PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

Onondaga Physical Therapy Announces Multiple New Hires

Syracuse, NY  (February 13, 2025)—Onondaga Physical Therapy announced today that it has made several hires to support its rapid growth trajectory. The Company has grown to 50 employees and 8 locations across Central New York. 

  • Emma Butler, PT, DPT joined the team as a Physical Therapist. Butler received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from LeMoyne College and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Butler has also pursued continuing education in Women’s Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation. She is currently treating patients in Onondaga Physical Therapy’s Liverpool Location (604 Old Liverpool Road – Liverpool, NY).
  • Sean Steedman, PT, DPT joined the team as a Physical Therapist. Steedman received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) both from Nazareth College. Steedman currently treats patients in Onondaga Physical Therapy’s Clay Location (8390 Oswego Road – Liverpool, NY). 
  • Mason Smith, PT, DPT joined the team as a Physical Therapist. Smith received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) both from Daemen College. Smith currently treats patients in two of Onondaga Physical Therapy’s locations – Fairmount (4107 West Genesee Street – Syracuse, NY) and Cicero (6265 Route 31 – Cicero, NY.)
  • Enas Eraqi, PT, DPT joined the team as a Physical Therapist. Eraqi received a Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology from Wayne State University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Wayne State University. Eraqi has also pursued substantial continued education in Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor rehabilitation. She is currently treating patients in Onondaga Physical Therapy’s Fairmount Location (4107 West Genesee Street – Syracuse, NY). 
  • Bobbi Nagowski, PTA joined the team as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Nagowski received a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Nazareth College and through the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)  program at Bryant & Stratton College, she received an Associate of Applied Science.
  • Timothy Bruner, PT, DPT joined the team as a Physical Therapist. Bruner received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-Biology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Doctor of Physical Therapy(DPT)  from Arcadia University. Bruner currently treats patients in Onondaga Physical Therapy’s Dewitt Location (6800 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY) 

“These new additions to our team have been onboarded and mentored to provide the same excellent 1:1 care that Onondaga Physical Therapy is known for. They bring their own interests, experience and passion as individual clinicians to the care experience they provide. They are given access to the latest technology to enhance not only the patient experience, but their experience as a provider in today’s health care climate.” Said Lauris Rigdon, PT, Founder and CEO. Rigdon went on to explain how bringing these technologies to his team helps to reduce health care provider burnout, increase fulfillment levels and improve quality of life. “Something as simple as finding a tool to help a therapist write better, more thorough documentation during their work hours and eliminating the need to work on documentation at home can really reduce risk of burnout substantially,” he said. “This enables providers to focus their attention on what matters most during valuable one-on-one time with their patient – the person in front of them and the care they are providing.”

Rigdon, who has crafted a company mission and developed core values to ensure patients will receive one-on-one personal attention, also said that  “Onondaga Physical Therapy has seen tremendous growth since it was founded in 2003.”  All 8 locations are accepting new patients and offer the most up-to-date and evidence-based treatments available. Patients coming through Onondaga Physical Therapy’s doors can expect a first-class client experience and a highly passionate staff as well. 

About Onondaga Physical Therapy: 

Onondaga Physical Therapy offers traditional manual physical therapy, as well as multiple specialties, including rehabilitation for sport-specific rehab, work-related injuries, gait & balance disorders, pre and post operative care as well as injury prevention and performance enhancement for all ages. They are committed to continuing to offer Syracuse area residents with pain relief from injuries, accidents, and everyday aches.  Care is provided in a unique environment with a focus on cutting edge technology paired with specialized training. 

The combination of these factors create the ideal rehabilitation setting for:

  • The impaired athlete who requires hands on treatment as well as access to top level functional training and plyometric equipment to optimize recovery and return to sport 100%.
  • The arthritic joint that is restricted and will benefit from Physical Therapy and its many benefits – including relief of pain and restoration of function.
  • The injured worker who needs pain relief followed by muscular re-education for postural and lifting mechanics.
  • The post-operative condition that requires healing and returning to regular daily activities.
  • The men and women suffering from common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction that are seeking freedom and a return to a normal life.
  • The technology-loving patient who values a modern approach to healthcare and would benefit from staying connected to a therapist through Remote Therapeutic Monitoring, engaging with Our Onondaga PT app to track their exercises to stay accountable, earn awards and gain access to personalized content. 

Rigdon says, “You have a unique advantage when choosing Onondaga Physical Therapy and it is simple, delivering individualized 1 on 1 treatment so patients feel valued and get the attention they deserve to accomplish their goals.  You will not be treated as a number, and you will not be left to figure things out on your own. You will be greeted and cared for by an outgoing and enthusiastic staff delivering a personalized approach every step of the way. We also believe in developing relationships with the communities we serve and are dedicated to being your partner and coach when you have pain, an injury or are simply looking to improve your health. A prescription or referral is often not required by insurances and this speaks volumes as to how important physical therapy is within our healthcare system. We have a diverse set of skills and specialties and are eager to see these new hires make an impact in the communities they serve. 

Please visit Onondaga Physical Therapy online at: www.onondagapt.com or via phone: 315-635-5000 to learn more.

# # #

For more information about Onondaga Physical Therapy or media inquiries, please contact Colleen Schutt at 315-635-5000 x25; email: cschutt@onondagapt.com