Back on Track Physical Therapy and Wellness Center is gearing up for the summer season. While the Route 20 facility currently features advanced equipment to help walkers, golfers, runners and rowers, owner and physical therapist Oscar Soto and his assistant Kate Richmond plan on incorporating exercise classes such as Pilates and Zumba to their list of offered services. Located in Cazenovia’s Cherry Valley Professional Building at 2670 Route 20 East for the past three years, Soto prides his business on taking a personal, holistic approach to treating members of the community. After rehabilitation, Soto and his therapists at Back on Track work to ensure the injury won’t become a reoccurring issue for patients. “We want to serve the community the best we can at our facilities, with an emphasis on education. When patients complete their rehab, they can come here and continue to work on strengthening themselves,” said Soto. “This is a wellness center. At a regular gym, not every member always gets the personalized attention that they need.” The office boasts three private physical therapy rooms for personalized patient care, and a 900-square-foot workout studio as a part of the wellness center. The facility is equipped with new treadmills, elliptical machines, an ergometer which utilizes actual water to vary resistance and a full body stretching cage, among other weight machines. Born in Argentina, Soto is a 30-year veteran of physical therapy. He received a bachelor of science from the Professorship of Physical Education Institute in Cordoba and received a Master of Science in physical therapy from the University of Buenos Aires. While living in South America, Soto worked for a professional soccer teams as a fitness coach and strength training specialist in Argentina and Peru. Upon taking up residence the United States, Soto settled in Manlius, became a New York State licensed physical therapist and has worked as a trainer for the Syracuse Salty Dogs. Along with Soto and Richmond, the other full-time “employee” is Luna, a two year old German Shepard Labrador mix. Serving an average of 30 patients a day, Soto and Richmond work with Luna work to guarantee each guest is comfortable at the office. Soto said Luna will soon enter training to become a Therapy Dog, a nationally certified canine companion who offers calming company to hospital, school and nursing home patients. “We try to make our patients as comfortable as possible when visiting Back on Track. I approach physical therapy holistically, addressing not only the body, but the mind and emotional state of patients as well,” said Soto. “That’s our philosophy here; we really get to know our patients. It becomes a community. I love this part of the country, especially the town of Cazenovia.” Back on Track patients with mobility complications can call to arrange a ride with CRIS-CAT, a local transportation program Richmond has been closely involved with for the past two years. For more information, visit Back on Track’s new website, backontrackcaz.com or email [email protected]. The office can be reached at 655-5453 during business hours at their location in the Cherry Valley Professional Building.