OPT Physical Therapy & Pappas Physical Therapy have joined forces to bring you the very best care in Rhode Island and are uniting under the Pappas | OPT Physical Therapy name.
Visit Pappas | OPT Physical Therapy clinics by clicking the links below, or keep scrolling to schedule an appointment!
About Pappas | OPT
We work to help restore function and mobility following surgeries, orthopedic or sports injuries, strokes, or many other issues. We specialize in physical therapy and rehabilitation of the neck and back, sports related injuries, dizziness/vertigo, headaches, and TMJ.
However, our services extend far beyond that of traditional physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics. We wrap these treatments with extensive support to enhance every aspect of your health.
Rehabilitation can include:
- Mobilization techniques to restore joint mobility using Maitland and McKenzie-approved approaches
- Therapeutic exercise to balance muscle strength and flexibility to promote optimal stability and mobility
- Patient education to teach occupational, leisure, and sport-related accommodations that decrease stressful postures or maladaptive behavior.
We are committed to optimizing your ability to resume your active lifestyle!
- Using our hands-on and mindful approach to your rehabilitation, we will help train you to have the ability to self-manage your physical health.
- Complimentary screenings are available to see if physical therapy is the right fit for you.
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Meet the Pappas| OPT Physical Therapy Team!
The Olympic Physical Therapy Team
Bert Reid received his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from URI in 1993 and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital in 2008. He graduated Cum Laude from Tulane University in 1987 where he was awarded the Tulane Academic Award twice. Bert was a recipient of the prestigious URI Distinguished Achievement Award and has been inducted into the Providence Gridiron Hall of Fame and R.I. High School Football Coach’s Hall of Fame. Bert works with many elite athletes including Olympic Medalists and Division1 collegian runners, pro golfers and tennis players as well as Navy SEALS, Team Puma pro sailors, URI and Salve Regina Baseball pitchers and catchers (see our Wall of Fame). He is a Running Industry Association Certified Shoe Guru Specialist and is certified by Amfit Orthoses in Advanced Orthotics Fabrication. Bert is and trained in OptoGait digital running analysis and is involved in research analyses for running shoes and foot mechanics. He serves as an adjunct faculty at URI Graduate School for PT, teaching and lecturing on Functional Gait Analysis and Running Science. Bert was a Tulane varsity golf captain and Academic All-American. He is NikeGolf NG360 Fitness Certified, Gray’s Institute Functional Golf Certified and a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Fitness Professional. Bert works frequently with collegiate and student baseball players particularly catchers and pitchers. His baseball related study includes ACSM Team Physician Course 2011, Advanced On-Field Management, ACSM Team Physician Course 2012, Advanced On-Field Management Baseball Athletic Trainer’s Society Baseball Science Course, PBATS Baseball Science and Injury Care. Bert’s compendium papers included rotator cuff pathology and rehabilitation, primarily aimed at the throwing athlete. He completed a fellowship in Functional PT Rehab and Sports Biomechanics through the G.I.F.T. Program of the Gray Institute in 2008 and has taken over twenty-five additional advanced training seminars. Specialized topics include foot and ankle biomechanics, functional rehabilitation, performance training, rotator cuff/shoulder and throwing mechanics, mechanical low back and neck pain, team physician sports medicine, jaw pain, advanced orthotic fabrication. Although Bert works with many world class athletes, he is also dedicated to our local athletes and community teams. For over 20 years, Bert has been the sideline medical care specialist for the Narragansett High School Football Team. During his free time, Bert enjoys playing soccer, running, golfing, and spending time with his wife, Krista, and their two kids, James and Julia.
Don earned his Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 1992 and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010, both from the University of Rhode Island. He also completed a fellowship with the Gray Institute for Functional Training in Applied Functional Science. Don was the recipient of the RI Physical Therapy Association’s Distinguished Service Award and has been honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award from the URI PT program.
Sports medicine related cases are Don’s specialty. He has worked extensively with youth through professional athletes in both injury prevention and conditioning programs. Don and the OPT practice lead the state in the treatment and prevention of shoulder and elbow injuries in the throwing athlete. He has developed baseball specific conditioning programs and preseason pitching screens for both baseball and softball athletes.
