This week’s episode on Fit As A Fiddle is a little unusual. Today Dr. Maria Muto and myself, Dr. Sneha Gazi chat with our Instagram followers about our journeys becoming physical therapists, our experiences in physical therapy school, and why we chose to work in our respective sub-specialities. We explain why we began our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Physical Therapy International Service Foundation (PTIS) and our current projects and efforts! Learn about how we bring physical therapy services and health education to underserved communities in an effort to make healthcare a little more diverse and equally accessible. We have a wonderful team of over a hundred volunteers and an amazing pre-PT social media committee. We thank you for your support! If you would like to volunteer with us or make a donation, please visit www.ptisfoundation.org.

A little bit about us:

Dr. Maria Muto is a physical therapist based in Manhattan who specializes in orthopedics and pediatrics. Maria received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Columbia University with a focus in Adult Orthopedics. With a strong passion and history of working with athletes, Maria currently works for the Sports Therapy Department at Columbia Doctors. Besides working within the athletic population, Maria works as a pediatric physical therapist that specializes in early intervention.  Maria's desire to work with various age groups, populations and cultures, drove her to join PTIS for the hopes of treating people of all backgrounds. Maria has already treated within Italy and Spain and hopes to reach more through the workings of PTIS. Maria also believes that physical health cannot be accomplished without a practice of mental health thus mindfulness is embedded within her treatments.

Dr. Sneha Gazi is a physical therapist and practice owner based in Manhattan who specializes in orthopedics and pelvic health. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Columbia University where she completed a Pediatrics Advanced Track. She believes that physical therapy is not a luxury treatment and is essential for optimizing movement. Sneha’s desire to bring her skills beyond her immediate reach drove her to start PTIS in the hopes of bringing PT services to underserved populations. She also has a strong love for teaching and instilling a mindset of service in new clinicians. She is the owner of Sneha Physical Therapy, a concierge and telehealth physical therapy practice in NY, NJ, and MD. Sneha is also a certified yoga instructor and a professional Indian classical dancer and incorporates mindfulness and breathwork into her treatment.