Miami Physical Therapy Associates, Inc. is committed to helping you maximize your independence by working together with you to set individualized goals. We hope to optimize the quality of your movements and improve your performance and function. Our goal is to restore the skills that are of value to you in your everyday life.
Under our logo are the words “Carpe Diem”. This exemplifies a mindset fostered by Miami Physical Therapy Associates, which is passed on to our patients.
All of our therapists are licensed by the state of Florida and are members of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Florida Physical Therapy Association.
We have a well-rounded team with over 100 years of combined experience in the areas of orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.
Our family of patients has included the rehabilitation of many professional athletes, movie stars and community leaders.
“Our biggest complement is when you refer us to your friends and family.”
Welcome to Miami Physical Therapy Associates.
We provide a comprehensive approach to outpatient rehabilitation. Our practice was founded in 1980 on the premise that patients deserve the highest level of care from skilled, qualified professionals. We take pride in improving the quality of our patients’ lives through practical, function-based, individually tailored physical therapy. Our state-of-the-art equipment is specifically designed to address the individual needs of our patients in order to enhance the therapeutic process.
Each year Miami Physical Therapy Associates tries to give back to our community for the well-being of our patients. We are proud to sponsor the research and fundraising efforts of:
Miami Physical Therapy Associates, Inc. is committed to helping you maximize your independence by working together with you to set individualized goals. We hope to optimize the quality of your movement and improve performance and function while ensuring the development of skills that are of value to you in your everyday life.
During your first visit, you will be carefully evaluated by one of our licensed physical therapists and, in combination with your physician’s orders and your personal goals, the most appropriate exercise protocol will be formulated to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.
Our therapy team will closely guide you with proper technique, intensity and safety while performing your exercises. Our therapists are highly qualified and experienced to modify and adjust any exercise to meet your individual abilities, needs and goals. The majority of your therapy session will consist of one-on-one treatment, which may include manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education.
Our clinic is also outfitted with three well-resourced therapy rooms and a gym area with specialized equipment to enhance treatment outcomes.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Neurological rehabilitation includes treatment of a broad range of neurological diseases and their sequelae. Our clinic specializes in neuromuscular rehabilitation and the development of programs that maximize function and minimize long-term disability.
We are proud to be certified in LSVT®BIG training for patients with Parkinson's Disease and other movement related disorders.
Orthopedic and Sports Rehabilitation
Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior or lead a sedentary lifestyle, our therapists are prepared to design the ideal plan of care to address your physical needs.
We have had the pleasure of treating movie and music celebrities, and professional athletes from the NFL, MLB, NBA and FIFA.
We often utilize the application of Kinesiotape to complement physical therapy treatment.
Commonly treated orthopedic injuries include:
Pre and Post Surgical Conditions Of All Joints
Strains and Sprains
Bursitis and Tendonitis
Rotator Cuff Tears and Other Shoulder Injuries
Knee Injuries Such as Ligament or Meniscal Tears
Tennis Elbow
Fractures
Total Joint Replacement
Lower Extremity Amputee Rehabilitation
Spine Care
Physical therapy treatment for your spine starts with a thorough evaluation. Your physical therapist will design a personalized rehabilitation program taking into account your past medical history, current symptoms, diagnostic tests, doctors recommendations and most importantly, your personal goals. Your treatment may consist of a combination of modalities for pain management, manual techniques, therapeutic massage, therapeutic exercises, spinal stabilization programs and Pilates-based exercises.
We offer expert treatment of:
Low Back or Neck Pain
Radiating pain
Spinal Stenosis
Herniated Discs
Sciatica
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylosis
Scoliosis
Posture Improvement
Body Mechanics Instruction
Pre and Post-Operative Spine Care
Drop Foot
Balance and Coordination Training
Good balance and coordination allow you to move efficiently and safely through your environment, but may be severely affected following neurological or orthopedic injuries. Deficits in balance and coordination may also be seen as a result of vestibular system dysfunction. However, by incorporating appropriate balance exercises, physical therapists are trained to enhance your response to the external environment, improve your safety, and decrease your risk of falls.
Gait Training
Gait training is a specialized skill of physical therapists. Whether learning to use crutches safely, getting rid of a limp, or taking some precious first steps after a stroke or spinal cord injury, our physical therapists have the expertise to assist you in your optimal return to walking.