Active at the state and national levels in professional associations, Don has served as National APTA Private Practice Section’s Committee Chair for the Marketing and Public Relations Committee, as thePresident of the RI Physical Therapy Private Practice Group, the Legislative Chair for the RI APTA and is on the RI Physical Therapy Licensure Board. He is often a guest lecturer for the APTA, the YMCA, NUWC as well as CCRI and URI. Don routinely provides medical services at local sports tournaments and competitions. He, his wife and three children are all active in their community, serving on boards, assisting with strength and conditioning programs and cheering on the sidelines (occasionally too loudly). Don also enjoys music and is a member of a trio “Group Therapy” which performs at venues across Aquidneck Island.
Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in Health Science from Endicott College. She received her Physical Therapy Assistant’s degree from the New England Institute of Technology where she graduated Phi Theta Kappa Society for academic excellence.
Amy worked in our Tiverton clinic for 10 years as an aide before returning to school to pursue her PTA degree. Amy has clinical experience working with developmentally and cognitively impaired children. She has contributed over 100 volunteer hours at the Rhode Island Free Clinic providing treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and spent multiple years volunteering with the Wounded Warrior Project.
An avid Red Sox/Patriots fan, Amy enjoys anything focused around health and wellness. She spends her free time being active, either running, at spin class, snowboarding, working out at the gym or being outdoors.
Eileen earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University and went on to receive her Master of Business Administration from New Hampshire University. She has been working in physical therapy for 30 years, predominantly in an outpatient orthopedic setting.
Eileen has experience treating a wide range of different orthopedic conditions and has spent time as a clinic director prior to joining OPT Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.
Vestibular rehabilitation and concussions are clinical areas of interest for Eileen. She has extensive experience in the effective treatment of these conditions. When not working, Eileen enjoys traveling, hiking and golf.
Mike earned a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Rhode Island in 2015. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Western Illinois University in 2012.
Mike is certified in Dry Needling and Sports Physical Therapy through Evidence in Motion. He holds a certificate in Applied Chain Reaction Biomechanics, and will complete his Sports Clinical Specialist Exam (APTA) in March 2021. Mike is an Emergency Medical Responder and Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA).
During his time at URI, Mike gained clinical internship experience working with a variety of patients in the ICU, acute care, rehab unit, and outpatient orthopedic settings. He believes in an active lifestyle to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Mike appreciates the patient interaction and helping people get back to activities they like doing, sports, gardening, walking, caring for grandchildren, etc.
Mike enjoys playing all sports, especially basketball, golf and volleyball. As a student athlete, he experienced various sports injuries and, in fact, his athletic trainer and physical therapist inspired him to pursue a physical therapy career.
Mike and his wife enjoy traveling. They have explored Costa Rica, Guatemala, Iceland and many other beautiful places. Their next adventure is parenthood, as they are “impatiently waiting and very excited for their first child to be born in November!
Matt joined OPT in 2019 after earning a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of Rhode Island. He received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Cal State San Bernardino.
Matt gained valuable experience in his graduate school internships in a variety of physical therapy settings. He enjoys meeting people from all walks of life and helping them improve their quality of life.
Matt is bilingual (English & Spanish), enjoys playing the guitar, watching movies and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Katie Pacheco received her Physical Therapist Assistant Certificate along with an Associate’s in Applied Science in 2016 from the Community College of Rhode Island where she earned distinction of highest honors.
Katie began her final internship for school at OPT’s Tiverton location. Upon graduation and passing her licensure exam Katie immediately joined our team as a PTA in our East Bay clinics.
Katie has a strong background working with sports related injuries, balance impairments and post-operative rehabilitation. Her continuing education has been focused on vestibular/post-concussion rehab as well as Applied Functional Science.
In her spare time, Katie enjoys biking, kayaking, fishing, camping and all sports related activities.
A Rhode Island native, Amy earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Simmons College in 2007. She received a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2005 and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Health in 2001, both from the University of Rhode Island.
Amy joined OPT in 2005 and has worked with the pre-adolescent to the elderly. She is trained and experienced in many facets of physical therapy and particularly enjoys the treatment of sports related injuries and post-surgical athletes. She also has extensive experience working with patients recovering from head injuries and concussions.
