My recommendations for your physical therapy

When you seek out healthcare, the most important quality in a practitioner is one who’s values align with yours. In other words, if you are onboard with the treatment plan your physical therapist has set out for you, you are likely to have better results than if you are skeptical and hesitant. That being said, there are many great physical therapists in Atlanta and greater Atlanta that I have seen patients have success with. Here are just a few of my recommendations.

For children:

Special Needs Pediatric Therapy Services

They are located in Suwanee. If you know a child who needs help with speech, developmental issues, movement, pain, or better daily functioning these are the people to see! Denise Hoell owns the practice and is very passionate about creating a collaborative environment that helps the child fulfill their potential. Ellen Soloway and Lauren Norwood are experienced speech therapists that made my heart melt when I watched them work with their patients.

For athletes, exercisers, and the proactive population:

Audrey Jones, PT, DPT, OCS at Studio Lotus Atlanta

ADSC05365udrey has more than 12 years experience as a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist, certified Pilates instructor and clinical teaching instructor at Emory University.

She specializes in treating orthopedic musculoskeletal conditions, Pilates-based movement rehabilitation and manual therapy.  Her clientele range in age and ability, yet she strives to maintain an active and vibrant lifestyle for all.

Audrey lives in Cabbagetown with her husband and 2 young children.  Most weekends you can find them walking or jogging on the Beltline.

For vestibular disorders, including peripheral and central vertigo, BPPV, post-concussion syndrome, Cranio-cervical Vertigo, gait problems, TMJ and headaches, and geriatric patients:

Mari Smith, PT, DPT, One On One Physical Therapy Smyrna

Mari Smith PT, DPT - One on One Physical Therapy

“I have always known that I wanted a career in the healing arts because of my passion for helping people gain their highest quality of life. I am surrounded by intelligent colleagues who are consistently challenging me and helping me to improve my skills as a physical therapist. One on One Physical Therapy is structured to dedicate adequate time for productive evaluation and treatment sessions so our quality of care is outstanding and our patients recuperate quickly with lasting results.”

Mari Smith, a native of Atlanta, brings over 13 years of physical therapy experience with a focus in neurology to One on One Physical Therapy.  She holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Utica College, a Master’s in Physical Therapy from The Medical College of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Georgia.

Mari began her career in the pediatric field in 2001 for 5 years, providing physical therapy services to children with developmental delays and diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Angelman Syndrome, and Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Her neurological specialty bridged into the adult and geriatric population for the next eight years. As a physical therapist in Home Care, Mari provided physical therapy to help restore function for patients suffering from vertigo, generalized weakness, balance impairment, CVA, Parkinson’s, surgery, Lewy Body dementia, pain and wounds.

From 2009-2011, Mari led a staff of therapists as the Rehab Specialty Director for Amedisys Home Health in the metro Atlanta area.  She was responsible for the implementation, coordination and evaluation of the specialized Balanced for Life © Therapy Vestibular Rehabilitation Program. Promoted to Area Rehab Director in 2012, Mari’s duties expanded to a national territory.

Over the last 6 years she has specialized in vestibular disorders, including peripheral and central vertigo, BPPV, post-concussion syndrome, Cranio-cervical Vertigo, gait problems, TMJ and headaches.  Mari uses specialized techniques to evaluate and rehabilitate the vestibular system.  Combining these techniques with manual therapy and strength training, Mari’s treatment approach is comprehensive, so that all body systems are rehabilitated to their full potential.  Whether it’s working with athletes post-concussion or treating patients with severe vertigo, Mari’s goal is to return her patients to the life they enjoy living.

Mari is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including neurology and private practice sections.

She has been married to her husband Brent for 16 years. They have a 12 year old son, Walker, and an 8 year old daughter, Sara Alden.  Mari enjoys riding horses in her free time.

For chronic pain sufferers:

Savas Koutsantonis, PT, DPT, One On One Physical Therapy Atlanta

Savas Koutsantonis Physical Therapist “I tell my patients there is hope— I’m there to provide that hope and motivation, 24 hours a day, if needed. I had a client who had suffered from thirty years of chronic pain and she is finally able to cook for her family again, and play tennis for fun. It’s always an intense experience with chronic pain patients, and I feel so lucky to be able to take them to the other side of pain….where there is none.”

