October is designated as National Physical Therapy Month, by the American Physical Therapy Association in an effort to raise awareness of and to recognize the important roles that physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and staff play in improving and restoring a patient’s quality of life. TOI would like to take a moment to recognize our physical therapy staff at our four locations for their dedication and commitment to Improving Lives- Everyday in our communities.
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose and prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s capability to move and function in daily life.
They are required to receive a graduate degree (master’s or clinical doctorate) from an accredited physical therapist program prior to taking the national licensure examination that permits them to practice.
“In general, I enjoy being able to see people getting back to doing things that they enjoy most,” said Herb Anding, physical therapist and clinical director of the Physical Therapy Center at TOI’s Gainesville office. “I enjoy the diversity of people that we get the chance to work with over time.”
In addition to our experienced physical therapists, each clinic is staffed with a team of talented physical therapist assistants and physical therapy technicians that aid in the overall physical therapy experience at TOI.
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) play an integral role in working as a team in conjunction with the physical therapist in providing care to patients. They work closely with a supervising physical therapist in providing treatment to patients that may include therapeutic exercise, massage, balance and gait training and motor learning and development.
Physical therapist assistants teach patients appropriate ways to move or perform tasks in an effort to prevent further injury and to promote health and wellness.
Physical therapy technicians are another important branch of the physical therapy team. They receive direct on-the-job training preparing them to ensure proper and efficient flow of the clinic.
TOI would like to give a special thank you to its physical therapy staff at all of its locations!
Physical Therapists:
Herb Anding- Gainesville
Christopher Follenius- Alachua
David Lee- Gainesville
Carlos Riveros- Gainesville
Joyce Shahboz- Gainesville
Carrie Waldren- Ocala
Christy Yaxley- Lake City
Physical Therapy Assistants:
Danielle Conklin- Lake City
Jason Guynn- Ocala
Chris Lacy- Lake City
John Sherman- Lake City
Kyle Sykes- Gainesville
Physical Therapy Technicians:
Hunter Allen- Lake City
Kristopher Bracewell- Ocala
Melissa Cobb- Lake City
Caitlin Cunningham- Lake City
Kaitlin Cunningham- Gainesville
Joey Edge- Lake City
Marisa Gopaul- Gainesville
Amanda Newsom- Gainesville
Amanda Ogden- Alachua
Caitlin Smith- Gainesville
Kelli Thomas- Lake City
Nicole Umstead- Lake City
Sherman Wells- Lake City
T.D. Young- Gainesville
Photo courtesy of APTA