When it comes to physical therapy, Dr. Raffaele Lagonigro and Dr. Alyssa Kievit are reshaping traditional practices by focusing on functional fitness, injury prevention, and pelvic floor therapy. As co-owners of FORM Functional Health and Wellness, they aim to provide more than just recovery from injuries—they offer a holistic approach that helps individuals optimize their physical health for the long term.
A New Vision for Physical Therapy
Raffaele Lagonigro, an orthopedic clinical specialist with 17 years of experience, advocates for a broader view of physical therapy. "Physical therapy has gotten a bad rap," he explains, noting that many people associate it solely with recovery after surgery or injury. "But physical therapy can do so much more—performance enhancement, injury prevention, and functional fitness."
Lagonigro, who is board-certified in orthopedics, emphasizes that physical therapy isn’t just about healing; it’s about improving movement patterns to boost overall health. "Physical therapists are educated in the movement patterns that are used in fitness training" he says, "but with clinical knowledge in health sciences and exercise physiology." This combination allows therapists to guide people toward functional fitness safely and effectively.
At FORM Functional Health and Wellness, Lagonigro’s philosophy is reflected in their individualized care model. "We don’t just treat the injury," he says. "We look at the person as a whole—evaluating their movement patterns, addressing dysfunctions, and focusing on injury prevention." This approach has resonated with clients frustrated by traditional, insurance-based physical therapy models. "In a traditional PT setting, you might get just 10 minutes with a therapist before being handed off to an aide," Lagonigro notes. "At FORM, we spend a full hour with each client, customizing their treatment plan and addressing their unique goals."
A Personalized Approach to Recovery and Performance
Alyssa Kievit, a specialist in prenatal and postpartum pelvic floor therapy, shares Lagonigro’s commitment to personalized care. Her focus is on empowering women to regain control over their bodies during and after pregnancy. "Pelvic floor therapy is often misunderstood," she says. "People think it’s only for women who’ve had children, but it addresses a range of issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and more."
Kievit works with active women, from athletes to those dealing with conditions like diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation from pregnancy). "We see many women eager to return to fitness after childbirth—whether it’s boot camps, Pilates, or weightlifting," she says.
Despite growing awareness, pelvic health issues still carry stigma. "Many women are told their symptoms are just part of the process and that they must live with them," Kievit explains. "But these conditions are treatable." She educates patients that issues like stress incontinence and pelvic pain don’t have to be permanent.
The Importance of Functional Fitness
Lagonigro and Kievit believe functional fitness is essential for long-term health. "Injury prevention and performance optimization are just as important as recovery," says Lagonigro. "We want people to live without the fear of injury—whether lifting kids, working out, or training for a marathon."
Their approach centers on individualized, hands-on care. "Recovery doesn’t happen in just 10 minutes," Lagonigro says. "You need a customized plan and focused attention to address every aspect of recovery."
A Broader Approach to Physical Therapy
Lagonigro and Kievit aren’t criticizing traditional physical therapy but see their approach as an evolution of the field. "We want to educate people about what’s possible with physical therapy," says Kievit. "It’s not just about recovering from an injury; it’s about optimizing your body to perform at its best."
Lagonigro adds that while traditional physical therapy is effective for some cases, functional fitness provides much more for those seeking injury prevention, performance enhancement, or a return to their favorite activities. "We provide a personalized approach that helps people stay injury-free and reach their goals," he says.
Their community-centered approach has been embraced in Ridgewood, where sports play a big role. Lagonigro and Kievit have partnered with local teams to offer injury prevention screenings and sport-specific training. "We want to keep kids healthy and injury-free," Lagonigro says. "By screening for mobility, flexibility, and strength, we can spot potential issues before they lead to injuries."
A Changing Landscape for Pelvic Floor Therapy
Kievit is also witnessing increased demand for pelvic floor therapy, a field gaining more visibility in recent years. "Pelvic health is no longer a taboo topic," she says. "People are more open about issues like incontinence and pelvic pain, especially with the help of social media and online resources."
This shift is essential for expanding access to care. "Many people think their symptoms are just part of life, but they don’t have to live with them," Kievit says. "Education is key."
Looking Ahead
Lagonigro and Kievit are excited about the future of FORM Functional Health and Wellness. Their commitment to educating clients and the broader community about a more holistic approach to physical therapy remains at the core of their practice. "We’re not just treating injuries—we’re helping people lead healthier, more active lives," Lagonigro concludes. "That’s the message we want to spread."
Through functional fitness, injury prevention, and pelvic floor therapy, FORM Functional Health and Wellness offers a new model for physical therapy that goes beyond recovery and helps individuals achieve their best, healthiest selves.
For more information about FORM Functional Health and Wellness, visit formnj.com/experience-form.
"You need a customized plan and focused attention to address every aspect of recovery." - Raffaele Lagonigro
"Pelvic health is no longer a taboo topic." - Alyssa Kievit