Meet Dr. John Nagatsuka, DPT at Iron Physical Therapy
Dr. Nagatsuka has over 14 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings! He was actually an engineer before making a career change and graduating from the DPT program at UMDNJ/Rutgers with Dr. Mayes!
This athlete loves to run, ski, spin and play volleyball to stay active. He also enjoys Japanese Taiko drumming and Filipino stick fighting! In his free time, he does woodworking and photography.
Dr. Nagatuka is certified in Active Release Technique (ART) and Kinesio Taping with advanced training in the McKenzie Method and Vestibular Rehabilitation.
Scroll to discover more about Dr. N!
Why did you decide to go into physical therapy?
I went into PT after I was downsized from engineering and realized that I wanted to make a career change. The only problem was that I had no idea what I really wanted to do so I volunteered at a local hospital to “see” what was out there in healthcare.
I remember the first time I volunteered in the PT department…I was amazed by the instant impact the therapists had with their patients, and I knew right then and there that I wanted to someday become a PT.
What do you like most about being a physical therapist?
As I mentioned earlier, I love the ability to positively impact peoples’ lives in a short about of time. Beyond the physical change, I feel blessed to be part of the the whole experience of facilitating a positive mental attitude. To go from building a professional connection to then empowering patients to continue to become even more. #getbetterbebetter. ❤️
How would friends describe you?
Hardworking, motivated, an excellent multi-tasker and servant-minded.
What was your first job?
IT Engineering as a systems and network engineer professionally, but my very first job was working on my father’s farm learning how to multitask. 👨🏻🌾
Who’s at home?
I live with my wife and daughter. We currently don’t have any pets, but we used to have fish and a hamster. My daughter is begging for a dog…we will see!
What’s your favorite way to stay active?
Running 🏃🏻 and trying to keep up with my daughter in Japanese Taiko drumming and Filipino stick fighting.
Tell us…Do you have a hidden talent?
I wouldn’t call myself professional, but I am trying to get better in photography and wood working
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
To travel to all the continents with my family! ✈️✈️
How do you recharge?
Read the bible and prayer. 🙏
Mountain cabin, beach house or big city condo?
Definitely a Mountain cabin or camping
How many shoes do you own?
Some days too many, other days not enough…
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE...
Place to Travel? Japan
Food? Surf and Turf…🥩 & 🍣
Music Artist/Song? Listen to all but nothing gets me more recharged than Christian Music
TV Show? Not a big TV person, but back in PT school, we all got into Prison Break
Sport to Watch? Curling.. just kidding. Any college sports!
Sport to Play? 🏐
Song for Karaoke? Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
Ice Cream Flavor? Rum Raisin
Drink at Starbucks? Anything with espresso ☕️
