David Van Brunt, who is a physical therapist, assisted by his wife Nancy, a registered nurse, first opened the office in 1978 at 15 Windsor Place in Cranford. Prior to establishing his private practice, Mr. Van Brunt was Director/Chief PT at Memorial General Hospital in Union, N.J. and Supervisor of contract therapists for the Visiting Nurse and Health Services of Union County.

In 1988, the corporation became known as Advanced Physical Therapy Associates. Mr. Van Brunt expanded his practice to include upper extremity rehabilitation, achieving a national certification in that field. In the fall of 1990, Timothy O'Kay, PT joined the practice and began to develop a specialty in industrial rehabilitation and worker's compensation. In 1991, APTA entered into an agreement with the Cranford Swim Pool Utility for use of its indoor swimming pool to begin an aquatic program. Linda Bernot, PT became part of the growing practice in 1992, taking over the aquatic program and later developing a new area in women's health. In recognition of their accomplishments, an announcement of Timothy O'Kay and Linda Bernot as clinical partners in Advanced Physical Therapy Associates was announced in September of 1994. The home office could no longer continue to accommodate the growing practice.

In September of 1993, APTA moved its practice to 340 North Avenue East. With the addition of pediatrics and neurological rehabilitation and the desire to add other specialties as well as a therapeutic pool, it was determined that another move was necessary. In January of 1996, land was purchased at 210 North Avenue for the construction of a new facility to better accommodate APTA's needs and the patients we serve. The move to 210 North Avenue was completed in May of 1997. This new state-of-the-art facility has enabled further program development, while keeping the Van Brunt’s emphasis of superior service to the community.