Dr. Michele Raya, ATC

Dr. Michele Raya, ATC is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices at her clinic in Coral Gables, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General physical therapists are your primary partners in preventive care, collaborating to create long-term health plans, coordinating screenings, and restoring movement and function, guiding you through injury rehabilitation and empowering you to maintain optimal wellness for life. She serves all ages.

Dr. Michele ATC, a physical therapist in Coral Gables, FL, is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach prioritizes preventative strategies, working closely with patients to develop personalized plans that address individual needs and promote overall well-being. She is passionate about helping patients achieve their health goals and maintain optimal function throughout their lives. Patients should call (305) 284-4711 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Michele ATC provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Michele ATC is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Michele ATC can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Michele ATC provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Arthritis of the Toe: Protecting your toe joints through preventative measures like proper footwear and weight management can help delay or even prevent the onset of arthritis.
• Foot Fracture: A foot fracture, or broken bone in your foot, can be prevented by wearing supportive footwear and taking precautions to avoid falls, thus minimizing the risk of long-term mobility issues.
• Hip Dysplasia, Beukes Type: Early diagnosis of Beukes type hip dysplasia is crucial for implementing preventive measures, such as physical therapy exercises, to support proper hip development and reduce the chances of needing surgery later.
• Excision of Radius or Ulna: Early detection of radius or ulna issues can prevent the need for surgery, such as excision, by enabling timely intervention through physical therapy and lifestyle changes.
• Ankle and Foot Instability or Derangement: Protecting your ankles and feet from instability is key to preventing future pain and limitations in mobility; early detection and treatment are crucial.
• Spondylosis: By addressing risk factors like poor posture and inactivity, and engaging in regular preventive care, you can minimize your risk of developing painful spondylosis.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Preventive measures such as regular hand exercises and physical therapy can help slow the advancement of rheumatoid arthritis in your hands and maintain hand function for longer.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Michele ATC offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Trigger Point Injection: Take a proactive approach to managing muscle pain and stiffness with trigger point injections; this procedure targets the source of pain, improving your range of motion and reducing discomfort.
• Prolotherapy Injections: Take charge of your joint health: Prolotherapy injections help regenerate tissues, reducing the need for surgery and improving long-term joint function.
• Child Injury Prevention: Empower yourself to create a safer environment for your child by participating in injury prevention programs that address common hazards.
• Botox® for Cervical Dystonia: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, consider Botox® injections to reduce muscle stiffness and improve the function of your neck and head.
• Knee Joint Aspiration and Injection: As a proactive step in maintaining your knee health, this procedure helps diagnose the source of your knee pain and inflammation, allowing for targeted treatment and preventing worsening of the condition.
• Prolozone® Injections: To prevent further joint degeneration and pain, Prolozone® injections aim to stimulate healing in damaged tissues, promoting long-term joint health.
• TheraLase® Cold Laser Therapy: Proactively manage your pain and improve your mobility with TheraLase® Cold Laser Therapy, a safe and effective treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Physical Therapies in Florida.

Dr. Michele ATC is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By focusing on proper footwear and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient proactively reduced their risk of developing arthritis of the toe, gaining confidence in their long-term foot health.
• By consistently wearing supportive footwear and practicing fall prevention strategies, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a foot fracture, ensuring continued mobility and independence.
• Through consistent physical therapy, a family proactively managed their child's hip dysplasia, significantly reducing the risk of future surgical intervention and fostering a more confident outlook for their child's development. Early detection and intervention empowered the family to take an active role in their child's health journey.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Physical Therapy care with Dr. Michele ATC:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Michele ATC, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise to improve quality of life, prevent injuries, manage pain, and restore function after illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Michele ATC will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This is the starting point for creating a completely personalized prevention and recovery plan.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

Yes, in many cases. Physical therapy can be as effective as surgery for conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Michele ATC's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue improving between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Michele ATC can perform a functional movement screen to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that could lead to injury. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they cause a problem, preventing future injuries.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Physical therapy plays a vital role in stroke recovery by using specific exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire and regain lost function. Our therapists focus on improving walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and preventing falls.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

Yes, physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. While it can't reverse arthritis, a targeted exercise program from Dr. Michele ATC can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

5915 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Coral Gables FL 33146
Phone: (305) 284-4711

Dr. Michele Raya, ATC is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1912183203

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Physical Therapies like Dr. Michele ATC are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your physical therapy about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.