We had the good fortune of connecting with Yoav Suprun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yoav, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I actually run 2 business. Since I was a kid, business dealings always interest me. Once I moved from NYC to Miami Beach in 2008, I realized that there is no concierge physical therapy clinic that specializes in the spine. That’s how “SoBe Spine” (South Beach Spine and Extremities) was born (www.sobespine.com).

In addition, in 2018 I started my professional speaker career, specializing in corporate education on mechanical pain with a focus on executive trainings on prevention strategies for back and neck pain (www.DrYoav.com). Companies have invested $$$ in office ergonomics, however, since the pandemic started, teams are working from home. Smart CEO’s understand the importance of education on prevention of mechanical neck or back pain while their teams are working from home.

Corporate education on mechanical pain puts pain management and prevention back into the hands of the people. The key word is prevention! One focus area of my Workplace Health & Safety assessment is to provide tools, resources, and environments that support safe, efficient, healthy behaviors and encourage employees to proactively manage their health and wellbeing.

To support this focus area, I promote (in person or virtually) employees education in ergonomics and body mechanics combined with specific departmental requirements including conducting trainings and coaching associates on observed work habits (www.DrYoav.com)

What should our readers know about your business?
SoBe Spine is an orthopedic clinic that allows the patient to first fully understand their problem, get very specific exercises catered to their needs and learn how to treat themselves when they are at home, work or travel. Getting my business to be known in Miami Beach was done via free educational talks to the public about mechanical pain (the most common pain we feel in our lifetime) and lectures about strategies for prevention.

What sets me apart from other clinics is my long initial evaluation (I do not rush my evaluation), my ongoing 24/7 “technical support” of my patients – supporting them in the process of their recovery, and lastly, my overall short visits for full recovery (usually 5 visits). I do not accept any insurance as I believe that the value my patients receive – justify that.

I am most proud of publishing my book in 2022 titled “Aging Without Aching” (OPTP) and my recent 2023 TEDx talk (with the same title).

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for Miami Beach:

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time
Arrive in Miami Beach and check into your accommodation.
Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Miami Beach, such as South Beach or Miami Beach Boardwalk.
In the evening, explore the vibrant nightlife scene in South Beach, with its numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Day 2: Art and Culture
Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and explore its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
Head to the nearby Wynwood Walls, a vibrant outdoor street art museum featuring colorful murals by renowned artists.
In the evening, catch a performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts or check out a live music venue in the city.

Day 3: Little Havana and Design District
Start your day by exploring the iconic neighborhood of Little Havana. Visit Domino Park, try some delicious Cuban cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Cuban culture.
Afterward, head to the Miami Design District, known for its luxury fashion boutiques, art galleries, and modern architecture. Enjoy shopping and dining in this trendy area.

Day 4: Key Biscayne and Outdoor Activities
Take a day trip to Key Biscayne, a beautiful island located just off the coast of Miami Beach.
Visit Crandon Park, where you can relax on the beach, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or explore the nature trails.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the area.

Day 5: Water Sports and Boat Tour
Spend the day enjoying water sports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, or snorkeling. You can find various rental shops along the beach.
Take a boat tour to explore the scenic Biscayne Bay and the nearby islands. Some tours even offer the opportunity to see marine wildlife like dolphins and manatees.

Day 6: Everglades National Park
Embark on a day trip to Everglades National Park, located just a short drive from Miami Beach.
Take an airboat tour to explore the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
Enjoy hiking or biking along the park’s trails and learn about the fascinating history and conservation efforts of the region.

Day 7: Relaxation and Farewell
Dedicate your last day to relaxation and pampering. Visit one of the luxurious spas in Miami Beach for a rejuvenating experience.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and do some last-minute shopping.
In the evening, savor a farewell dinner at one of Miami Beach’s renowned restaurants, enjoying the city’s diverse culinary scene. I love Motek cafe!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Unfortunately, the man who I give a lot of credit to my ability to succeed as a clinician is not with us anymore. His name is Robin McKenzie. Once I graduated NYU with my clinical doctorate in physical therapy, I went to work for one of my professors. She was the one who introduced me to the McKenzie method.

As I started to take more and more courses on lower back pain, Sciatica, neck pain, stiffness, joint pains such as hip, knee, shoulder etc. – I saw that I can help my patients get better faster than my peers. The “secret sauce” if you may is the ability to empower the patient to take care of themselves once they leave my office.

Robin McKenzie, the founder of the McKenzie Institute International (https://mckenzieinstitute.org/) has built an organization that is now serving millions of patients in over 40 countries. He was voted the most influential clinician in orthopedic Physical Therapy in the USA and thanks to his brilliance – allowed me to establish a successful clinic that specializes in delivering superb orthopedic care. Today I am also a senior faculty for the McKenzie Institute USA training health care providers in the Mckenzie Method of MDT – Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (https://www.mckenzieinstituteusa.org/    

Website: www.sobespine.com

Instagram: DrYoav

Linkedin: Yoav Suprun

Twitter: AskDrYoav

Facebook: South Beach Spine Physical Therapy

Youtube: Yoav Suprun

Other: www.DrYoav.com

Image Credits
I own all images.

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