Nelson Gonzalez, OTR/L, RFS, CHHC, CCT, CPMT
Nelson Gonzalez, OTR/L, RFS, CHHC, CCT, CPMT, Provides Multidisciplinary Approach To Therapy
Nelson Gonzalez, OTR/L, RFS, CHHC, CCT, CPMT, came to Therapies 4 Kids four years ago after spending more than 15 years providing a wide range of hands-on therapies to children and adults. Today, as director of rehabilitation, Gonzalez oversees a staff of nearly 50 occupational, physical and speech therapists at Therapies 4 Kids’ five South Florida locations.
Therapies 4 Kids uses a multidisciplinary approach to help patients with many of the day-to-day tasks that most people take for granted, including eating, walking, speaking and even holding their heads up.
Since joining the organization, Gonzalez has focused on some of the latest treatments, including PediaSuit, an orthotic suit that has strategically placed bungee cords designed to help correct abnormal muscle tone and retrain the brain to accept and learn muscle movement patterns, he says. Gonzalez holds a number of certifications, including for occupational therapy, rehabilitation fitness, pediatric massage and holistic health.
The suit is used as part of an intensive, four-week, 80-hour therapy program, PediaSuit Intensive Therapy Course and Holism, or PITCH. It’s used on anyone whose neuromuscular system needs training or retraining, including those who suffered brain injury at birth or through a traumatic event, such as an accident or near-drowning.
Gonzalez says his clients have experienced amazing results. He points to one patient who, by day four of treatment, was able to sit up on her own; by the time therapy was complete, she could walk 80 feet unassisted.
“It’s extremely intense but beneficial,” he says. “Exercise is the magic pill.”
Therapies 4 Kids plans to open an office in Hollywood, T4K Adults. It will provide therapy services for a wide range of issues impacting the adult population, including knee and hip replacement, neurological issues and hand therapy. They also plan to offer pre- and post-cancer rehabilitation.
“People with cancer get weak from the treatments; they become depressed and anxious,” Gonzalez says. “When you do specific exercises and activities prior to cancer therapies, the person gets through the process better. Their quality of life is improved. Once they end their therapies, they get back to prior level of function quicker.”
Locations: 5970 S.W. 18th St., Stes. E6-E7, Boca Raton, FL 33433; 1750 N. University Drive, Stes. 105-107-109, Coral Springs, FL 33071; 1495 N. Park Drive, Weston, FL 33326; 1311-1321 Palm Ave., Pembroke Pines, FL 33026, 954-633-8622; t4k.com
Specialties: Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, Acquired Brain Injury, Neurological Disorders, Cancer Rehabilitation, Pediatrics And Adults; Instructor For The Basic And Advanced PediaSuit Intensive Therapy Course And Holism
Education and Certifications: Kean University Occupational Therapy Program; Certified: Holistic Health Coach, Oncology Rehabilitation Expert (CORE), Cupping Therapist, Pediatric Massage Therapist, Interactive Metronome, LSVT-BIG (treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other neuromuscular disorders), Rehabilitation Fitness Specialist
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