By Cary Shuman
The brand new and spacious physical therapy area at the EMA Physical Therapy and Wellness Center located at 449 Eastern Ave.
The Mill Hill Neighborhood has welcomed a new health and wellness venture from Charlie Antzak and Bill Regan. Not only are neighbors responding positively to the therapeutic services offered at EMA Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, but they’re also impressed by the facility’s calming and inviting design aesthetic.
At 449 Eastern Ave., the two business partners have established their practice.
The Antzak name carries significant weight in Chelsea. Charlie’s late father, Charles J. Antzak Sr., spent 50 years as the city’s plumbing and gas inspector, and also served as building inspector—a role he held with great distinction and respect.
The facility takes its name from Charlie’s 92-year-old mother, Edith May (Keating) Antzak. Her brother, Thomas Keating Sr., was a late member of the Chelsea Police Department.
The interior design reflects the partners’ commitment to creating a therapeutic environment. Turquoise, olive, and green tones dominate the space.
“We’ve created a spa-like environment with a calming, soothing effect,” Antzak explained.
The motivation behind launching this center came from both personal and professional considerations.
“We became interested in the health care business because of my father’s health issues and my mother’s ongoing therapy,” Antzak noted. “We feel that everybody can use some of kind therapy when it comes to anything – for example, just to help someone sleep at night. This was something we were always interested in and this was an opportunity that just came out of the blue and we’re here.”
Regan understands the transformative power of physical therapy following major medical procedures. He underwent valve replacement and heart bypass surgery the previous year, giving him direct experience with rehabilitation.
“When I saw what physical therapists do and how they do it and how helpful they are to a person’s recovery, I was so impressed and so appreciative of their skills,” Regan recounted.
Peter Raftopoulos, a certified physical therapist with 20 years of experience in the field, leads the clinical team at EMA. Gloria Pagan serves as office manager; she is the sister of Ralph Pagan, a former Chelsea High 1,000-point scorer and current Chelsea firefighter, and brings extensive healthcare background to the role.
The center addresses numerous therapeutic needs: pre-surgical strengthening, post-surgical therapies, sports injuries, balance disorders, walking and gait disorders, geriatric care, stroke rehabilitation, back and neck pain, TMJ therapy, and massage therapy.
“Many doctors send their patients to therapists for pre-surgical strengthening so they can handle the surgery,” noted
Treatment decisions are made collaboratively, with Antzak and Regan maintaining regular communication with patients’ physicians about optimal therapeutic approaches.
“They’re very hands-on owners,” Pagan, recognized as a dedicated patient advocate, works to ensure every patient feels at ease throughout their therapeutic journey.”
Antzak said that personal touch is important to him and Regan.
“The center is dedicated to both my mother and my dad,” he explained. “I feel very strongly about the services we provide and that we’re doing a wonderful thing for people. We also have great people around us in Peter and Gloria. I want our patients to know that we care greatly about their health and well-being.”
“You have to make people feel relaxed and look forward to seeing you,” Regan adds. “We wanted this center to be closer to the people and have a neighborhood approach.”
Treadmills, elliptical bicycles, hydroculators for moist therapy, Electronic Muscle Stimulator machines, and ice packs equip the spacious facility.
The co-owners are enthusiastic about their venture and the positive community response. They’ve made a commitment to delivering professional excellence through high quality, low impact procedures and training that support patient recovery.
“I’m really excited about the center,” Antzak stated. “We’ve tried to make our center spacious and welcoming. We intend to hold specialized classes in yoga, stretching, and barre. We are also going to have a line of products (Isagenix) available at the center.” Consultants on staff specialize in wellness solutions, addressing weight loss, healthy aging, energy, and performance.
A walking club for the neighborhood is among EMA’s upcoming initiatives, according to Regan. “Walking really does build up your cardiovascular system.”
The EMA team operates with genuine respect and camaraderie.
“Gloria is a star,” Antzak reflected. “She is so caring. The four of us together are a good team and we work well together.”
“Gloria is just a wonderful person who is very detail oriented,” Regan added. “I’m amazed at her knowledge and how much she cares about the patients and how far she’ll go to assist them.”
Pagan expresses her gratitude to both men for creating a positive and uplifting work environment where she can advocate for patients and support their wellness journeys.
The center operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with additional appointments available by arrangement. All insurance plans are welcomed.