In our clinic we offer:
Computerized assessment of your gait pattern (Biodex Gait Trainer)
Gait training with body weight support system (Locomot)
Gait training with electrical stimulation (Bioness or Parastep 1 System)
Gait training with various leg braces
Gait training for amputees (including the C-Leg)
Wheelchair Prescription
The proper wheelchair prescription promotes optimal function, postural correction, relief of pain, and improved appearance. Selecting and prescribing the appropriate wheelchair requires skill and experience. This is done routinely in our office and we are frequently referred to by doctors, many funding sources, and agencies due to our expertise and reputation in the area of wheelchair prescriptions.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Recommendation & Training
If you have a desire to walk again or difficulty walking, the use of special orthotics or leg braces may be right for you. Orthotics and braces are routinely used in our comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. Our therapists are skilled and experienced in prescription and training in the use of orthotics to promote function or therapeutic gait. We also offer gait training for amputees who desire to walk with prosthetic limbs.
Walkers
Forearm crutches
Axillary crutches
Up and Go Walker
Canes
Home Exercise Programs
A thorough individually tailored home exercise program is included with every rehabilitation program. This will complement concepts and exercises learned during therapy sessions, in order for patients to have better outcomes.
Other Services
Occupational therapy, aquatic physical therapy and speech therapy sessions can be arranged as needed in addition to your physical therapy treatments.
We can also refer you for driving evaluations and lessons and orthotic /prosthetic care.
The ReWalk is a robotic exoskeleton which allows for standing, walking, turning, sitting, and the capacity to ascend and descend stairs. It functions outdoors and on various terrains. The ReWalk provides a unique means of exercise and therapy, and it allows patients to evaluate their capacity for potentially having a home device in the future. The ReWalk offers users practical benefits such as the potential to perform activities functional upright activities, access to buildings without ramps, and eye-to-eye contact with others. There are also many health benefits currently being evaluated.
Clinical Selection Criteria for the ReWalk:
Lower extremity paralysis or paresis
T1 level or below
Fair or better trunk control
Good upper body strength and range of motion, including hand function
Clearance from a physician to begin a standing program based on having good bone density and a healthy cardiovascular system
Sufficient lower extremity passive range of motion
Able to tolerate standing and gait program
Patient must be between~5’0” – 6’4” and weight less than 220 lbs.
Contraindications:
Uncontrolled spasticity or clonus
Infection, pressure sores or DVT
Pregnancy or lactating females
Severe concurrent medical conditions
Psychiatric or cognitive issues
Joint contractures
The ReWalk is currently FDA approved for rehabilitation use in the clinic. The personal model was launched in 2012 and is awaiting FDA clearance.
Locomot Body Weight Support System
This rehabilitation device is used for individuals which require body weight support for ambulation. Individuals with decreased lower extremity strength, balance deficits, who require support when walking, or who require partial weight bearing on their lower extremities can ambulate with this device on a treadmill. The patient is placed into a harness which is then connected to an overhead support system. Varying percentages of body weight can be supported depending on the patient’s needs.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Bikes
We have two RTI functional electrical stimulation (FES) bicycles. This is excellent for individuals who have little or no voluntary leg movement to be able to actively pedal a stationary bicycle with the power of their own muscles. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) uses computer controlled safe electrical currents passing through electrodes on the skin to initiate muscle contractions in the legs.
The computerized FES cycling program provides significant benefits, including:
Relaxation of muscle spasms
Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy
Increased local blood circulation
Increased range of motion
Muscle re-education
Aerobic exercise
Published clinical indications have also shown an increase in cardiopulmonary function, an increase in muscle mass and tone, reduced frequency of pressure sores, improvements of bowel and bladder function, and a decrease in urinary tract infections and other secondary medical complications.
Standing Frame and Glider
There are numerous physiological and psychological benefits to standing. Our standing frames allow for upright posture for people with weakness or paralysis. A regular standing program has been shown to decrease the incidence of secondary complications from prolonged wheelchair use.
Biodex Gait Trainer
This state of the art treadmill allows for computerized analysis of your gait pattern. It also has a biofeedback feature for gait training. Changes in cadence, step length and step efficiency can be recorded. This is a great way to objectively track improvements in your walking over the course of your therapy.
Biodex Balance System SD
The Biodex Balance System SD has been designed to meet the needs of everyone looking to improve balance, increase agility, develop muscle tone and treat a wide variety of pathologies. Featuring easy-to-follow "touch-screen" operation, the Balance System SD is simple to learn and operate, leading the user step-by-step through testing protocols and training modes in both static and dynamic formats. Extremely versatile, it is the only system that provides a fast, accurate Fall Risk Screening and Conditioning Program for older adults; closed-chain, weight-bearing assessment and training for lower extremity patients; and adds the balance assessment component to a concussion management program.