Amy is ImPACT trained (ITPT) through ImPACT Applications in Concussion Care and Treatment. She attended Harvard Medical School’s conference on Concussions and Spine Injury and Boston University’s conference on Head Trauma and the Athlete. Additional coursework includes Post-Concussion Syndrome at Memorial Hospital, Concussion in Sports Training with NFHS, Functional Rehabilitation from the Kinetic Chain/Gray Institute, and Lumbopelvic Integration from IMTS.
Amy enjoys music and soccer. She was in the marching band and pep band at URI and also played competitive soccer. During high school, Amy tore ligaments in her ankle and became a physical therapy patient. This experience is what sparked Amy’s interest in becoming a PT.
In addition to working in OPT’s physical therapy clinics, Amy helps student athletes with injury prevention by providing warm up and injury reduction programs for high schools and youth athletic programs. She developed and administers OPT’s Total Athletic Performance Summer Conditioning Camp.
Amy has routinely been on the medical staff of the Boston Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon and the Cape Cod Marathon. In her free time, Amy enjoys distance running, weight training and playing the trumpet. She is also a certified PADI diver and an aspiring pilot!
A veteran of the United States Navy, Steve has been part of the OPT team since 2002 when he joined us as a rehabilitation aide. In 2006, Steve received his NSCA Personal Trainer Certification and earned his Physical Therapy Assistant certificate from the Community College of Rhode Island with Cum Laude distinction in 2017. Steve continues to study Chain Reaction Functional Biomechanics through continuing education.
Steve has a strong background in sports training, geriatric conditioning and working with neurological disorders. He works with high school athletes and can often be found helping within the community at special events.
Outside of work, Steve enjoys playing basketball and weight lifting.
Andrea has been a licensed physical therapist, athletic trainer and massage therapist for over 25 years. She is also a Nike Certified Golf Performance Specialist.
Andrea earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of New England in 2013. She received a Bachelor of Science in Movement Science, Sport and Leisure Studies with a concentration in Athletic Training from Westfield State College in 1994 and a Bachelor of Science in Movement Science, Sport and Leisure from the University of Connecticut in 1992. Andrea earned a Fellowship in Applied Functional Science in 2007 from the Gray Institute where she is currently a faculty member.
Andrea has worked with all age groups in nearly every type of physical therapy setting. She has extensive experience working with competitive athletes on performance enhancement, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys coaching softball, basketball and Free2Play Movement for the youth in her community.
Dena earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of New England. She has over 22 years of experience in outpatient rehabilitation.
Dena treats a wide variety of orthopedic conditions with an emphasis on upper extremity rehabilitation and hand therapy. She is also a pediatric therapist with a focus on providing treatment for developmental and neurological diagnoses.
In her free time, Dena loves spending time with her husband and daughters, enjoying all their activities and sporting events. She can often be found in the garden, at the beach or rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots.
Leo earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Widener University in 2019 where he also earned a Bachelor of Science in 2016.
An accomplished collegiate runner, Leo holds the Middle Atlantic College Conference and Widener College record in the indoor 800 meters. In 2016, he was ranked 17th in the nation for the outdoor 800 meters, D3 NCAA schools.
In graduate school, Leo served as the Funds Officer for the Chester Community Physical Therapy clinic, providing PT services to uninsured financially struggling members of the community. He also coached collegiate track and field athletes.
Leo became a PT to channel his passion for helping others, especially individuals recovering from injuries who want to return to the activities they love. Leo particularly enjoys assisting competitive athletes return to sport and often volunteers at community sporting events.
An avid Boston sports fan, Leo spends his free time running and going to the beach where he always is ready to challenge friends to a game of spikeball!
Eric received academic excellence and faculty recognition awards when he earned his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Rhode Island in 2007. Two years earlier, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology from URI. Eric is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. The OCS is an achievement in learning that less than 5% of all PT’s complete. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Eric has extensive experience working with a wide range of conditions and injuries and has a strong background in functionally-based therapy. He has worked with all ages and enjoys connecting with his patients and helping them on their journey to health and well-being.
Eric has traveled to Guatemala to provide therapy to disabled children at the Centro Maya School.
A bass guitar player, Eric is a member of the musical trio “Group Therapy”. He enjoys a cold beer and is proud of his award-winning homebrew beer and cider. A gardener, he grows his own hops along with vegetables and flowers.
Laura received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Thomas Jefferson University in 2017. She obtained her undergraduate degree in kinesiology from Temple University.
