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.

Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
Neuromuscular 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 work with a large population of individuals with spinal cord injuries and related complications. Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when a traumatic or non-traumatic event damages nerve cells within the spinal cord or the nerve tracts that send signals through the spine. Spinal cord injury may result in loss of movement, sensation or both.

Commonly treated neurological diagnoses include:

• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Complete and Incomplete, Quadriplegia and Paraplegia, Central Cord Syndrome
• Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS - Commonly known as Lou Gherig’s disease)
• Neuropathy
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Orthopedic Rehabilitation includes treatment of a variety of dysfunctions and pathologies that can occur either from direct trauma or the wear and tear that our bodies sustain in everyday life. Our clinic has an experienced therapy team with advanced knowledge of therapeutic integration and biomechanics, which makes them exceptionally qualified to guide patients through an optimal therapeutic program. We also provide services for the health, safety and performance of the athlete and sportsperson, from the casual player to the athlete who requires a higher level of mobility and performance. In addition to treating the injury, we also carefully consider factors in each patient's lifestyle that may affect their condition such as; posture, work or computer area set up, or sleeping position.

Commonly treated neurological diagnoses include:

• Low Back or Neck Pain
• Spinal Stenosis, Herniated Discs, and Sciatica
• Spondylolisthesis and Spondylosis
• 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

Balance and Coordination
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 facilitory techniques, 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 have the Locomot system, which may be incorporated into your treatment to enhance the fluidity of movement and appearance of your gait.

Home Excercise Programs
A thorough home exercise program is an important aspect of every rehabilitation program. These exercises are to be completed at home and are added according to each patient’s plan as an adjunct to what is done in the clinic. They not only act as a complement to the rehabilitation treatment, but also help to establish an exercise routine at home. They will help to keep you strong, flexible and in control.

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 lessons and evaluations.

Research
Miami Physical Therapy Associates is currently engaged in collaborative research with the music therapy program of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Music therapy program director Dr. Shannon de l’Etoile is exploring the effects of a specific music therapy technique, known as rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), on gait parameters of patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. Previous research has demonstrated the positive effects of RAS on gait cadence and velocity as well as stride length for stroke and Parkinson’s Disease patients.

In this study, spinal cord patients first walk to a rhythm that is set to their current cadence. The tempo of the rhythm is then increased by 5% increments. During all walks, gait cadence and velocity are measured, as is stride length. The results will indicate whether or not spinal cord patients can match their walking to a rhythm, and whether or not rhythm has a positive influence on the measured gait parameters. The findings could be helpful in designing long-term gait training programs to promote safe, functional walking for patients with spinal cord injury.

Miami Physical Therapy Associates
2869 S.W. 27th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33133
(305) 444-0074