Universal Circuit
Weight training may be included as part of your upper body strengthening routine. Our Universal Circuit is adaptable and wheelchair accessible.
Total Gym
Our “Power Tower” is a versatile piece of equipment for strengthening the core and all extremities. It is safe and supportive for all types of injuries, including orthopedic and neurological weaknesses. It allows for partial weight-bearing exercises and may also used for Pilates-based rehabilitation.
Wii® Fit
Have fun while you work on balance, coordination and strength! This may also be a great complement to your home exercise program.
Stairs / Deck
Whether you have difficulty with ramps, stairs or uneven terrain, Miami Physical Therapy Associates is prepared to take you outdoors and train you in the challenges of the real world.
Bioness
Miami Physical Therapy Associates is proud to announce the integration of Bioness technology into our rehabilitation programs. Bioness offers award-winning medical devices designed to benefit people with Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, and Spinal Cord Injury. These products use electrical stimulation to help people regain mobility and independence, to improve quality of life and productivity. Our physical therapists are trained in the use of the Ness L300 Drop Foot stimulator, as well as the H200 Hand Rehabilitation unit.
Traditional physical therapy modalities such as moist heat, electrical stimulation, massage, iontophoresis, ultrasound and ice packs may also be incorporated into your treatment to address soft tissue injuries, pain, or swelling.
Miriam graduated from University of Miami, School of Medicine with a Bachelor of Health Science in 1997 and Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000. Her expertise is in spine rehabilitation, sports related injuries and neurological injuries.
Advanced training has included spinal stabilization courses, neurological rehabilitation courses for stroke, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury, PNF training, pilates-based rehabilitation courses, balance and vestibular rehabilitation courses, aquatic therapy courses, and Grey Institute courses for functional orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. Miriam is certified in evaluation and training for the use of the Bioness H200 and L300. She is a certified LSVT BIG practitioner for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease and other neurological impairments.
Miriam plays an active role in clinical education. She is a Clinical Instructor and has taught as volunteer faculty at the University of Miami School of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy.
Miriam has been a member of American Physical Therapy Association since 1998. She is a member of the Private Practice section and Neurology Section. She is also active within the Florida Physical Therapy Association. She supports various organizations including the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Shake- a Leg Foundation, the Buoniconti Fund, the Alan T. Brown Foundation to Cure Paralysis and The Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research.
Miriam works closely with her patients to improve functional recovery and reach their maximum potential. She has a thorough approach utilizing modalities, therapeutic functional exercises and manual techniques to accelerate the healing process. Miriam's compassion, creativity and healing touch will make your experience at therapy enjoyable and productive! Outside of the clinic Miriam enjoys traveling, concerts, quality time with her husband and daughters and entertaining for family and friends.
As the founder of Miami Physical Therapy Associates Inc. in 1980, Robin has always felt that our most important asset were the "associates"; those who care for the patient from the front office to the aides to the treating physical therapist. A week doesn't go by without a compliment paid to them about their competence, compassion, and expertise.
Robin is the driving force behind Miami Physical Therapy Associates, Inc. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1973, and has more than 30 years of clinical experience in the area of spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
Robin has been involved with numerous research projects and publications throughout his career. He has been involved in numerous studies within the spinal cord injury realm, which have been performed in conjunction with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the National Institute of Health, the National Academy of Sciences and the University of Miami, School of Music.
He has lectured on the topic of spinal cord injury rehabilitation for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the University of Miami School of Medicine, Departments of Neurological Surgery and Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.
On numerous occasions, Robin has been awarded "Clinical Instructor of the Year" by the Miller School of Medicine's Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami.
Robin has expertise in wheelchair seating and assessment as well as lower extremity bracing and orthotics including the Advanced Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (ARGO).
He has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 1973, including membership in the Private Practice Section.
In 2005 Robin was a featured "Innovator" for Physical Therapy Provider Network (PTPN).
In 2009 he was awarded the "Standing Tall Award" by the Alan T. Brown Foundation in New York.
In his free time Robin enjoys traveling and boating.