Laura is certified in Functional Dry Needling and has completed additional course work in Functional Rehabilitation and 3-Dimensional Movement Patterns.
A member of the Temple University Women’s Soccer Team, Laura was awarded the Ortho Davis Memorial Scholarship in recognition of her commitment to athletics and sports medicine.
She has experience working with patients of all ages and levels of ability, but she has a special passion for treating adults with sports related injuries. In her free time, Laura enjoys playing soccer, hiking and cycling.
Victor received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University in 2014 after spending eight years in the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer and fitness manager. During that time, Victor earned the designations of Certified Applied Functional Science (Gray Institute), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM), and certifications as a kettlebell and boxing/kickboxing instructor. In 2004, Victor graduated with honors from Boston University’s College of Communication.
Victor is a Graston Technique specialist. He earned his GTS credential which is the highest level of training for Graston soft tissue mobilization and release.
Victor enjoys working with clients and patients of all ages and pursuits. He believes strongly in the power of an improved physical condition and works hard to achieve it.
Victor loves spending time with his wife and two young children. His interests and experiences include singing professionally for over 13 years, and being a long-time friend, member, and advocate of the Hyannis Sound, Firedrill! (both of which are vocal groups) and the FLAG Flag Football League.
Denise has been in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years. She received her Physical Therapy Assistant’s degree from the Community College of Rhode Island and was previously a fitness and aerobics instructor.
Denise joined OPT in 2001 and has experience working with a broad range of diagnoses working and patients of all ages. She is also an IFPA Certified Fitness Trainer and enjoys designing and implementing individual fitness programs.
Scott graduated from University of New Hampshire with a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Nutrition.
Scott initially worked for OPT as an aide and quickly realized how much he enjoys helping people. He returned to school to earn his Physical Therapy Assistant Degree from the Community College of Rhode Island and returned to OPT upon graduation.
A collegiate hockey player, Scott is a huge Bruins fan. He enjoys staying active in his free time; playing hockey, golfing and spending time with his family and friends.
Bill brings 20 years of experience as a Physical Therapist to OPT. He received his degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 1984 graduating Cum Laude. Bill has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, specializing in orthopedic, sports medicine rehabilitation, biomechanics and mechanical low back pain.
Bill volunteers for the Tiverton High School Football Team and can be found on the sidelines at home games.
Jared earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University and received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lesley University.
He is certified in Blood Flow Restriction Therapy and is a certified personal trainer, NSCA-CPT.
Jared played varsity soccer for Lesley College and continues to live an active lifestyle. During his free time, he can be found lifting, rock climbing, running and playing soccer.
Melissa received her Bachelor is Science in Exercise Physiology/Sports Medicine from Westfield State University and her PTA degree from MWCC. Her certifications include Applied Chain Reaction Biomechanics, Applied Functional Science, Clinical Instructor, Rehab Taping Techniques. She is also a certified Personal Trainer and certified Schwinn Spin Instructor.
Melissa has 20 years experience Working in all areas of Orthopedic PT including post-op rehab, home care and return to sport. When she is not treating patients in the clinic she is busy teaching dance classes, spin classes and putting together fitness programs for clients.
Lisa received her Bachelor of Physical Therapy in 1990 from Northeastern University. She began her career working in both Tufts and Harvard affiliated Boston teaching hospitals with a variety of patient caseloads including orthopedic, neurology, oncology, medical surgery, cardiac rehab and pediatrics.
She became passionate about working with infants in the NICU and focused her post graduate work on pediatrics at Boston University in 1992. Over the past 28 years, Lisa has specialized in pediatric cases. She has taken over 20 advanced training seminars with a focus on pediatric rehabilitation including neurodevelopmental techniques, infant massage, myofascial release, strain-counterstrain and craniosacral therapy.
Lisa believes in a family-centered approach and enjoys working with children of all ages and their parents to achieve their goals.
She lives in Wakefield with her husband and 3 children, all of whom can be found at the beach swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and hiking with their 2 dogs, Cotton and Shugha.
Nate received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and his Bachelors in Kinesiology from The University of Rhode Island.
Nate incorporates McKenzie techniques and Gary Gray training when working with patients. He enjoys getting to know each patient and implementing a personalized plan of care aimed at getting them back to their hobbies and occupation.
