic problems.
Accidents, injuries and relieving pain and restoring function are of high priority to Gartner. As a 14-year-old, he lost his right hand in a meat grinder accident in his father’s store. Gartner was the fourth person in the world to undergo toe-to-hand surgery with the help of Hackensack doctor Gregory Rauscher. Gartner switched and trained himself to be a left-hander, received his Masters’ degree and when asked by a Boston University professor, “Why do you want to be a physical therapist, you only have one hand?”
His answer was, “I enjoy getting rid of people’s pain because it actually makes me feel like I’m getting rid of my own stigma and my own pain.”
What makes Gartner special in his profession is his expertise in the therapy of dry needling. Through special circumstances, Gartner is the only physical therapist permitted to use dry needling in New Jersey.
Using needles in specific areas can alleviate pain and totally cease the use of opiates for consistent pain.
“The technique of dry needling can be effective in preventing opiate addictions, as 70 percent of them are caused by doctors who prescribed medications to patients with neck and back pain,” explained Gartner.
“It seems like a no-brainer, dry needling can cost less in insurance costs and shorter back to work time.”
For further information, assessment and appointments, contact Christian Gartner www.totalphysicalthrapynj.com or call 973-435-0080.