Meet Aracelly Latino-Feliz, PT, DPT | Physical Therapist, Educator & Health Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aracelly Latino-Feliz, PT, DPT and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aracelly, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The Movement Therapy Institute (MTI) is a holistic physical therapy/human performance facility. Our chief aim is to give our clients hope, improve function, movement efficiency and maximize performance for long term sustainability.

We’ve heard countless unfortunate stories from patients and clients that have not received the care and guidance they deserve. In some cases they have been given unnecessary medications, injections or even surgeries that could have been prevented.

We aim to spread awareness regarding the obesity and opioid crisis that is prevalent in our country that we know is linked with chronic pain and inactivity. This fuels us to continue to do the work that is so desperately needed in our country and the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our team is committed to providing our community with exceptional care, where individuals are seen and treated uniquely for who they are.

Our doctors of physical therapy take the time to listen and provide education along with an attainable action plan to achieve the desired goals. We also have a strong connection with local health professionals to provide referrals when needed.

We are unique in that, in addition to providing physical therapy we include health coaching in the pillars of mindset, nutrition, stress management, recovery, meditation and movement science. This allows for an optimal environment for healing and improved performance to take place. Many of our patients and clients continue to work with us via our wellness program to maintain their strength and overall performance even after they’ve reached their PT goals.

In a way, just like we have a primary physician for general medicine, we consider ourselves primary physical therapists for our patients and clients. We believe in preventative medicine and it starts before a disease or injury can take place.

My approach to physical therapy evolved when I moved to California. I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 4 years and it was here where I got introduced to 1:1 physical therapy. I had so much more time with my patients and athletes. I had the time to listen, gain rapport, build trust and more importantly to elevate my skills. Physical therapy is more than healing the body. There is a connection to healing the body that includes the mind and our lifestyle choices.

I then dove into the world of psychology, pain science and nutrition. I began reading about the complexity of pain, nutrition, meditation and behavior change. I coincidently went through a bout of chronic pain and depression that was extremely challenging and I was able to find valuable resources that helped me heal. I share those with my patients today.

I’ve learned that it’s important to share. To not be afraid to speak and that compassion also requires taking action. To have the courage, strength and will power to want to get better and not be a victim of our circumstances was my biggest lesson.

I believed I could bring this type of deeper healing to the profession of physical therapy. It’s a collaborative effort of medical professionals knowing that I’m just one player in the game. The real MVP is the patient, we are simply the guide by the side. I’m fortunate to have an amazing team that is aligned with the same vision and I’m so proud of the work we do and will continue to do for years to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are a very active bunch so we love doing fun and movement based activities.

We recommend watching the sunrise at Lauderdale By the Sea then going for a walk/swim at the beach. Not too far is Myapapaya Kitchen + Juicery for breakfast or brunch. 

If you’re looking for a nice ambiance, dinner at Kaluz will allow you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and the intercostal.

If you have kiddos and want to spend the day go-kart racing, bowling, skating, playing games or jumping on trampolines X-treme Action Park in Ft. Lauderdale is your go to.

Going for a spin class at Ride Element will leave you feeling invigorated and excited for the day.

Taking a stroll down Las Olas gives you an array of options. We personally love taking friends or family to Canyon Ranch and PhatBoy Sushi. The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Science is another favorite spot to take kids and we like to walk along the riverfront after.

One of our favorite beach spots is just 1 block away from Shooters Waterfront which is also excellent for brunch or lunch.

Another must do is renting kayaks, or going for a run/walk at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park then head down Ft Lauderdale Beach and grab a bite anywhere along A1A.

For a more laid back and authentic Peruvian food we recommend Salimar Ceviche Bar in Wilton Manors.

One cool spot if you don’t mind the drive is Dania Pointe. A great spot for shopping, movies, wine and they have community events on the lawn on almost a weekly basis.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I would like to thank God for the guidance and support throughout my professional and personal life.

I’m the first person in my family to graduate with a doctorate and own a business. Although it was scary to take those steps, I’ve been extremely blessed to have amazing mentors and teachers along with the support of my family and close friends.

To all my patients and students that trusted me in their health and education journeys, they inspire me daily to bring the best version of myself forward and serve in the highest capacity.

To my husband, Luis, who believed in me and saw my potential before I did. Thank you for being my business partner, my biggest cheerleader and for being an incredible dad and husband. MTI would not exist if it wasn’t for his dedication.

Website: www.movementtherapyinstitute.com

Instagram: dr.aralatinofeliz and the_movement_therapy_insitute

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aracelly-latino-feliz-dpt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aracelly.latinofeliz

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-movement-therapy-institute-davie?osq=the+movement+therapy+institute.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6mQ1i4yFRWbW8gEZYlzteg

Image Credits
Luis Feliz Productions