Savas brings over 28 years of physical therapy experience to One on One, and holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Arizona School of Health Sciences.

Prior to joining One on One, Savas was the Founder, Director, and Co-owner of Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Center in Timonium Maryland, and Associate Director, Co-owner of Maryland Center for Physical Therapy, and the Physical Performance Institute. Savas designed and implemented clinical and wellness programs for orthopedic populations after visiting and consulting with nationally recognized spine centers including; the San Francisco Spine Institute, and PRIDE Rehabilitation in Dallas, Texas.

Additionally, Savas performed certified peer reviews and independent physical therapy evaluations for regional insurance companies. Savas served as adjunct faculty of the University of Maryland Physical Therapy Department, and clinical instructor of students from physical therapy programs in Maryland, Delaware, and Georgia. Savas also served as physical therapy and ergonomic consultant for the McCormick Spice Company and consultant for the Baltimore School of Arts, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and assists with physical therapy coverage for professional volleyball players of the Atlanta AVP tour.

Within his scope of practice, Savas has advanced training in osteopathic manual therapy, Norwegian-based medical exercise technique, and is a Polestar trained Pilates instructor, which he uses to implement a comprehensive approach to back and orthopedic rehabilitation. He also is certified to perform Trigger Point Dry Needling through Myopain Seminars. Through his extensive experience, Savas has gained a reputation for the successful treatment of the chronic pain population. Savas has been an invited lecturer, speaker, and published author. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Private Practice and Orthopedic sections, and the Pilates Method Alliance. Savas is a Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher, and is a Polestar trained Pilates Instructor. Savas strongly believes that no one should settle for pain or dysfunction; he motivates and empowers his patients to manage their impairments and take control of their lives.

In times of managed health care, hurried services and crowded waiting rooms, Savas had found that One on One provides him the uninterrupted time with patients that is necessary to provide the best care possible. This environment fosters continuing education, teamwork and problem solving, resulting in excellence in healthcare.

For pelvic pain or dysfunction:

Jessica Reale PT, DPT, WCS, One On One Physical Therapy Smyrna

Jessica Reale“I believe the best treatment results come from creating a partnership with the patient and working together to achieve that person’s individual goals. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the healing journey for people dealing with the often private issues in pelvic health. I am rewarded daily by helping men, women and children learn to use their bodies to heal themselves, and I strive to provide excellent, evidence-based care, focused on treating the whole person.”

Jessica Reale joined One on One Physical Therapy after spending the last 5 years in Greenville, South Carolina where she was the director of the largest pelvic floor rehabilitation program in the state. She received a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Duke University School of Medicine. Jessica is among an elite group of only 3 Board-Certified Specialists in Women’s Health (WCS) in the Atlanta metro area.

Jessica is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal health through individualized treatment plans while integrating the most current research. Her clinical practice focuses on working with men and women experiencing urinary, bowel and/or sexual dysfunction as well as pelvic pain. In addition, she has very specialized advanced training in treating children experiencing bladder or bowel difficulties.

Jessica interned with one of the first board-certified pelvic health specialists in the country, and continued her education by completing the pelvic health curriculum through Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. Since that time, she has further advanced her education by taking coursework in manual therapy, chronic pain neuroscience, pudendal neuralgia, trigger point dry needling, visceral manipulation, pregnancy/postpartum evaluation and treatment, pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction and
much more.

Jessica is active in the American Physical Therapy Association and the Section on Women’s Health, serving on the Educational Review Committee and Functional Outcome Measures Taskforce. She is passionate about educating the community and current practitioners on pelvic floor disorders and has taught seminars locally as well as presented at statewide conferences. Jessica has taught as adjunct faculty in physical therapy, orthopaedic, and sports residency programs. She also has been a guest lecturer at the University of South Carolina’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Jessica is dedicated to advancing the education of current practitioners; she has provided mentoring and formal education to doctoral students from Duke University as well as established practitioners new to the specialty of pelvic health.

Jessica’s passion for health and wellness began in high school when she competed as a triathlete in cross country, swimming, and track & field. She continued competing in cross country and track in college, when an injury changed her life, ultimately introducing her to physical therapy and her future career. When not treating patients, she enjoys an active life with her husband Andrew, competing in road races and sprint triathlons, hiking in the mountains, and enjoying restaurants, events and culture in Atlanta.

Leave a Reply