Who we work with as a part of your therapy plan

Our therapists are highly trained and licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in evaluating, diagnosing and treating individuals of all ages with medical conditions, illnesses or injuries that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. They work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes:

Sports medicine physicians – Our physical and occupational therapists collaborate closely with sports medicine physicians to treat sports-related injuries in athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional.

Trauma specialists – We work in conjunction with trauma specialists to help restore range of motion, strength, and function for patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents or work-related traumatic injuries.

Hand, shoulder and elbow specialists – Our team partners with hand, shoulder, and elbow physicians, providing early intervention with custom splinting and rehabilitation following upper extremity injuries or surgeries.

Spine and interventional pain specialists – Physical therapists work alongside spine specialists in treating acute and chronic neck/back pain, arthritis, disc herniations, and other spinal conditions to help patients return to pre-injury activity levels.

Joint replacement specialists – Our physical and occupational therapists play an integral role before and after upper and lower extremity joint replacement surgeries to maximize function, mobility, and quality of life.

Orthopedic foot and ankle & podiatric physicians – We work in conjunction with foot and ankle and podiatric specialists to help restore lower extremity range of motion, strength, and function for patients recovering from a wide variety of injuries using both surgical and non-surgical methods to help patients regain mobility and alleviate pain.

Occupational therapists (OTs) – Our occupational therapy services include education related to prevention, non-operative or conservative treatment, post-operative treatment, desensitization and sensory re-education, design and implementation of personalized home exercise programs, work conditioning, edema management, wound and scar care management and custom orthotic fabrication for the upper extremities.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) – PTs supervise and collaborate with the direct team of PTAs in implementing treatment plans and providing hands-on therapy.

Athletic trainers (ATCs) – In sports medicine settings, PTs supervise and collaborate with ATCs in implementing treatment plans and rehabilitating athletic injuries.

Physical & occupational therapy team

  • Director of Therapy: Paul Lopes PT
  • Therapy Regional Manager: Matt Blevins DPT, MTC, CDN
  • Therapy Regional Manager: Tim Gill MPT
  • Therapy Regional Manager OT: Lisa Choe CHT, OTR/L , MHA
  • Associate Director Therapy Patient Access: Lisa Cline
  • Therapy Operations Manager: Sharon Walker

Location managers

Reclaiming independence & happiness

Our ultimate goal goes beyond just physical rehabilitation. We strive to empower our patients to regain their independence in everyday activities of life, enabling them to rediscover the hobbies, passions, and pursuits that bring them happiness and fulfillment. Whether it’s returning to an active lifestyle, pursuing creative endeavors, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, we are committed to helping our patients reclaim their ability to live life to the fullest. Our therapists work closely with each patient, tailoring treatment plans to their unique needs, goals, and aspirations. We believe that by empowering our patients to take an active role in their recovery journey, we can not only restore their physical abilities but also reignite their zest for life, enabling them to embrace the activities and experiences that truly make them happy.

Grandmother playing with her granddaughter with the sprinkler

Physical & occupational therapy services

Our orthopedic practice often involves integrating patient care with the following physical or occupational therapy services:

Frequently asked questions

Who can receive physical and occupational therapy from Florida Orthopaedic Institute?
We welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Our therapists are here to help anyone who has a medical problem, injury, illness, or other health-related condition that limits their ability to fully participate in the functional activities and daily life roles that are important to them.

What can I expect from my first visit with a physical or occupational therapist?
The first visit allows the therapist to thoroughly evaluate your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, educate you, potentially begin some initial interventions, and communicate and collaborate with your physician to establish a plan of care.

How will a therapist develop my physical or occupational therapy plan?
FOI physical and occupational therapists perform a comprehensive physical examination to assess things like range of motion, strength, flexibility, posture, gait, balance, and functional mobility. This allows the identification of impairments and the development of an appropriate treatment plan.

When will my physical or occupational therapy treatments start?
Depending on your therapist’s assessment, they may initiate some treatment during the first visit, such as manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation, or providing instructions for a home exercise program.

How long will my physical or occupational therapy last?
The duration of treatment depends on each patient’s unique needs. The therapist will collaborate with you to establish goals, a treatment schedule (frequency and duration), and any necessary precautions or activity modifications during the rehabilitation process. All of these findings will be shared with your physician to ensure high levels of communication.