Carla graduated from Florida International University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She has been at Miami Physical Therapy Associates since 1994. She is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Carla has an expertise in the areas of evaluation and treatment of various neurological conditions including spinal cord injury, geriatric populations and orthopedic spine for both pre- and post-op rehabilitation. She has a variety of techniques including trunk/core stabilization, proprioceptive neurofaciliation techniques, Kinesio Taping Methods, balance re-training and body weight supported training in her training. She also provides osteoporosis education and postural training exercises. She is an expert in seating evaluations and makes appropriate wheelchair and seating recommendations.
Carla plays an active role in clinical education. She is the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education.
Carla's expertise also includes the evaluation and treatment with the Bioness Systems L300 Foot Drop System and the Bioness H200 Hand Rehabilitation System. Carla is a Certified Kinesio Taping Practioner.
Marcie graduated from University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in Physical therapy in 1987. She has expertise in orthopedic, sports related injuries, geriatrics, spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders.
Marcie is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including the orthopedic and sports section. Advanced training has included multiple orthopedic, balance, neurological based rehabilitation and sports related courses.
Marcie is certified in evaluation and training for the use of the Bioness H200 and L300.
Marcie is also skilled in Kinesiotaping, muscle energy techniques and treatment of the overhead athlete.
Outside of the clinic, Marcie enjoys the arts, playing tennis, bellydancing and spending time with her husband and two sons.
Sarah graduated with honors from the University of Miami's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in 2010 and has been with us since. She has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2007.
Sarah has a particular interest in neurological rehabilitation as well as in the management of orthopedic conditions. She enjoys working with patients who have undergone surgery and joint replacements, and seeing them reach their goals and regain their functional mobility.
Sarah's goal when working with her patients is to educate them along the way in order for them to be able to manage their particular condition in the long run. She treats all patients with the dignity, patience and courtesy they deserve.
Sarah has been trained on the evaluation and treatment of patients for the Bioness Systems L300 Foot Drop System and Bioness H200 Hand Rehabilitation System. She has also completed continuing education courses in the area of spinal cord rehabilitation focusing on the current research, technology and practice in treating individuals with spinal cord injuries. Sarah enjoys working with various groups of people and has worked with performers from the musical Hair.
Sarah is a certified LSVT BIG practitioner for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease and other neurological impairments.
Outside of the office Sarah enjoys playing with her dogs, exercising, and cooking.
Jessica received a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with honors from the University of Miami, School of Medicine in 2004 and has been with our facility ever since.
Jessica strives to help her patients relieve pain and improve function. This is accomplished by working with her patients as a team to develop an appropriate therapy program which best fits the individual needs and nature of the injury. Safety, dignity, and confidentiality are always kept in mind.
Jessica's ultimate goal is for her patients to become effective in the management and/or prevention of possible future symptoms. She believes that the key to physical therapy is educating the patient in order to give the patient the necessary tools to be successful outside of the clinic.
As a Native Miamian, she understands and appreciates the population that she serves. Her areas of interest are orthopedics and geriatrics.
In addition to being an avid University of Miami sports fan, Jessica enjoys cooking, working out, and spending time with her family.
James graduated from the University of Miami Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2012 but has been working with us since 2006. He has been active member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2009.
James has contributed in research conducted at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and special interest in the rehabilitation of neurologically impaired patients, as well as those with orthopedic injuries. He has taken courses on Pilates for rehabilitation, spinal cord injury and stroke rehabilitation, and amputee rehab. He has experience working with athletes and individuals of all ages.
James is motivated to not only make his patients feel better, but empower them in order to allow them to reach their full potential. His ultimate goal when treating patients is to allow them to return to their prior level of function and educate them to become advocates for wellness within their community.
Outside of the clinic James enjoys exercising, rooting for the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins and boating with friends in the Florida Keys.
A graduate of the Miller School of Medicine in May 2006, Rebeca won the Steven J. Rose Student Research Award for her work on "The Effect of High vs. Low Frequency Stimulation on Pinch Grip Strength" performed in conjunction with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
Rebeca has been trained on the evaluation and use of the Bioness H200 Hand Rehabilitation System and the Bioness L300 Drop Foot System. She has also completed continuing education courses in the topics of Pilates for rehabilitation, prosthetic fitness and gait, and various aspects of neurological rehabilitation.
Rebeca has been an APTA member since 2003 and is a current member of the Neurology section.
She has a special interest in the areas of brain and spinal cord rehabilitation and the treatment of orthopedic injuries. Her enthusiastic smile and constant encouragement to improve performance helps her patients meet their individual goals. Becky likes trying out new restaurants, exercising to stay healthy, and enjoying family time with her husband and baby girl.
