Business Details
Expert Pediatric Physical Therapy in Winter Park, FL
At Believe Pediatric Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of children through intensive, individualized therapy programs. As a therapist-owned practice, our mission is to provide expert care using evidence-based techniques like Therasuit therapy, Universal Exercise Unit training, and Dynamic Movement Intervention. Our team of certified specialists brings decades of combined experience in pediatric physical therapy, focusing on creating a fun, challenging, and family-centered environment.We prioritize listening to families, customizing treatment plans, and utilizing cutting-edge methodologies to maximize each child's potential. With a commitment to both clinical excellence and compassionate care, we empower children with motor disorders to achieve developmental milestones and improve their quality of life.
Services
Intensive Therapy
Therasuit Therapy
Universal Exercise Unit
DMI Therapy
NISE-stim
Myofascial Release
Adaptive Yoga
Gait Training
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Highlights and features
- We offer therapist-owned expertise with decades of combined pediatric experience
- Our team includes certified specialists in Therasuit, NDT, and DMI therapies
- We provide individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs
- Our family-centered approach actively involves caregivers in the therapy process
- We utilize cutting-edge equipment and evidence-based methodologies for maximum effectiveness
What people say
Most beneficial program
Genuine care and expertise
Transformative experience
Unparalleled level of care
Remarkable progress
Services
Intensive Therapy
Our intensive therapy program delivers 20 hours weekly of direct physical therapy over three weeks. This concentrated approach combines multiple evidence-based techniques to accelerate motor skill development. Patients experience significant progress in mobility and coordination through repetitive, task-specific training that leverages neuroplasticity for lasting improvements.
Therasuit Therapy
Therasuit therapy uses a specialized resistance suit to improve posture and movement patterns. The system of bungees provides dynamic correction while enhancing proprioception and muscle strength. This NASA-developed technology helps children with neuromuscular disorders achieve better body alignment and functional mobility through targeted exercises.
Universal Exercise Unit
The Universal Exercise Unit combines monkey and spider cage systems for comprehensive strength training. This equipment enables isolated muscle strengthening while allowing safe weight-bearing activities. Patients develop core stability and improve balance through progressive resistance exercises in a controlled environment that promotes motor learning.
DMI Therapy
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) focuses on improving automatic postural responses through structured exercises. This technique stimulates neuroplasticity by challenging patients to achieve specific movement patterns. Therapists use guided resistance and positioning to help children progress through developmental milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking.
NISE-stim
NISE-stim employs non-invasive electrical stimulation to enhance muscle activation and sensory feedback. This modality improves neuromuscular control by targeting specific muscle groups during functional activities. The therapy helps develop new movement patterns and reinforces proper muscle recruitment during therapeutic exercises.
People
Trevor MacLaren
Co-Owner/Physical Therapist
Trevor MacLaren, MS, PT, C/NDT, graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1998 with a biology degree and earned her physical therapy credentials in 2001. She specializes in pediatric NDT, Therasuit therapy, and myofascial release, bringing over two decades of experience in pediatric physical therapy to her role as co-owner.
Dayna Brunette
Co-Owner/Physical Therapist
Dayna Brunette, MS, PT, C/NDT, graduated with her Master's in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Florida in 2004. As co-owner, she brings extensive experience in pediatric therapy, including hippotherapy and intensive suit therapy, while maintaining certifications in NDT, Therasuit, and yoga for special needs children.
Chris Nicholas
Physical Therapy Assistant
Chris Nicholas, PTA, joined Believe in 2012 after completing his Physical Therapy Assistant degree from Herzing University in 2015. He specializes in pediatric intensive therapy with training in myofascial release, DMI, and sensory integration, bringing a passion for innovative therapeutic techniques to his clinical work.
Patricia La Rovere
Physical Therapist
Patricia La Rovere, DPT, earned her doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of North Florida in 2014. She specializes in pediatric NDT, Therasuit therapy, and myofascial release, with experience in both outpatient and school-based pediatric settings since completing her clinical rotations.
Tiffani Sanchez
Physical Therapist
Tiffani Sanchez, DPT, joined the team in 2024 after earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2023. She specializes in neuro-developmental treatment and myofascial release, bringing fresh perspective and recent academic honors to her work with children requiring intensive physical therapy.
Questions
What conditions benefit from your intensive therapy program?
Our program benefits children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, brain injuries, spina bifida, genetic disorders, and other neuromuscular conditions. We customize treatment plans for each child's specific needs.
How does your intensive therapy differ from traditional outpatient therapy?
Our intensive program provides 20 hours weekly of direct therapy over three weeks, compared to traditional weekly sessions. This concentrated approach accelerates progress through repetitive, task-specific training that leverages neuroplasticity.
Do you accept insurance for your services?
We are direct providers for the EMA scholarship program but don't bill private insurance. Many families successfully obtain partial reimbursement through their insurance companies for intensive therapy sessions.
What equipment do you use in your therapy sessions?
We utilize Therasuit resistance systems, Universal Exercise Units (monkey and spider cages), NISE-stim technology, and adaptive equipment to create comprehensive therapy programs tailored to each child's needs.
How are families involved in the therapy process?
Families play an essential role in our program. We collaborate with parents during evaluations, goal setting, and home exercise programs, recognizing caregivers as integral partners in each child's therapeutic journey.
What age range do you treat?
We treat children of all ages, from early intervention through adolescence. Our therapy approaches are adapted to each child's developmental stage and specific therapeutic requirements.
