Orthomotion Relocates to Pleasanton to Be Closer to Customers

By Scott Eldredge, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Orthomotion Company relocated this year from Livermore to 5627 Stoneridge Drive in Pleasanton to be closer to its customers and the facilities it serves.

Orthomotion provides rehabilitation equipment and supplies to help patients recover after orthopedic surgery. It specializes in the delivery, setup, and patient education on cryotherapy units and continuous passive motion (CPM) machines.

Cryotherapy is used to reduce pain and swelling and help speed the recovery process. (Cryo comes from the Greek kryos, meaning cold.) A cryotherapy unit produces a continuous flow of cold water through an attached wrap. By attaching various wraps, cryotherapy units can be applied to knees, shoulders, hips, and the lumbar area.

CPM machines are motorized devices that move a joint in an anatomically correct arc to maintain and improve range of motion and help prevent the formation of scar tissue adhesions in the joint. If adhesions develop, another surgery may be required to remove them, so the early application of a CPM machine greatly aids successful healing; ideally they are applied within 24 hours of surgery. Othomotion's goal is to deliver all CPM orders within 2 hours of a patient's arriving home or from the time an order is received.

"The whole concept of why we relocated the office from Livermore was because we wanted to be closer to our patients and the facilities we serve," says Ron Susztar, executive director of Orthomotion. "We also moved into a larger space, which now allows patients to come to us as well as us going to them, whichever is more convenient for them."

Orthomotion representatives contact patients before surgery to set up a time to meet and deliver the appropriate CPM or cryotherapy unit. They adjust the fit of the CPM device or explain how to apply the cryotherapy wrap, and answer any questions. When the patient arrives home after surgery, the unit is waiting and ready for use.

Orthomotion was founded by Michael Fontelera. Fontelera received medical training as a Navy corpsman. After his service with the military, he worked for San Ramon Regional Medical Center as an orthopedic technician. He later decided to start his own business and in 1998 started Orthomotion Company.

Orthomotion serves San Ramon Regional Medical Center, John Muir Medical Center, and Sutter Santa Cruz Surgery and Maternity Center along with a number of the area's leading surgeons, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation hospitals. Orthomotion Company is contracted with a number of insurance providers and accepts all Medicare, PPO, and workman's compensation patients.

The company recently announced plans to expand service to Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties.

Photo: (Left to right) Eric Porter, Ron Susztar, Jennifer Gould, and Michael P. Fontelera of Orthomotion.

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