Many of our patients have traveled long distances to receive our care. Our map above proudly displays their hometowns.
Miami Physical Therapy Associates is located in Coconut Grove, Florida, one of Miami's most popular areas.
Coconut Grove is one of the hottest tourist spots in South Florida with it's proximity to the bay, access to shops, historic hotels and restaurants with a long established tradition of quality service.
Nearby Hotels
Ritz Carlton
Hampton Inn
Sonesta
Marriott Residences
Mutiny
Attractions
Cocowalk
South Beach
Parrot Jungle Island
Fairchild Botanical Gardens
Biscayne Bay activities
Miami Seaquarium
Adrienne Arsht Center
Transportation
MetroRail (Coconut Grove station) is 2 blocks away
If you are visiting from out of town, our office would be pleased to act as a resource in assisting you to find appropriate accommodations, transportation, and leisure activities.
September 7, 2005. A date no one acknowledges but my mother, father, siblings, and myself. A day that seemed just like any other became a nightmare. After walking home from school with a school friend, a car suddenly ran us over while we were on the sidewalk. The damage was severe as my leg was lacerated and lost most of my skin and fat on my right leg. My left ankle was broken and damaged the growth plate, giving it the potential to stop growing(which never happened :D). After two months of rehabilitation, doctors found it necessary to place me into Miami Physical Therapy. There, on February 9, 2006, I met my therapist. The exercises she put me through not only made me stronger physically, but mentally. As of today, I'm still grateful for what she, and the rest of the team, did for me. At 16, I stride over most students in running, and back into playing baseball for my high school, soon to be varsity, team!
-Diego Davila
Being a professional athlete for 21 years in my sport I’ve been in the ICU 4 times with various serious injuries. I am blessed to have the best spinal surgeon in the country, for whom recommended Miami Physical Therapy Associates. My experience and the therapy were more than satisfactory. I was stronger than before my injuries. My therapist guided and strengthened my skill better than I was ever in my career. Miami Physical Therapy is a program that brings out the best you can be. I am thankful they exist.
-P.J. Lydon
Jockey
I arrived at Miami PT between Christmas and New Years of 2002. I am a T8 incomplete paraplegic who got this way after a terrible 32' fall. Miami PT came recommended by just about everyone I contacted in the Miami physician circles and I can testify that those who recommended Robin Smith and Miriam Guanche were right as a summer rain.
My therapy began with tapping back a balloon to Robin Smith (Jedi therapist) to strengthen my trunk which had no stability. The road to recovery begins not with a single step but with a balloon tap exercise who would have thought it. I enjoyed no motor function below the level of my injury and no independence in my daily living. Fast forward to today and I am as independent as can be considering and continue to make marked progress toward my goal of community ambulation. This dream would never have been even thinkable were it not for Miriam Guanche's efforts. She has employed her unequaled SCI knowledge with utter professionalism and a great attitude
and smile. The therapy employed has been a myriad of methods from pool therapy to functional electrical stimulation and all points in between.
I have witnessed a plethora of patients who arrive in the pink building broken and depart with marked improvement and increased hope no exceptions. Robin and Miriam have surrounded themselves with a very caring and competent staff. Miami P.T. is the place you want to be in the event you or a loved one suffer a physical calamity like I did. I enjoy a better life thanks to these angels on earth and will forever be grateful to God that I was placed in their care. They are the best, period. I hope they never change for your benefit.
-Raul Pedraza
I came to Miami PT with the use of one limb, sitting in a wheelchair, not even able to pick up my head. Other therapy places told me "I would never walk and get used to being in a wheelchair." From day one, I was treated with respect, optimism, and tough love. Boot camp had begun. We all had the same goal to get me to walk and restore my dignity. My therapists always provided positive energy and helped me work through my fears and anxieties. I consider Miami Physical Therapy a family community, not a rehabilitation center. They embraced my family and me in and out of therapy, always including me in social events. Today, I walk full time with a walker, with my head upright, and within reach of a quad cane.
-Keith Fern
En el año 1966 sufrí una parálisis desde la séptima vertebra toráxica que me dejó en una silla de ruedas. Siempre he estado en terapia con la esperanza de volver a caminar. En el 2004 empecé a participar en el Miami Project y para entrar en un estudio de caminar, necesitaba un entrenamiento especial, así fue que conocí de Miami Physical Therapy. Cuando el estudio concluyó, empecé en este centro y ya estoy caminando con un "walker" especial, por lo que les estoy muy agradecida.