Nate became interested in a physical therapy career while recovering from a sports injury in high school.
A URI basketball fan, Nate enjoys playing basketball, surfing, volleyball, baseball, skiing, soccer, running and spending time at the beach.
Kristin received her Masters is Physical Therapy in 1996 from the University of Rhode Island and graduated from The University of New Hampshire in 1990 with a degree in Athletic Training. Kristin is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
She has over 15 years of experience in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation including working overseas with the American Football teams. Kristin also has extensive experience working with the non-athletic populations implementing advanced strength, conditioning, and functional rehabilitation programs.
She has taken over 20 advanced training courses including gait, foot, upper and lower extremity biomechanics, and spinal rehabilitation. Her clinical interests include concussions and she attended Harvard Medical School’s conference on Concussions and Spine Injury. She is also interested in Women’s Rehabilitative Health issues including post breast cancer procedures and mastectomy.
Kristin employs an overall functional approach to her patients to help restore as well as improve mobility, strength and performance.
Pappas | OPT Physical Therapy Locations
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Barrington -
Bristol
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Cranston1100 Reservoir Ave
Cranston, RI 02910 get directionsp: (401) 785.3334 f: (401) 785.3336Location Info -
Cranston - Excel, Powered by Pappas | OPT75 Sockanossett Cross Rd
Cranston, RI 02920 get directionsp: (401) 944.7574 f: (401) 944.7602Location Info -
East Greenwich Healthtrax - Excel, Powered by Pappas | OPT1000 Division St
East Greenwich, RI 02818 get directionsp: (401) 944.7574 f: (401) 944.7602Location Info -
East Greenwich/NK5805 Post Rd
East Greenwich, RI 02818 get directionsp: (401) 884.9700 f: (401) 884.9703Location Info -
East Providence450 Veterans Memorial Pkwy
East Providence, RI 02914 get directionsp: (401) 406.8606 f: (401) 234.1016Location Info -
IRV FIT
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Johnston1539 Atwood Ave #204
Johnston, RI 02919 get directionsp: (401) 351.0515 f: (401) 351.0530Location Info -
Johnston Center1524 Atwood Ave, LL-2
Johnston, RI 02919 get directionsp: (401) 383.5299 f: (401) 383.5298Location Info -
Lincoln2 Wake Robin Road, Suite 101
Lincoln, RI 02865 get directionsp: 401 333.1747 f: 401 334.1769Location Info -
Middletown1181 Aquidneck Ave
Middletown, RI 02842 get directionsp: (401) 845.0840 f: (401) 845.0842Location Info -
North Providence1525 Smith St #5
North Providence, RI 02911
get directionsp: (401) 353.8884 f: (401) 353.8885Location Info -
Pawtucket100 Smithfield Avenue
Pawtucket, RI
02860
get directionsp: (401) 495.7885 f: (401) 228.0805Location Info -
Smithfield466 Putnam Pike
Smithfield, RI 02828 get directionsp: (401) 233.3977 f: (401) 349.2958Location Info -
Tiverton
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Wakefield730 Kingstown Rd #A14
Wakefield, RI 02879 get directionsp: (401) 284.3424 f: (401) 284.3426Location Info -
Warren851 Main St, Lower Level
Warren, RI 02885 get directionsp: (401) 337.5800 f: (401) 337.5802Location Info -
Warwick
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Woonsocket20 Cumberland Hill Road, Suite 101
Woonsocket, RI 02895 get directionsp: (401) 777.7735 f: (401) 239.1083Location Info
Barrington, RI 02806 Get Directions
Bristol, RI 02809 Get Directions
Cranston, RI 02910 Get Directions
Cranston, RI 02920 Get Directions
East Greenwich, RI 02818 Get Directions
East Greenwich, RI 02818 Get Directions
East Providence, RI 02914 Get Directions
Johnston, RI 02919 Get Directions
Johnston, RI 02919 Get Directions
Lincoln, RI 02865 Get Directions
Middletown, RI 02842 Get Directions
North Providence, RI 02911
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Pawtucket, RI
02860
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Smithfield, RI 02828 Get Directions
Tiverton, RI 02878 Get Directions
Wakefield, RI 02879 Get Directions
Warren, RI 02885 Get Directions
Warwick, RI 02886 Get Directions
Woonsocket, RI 02895 Get Directions