Miller School Physical Therapy: Excellence in Clinical Care, Education and Research
In honor of National Physical Therapy month, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine celebrates the vital work of our own physical therapy department, which has grown from a dozen members at its 2008 inception to more than 170 today, and demonstrates consistent excellence in clinical care, education and research.
Meeting Community Needs with Multidisciplinary Care
Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialists work together as members of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive, individualized care for each patient, focusing on their functional goals and developing strategies to help people live their best lives.
The department meets the diverse needs of the patients and the community with outpatient and inpatient care, as well as telehealth services. The department collaborates with other disciplines and departments across the medical center, such as orthopaedics, neurology, cardiology, oncology, urology, OB/Gyn and surgery. and offers a diverse spectrum of specialization, including:
- Advanced practice orthopaedics
- Sports physical therapy
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation
- Oncology rehabilitation
- Lymphedema therapy
Specialization Based on Evidence
Specialization allows physical therapists to provide evidence-based interventions specific to condition and patient population. Advanced practice orthopaedics incorporates current theories in pain science to help patients with persistent pain. Sports physical therapy focuses on preventing and treating sports-related injuries, and enhancing athletic performance.
Vestibular rehabilitation helps patients with balance and dizziness problems caused by inner ear disorders or brain injuries. Pelvic floor rehabilitation addresses issues related to pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and pregnancy-related complications. Oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema therapy in conjunction with our Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides physical and emotional coping mechanisms for patients with cancer.
Education as Foundation
The Miller School’s four physical therapy residency programs—orthopaedics, sports physical therapy, neurological rehabilitation, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation—provide a foundation for its clinical care by preparing physical therapists for advanced clinical practice and board certification. Didactic coursework, clinical mentoring, research projects, and teaching opportunities enhance the knowledge and skills of the post-licensure residents, and the programs foster a culture of lifelong learning and professional development among physical therapists.
With clinical rotations for physical therapy students from top-ranked universities and an emphasis on helping medical students understand the importance of physical therapy in patient care, the physical therapy department is committed to educating the next generation of health professionals. The department also hosts continuing education courses and workshops for practicing physical therapists and other health care providers.
As we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, we salute the Miller School physical therapy program for its remarkable growth and success over the past 15 years. We also recognize the vital role that physical therapy plays in improving the health and well-being of our patients and our community. We look forward to future innovation and achievement, and offer our gratitude for the department’s commitment to elevated practice and improving the quality of lives for others.
Tags: physical therapy