Erica Massard and Herby Galicia are frequently called “the dynamic duo” for their blended talents. She is an occupational therapist; he is a physical therapist. They’re also husband and wife. The pair opened FIT Therapy in Miami Lakes initially as a mobile physical therapy company and soon thereafter launched the first brick and mortar location in the Cypress Village Shopping Center, at 7401 Miami Lakes Drive.
Massard and Galicia’s paths crossed and kept crossing, beginning in high school up until they bumped into each other at a fateful football game while in college where they were each focusing on therapy that would eventually lead them right back to their hometown – Miami Lakes. Born and raised locals, the pair dreamed of opening their own practice for occupational and physical therapy, and so it only made sense to stay close to home.
An active couple, Massard and Galicia are well-acquainted with therapy, Massard especially due to her own physical therapy brought on by sport injuries and subsequent knee surgeries in high school. The experience left an impression on her and she pursued occupational therapy with a specialization in hands and upper extremities.
“I love health and fitness and I married both, and that’s how I came into physical therapy,” said Galicia. “I thought it was a great way to stay healthy.”
“That I can heal and restore hands is truly my passion,” said Massard. “We communicate with our hands. You can convey love, you can cook a meal, you can do so much and never say a word. I realized how powerful that is which is why I focused on that in my work.”
Massard earned her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s degree in occupational therapy from Nova University and Galicia earned his bachelor’s in exercise physiology and master’s in physical therapy from University of Central Florida. Between the two they have over 25 years of experience in the field, having worked with clients and managing clinics in South Florida before opening their doors for FIT Therapy in late 2016.
FIT Therapy, which stands for Functional Independence Through Training, and the logo represents making people independent once again through training and restoring function. Some of the services offered are sports rehabilitation, hand therapy, custom made orthosis fabrication, neurological rehabilitation, vestibular therapy, physical reconditioning programs, functional capacity evaluations, workplace modifications, onsite rehabilitative service, pediatrics, kineseotaping, wound case and low level laser therapy.
FIT Therapy currently accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Ambetter, Molina, United Healthcare, NHP, Worker’s Compensation (Medrisk, Align Networks, CorVel, Rockport, Smartcomp, TechHealth), and are always in the process of contracting with more insurance companies for in-network and out-of-network benefits to make sure to reach a wide audience and cater to a diverse clientele. For those whose insurances are not listed, specialized financing plans are offered to meet the needs of all who require physical and occupational therapy.
“We tailor treatment based on what a person can and cannot do, so there is a holistic approach,” said Massard. “If you think of an occupation as how you occupy your time from the minute you wake up, what I do is get you back to doing all the things in your day. That could be playing baseball, sewing, playing the piano or even holding a cup of coffee,” said Massard.
Beyond offering traditional modalities, Massard and Galicia recognize the need to improve the overall wellbeing of their clients which is why they take a body, mind, and spirit approach to wellness. The duo also hope to prevent reinjury with their maintenance wellness program packages.
Ultimately, the passion for home shines through FIT Therapy. Free screenings are planned for the community in the coming months, and the couple relishes the opportunity to serve the very same area they grew up in. The two balance their business with their home life where they relax with their three children just a couple miles away.
“I’m so honored I get to do work in my hometown,” said Massard.
The grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration is scheduled for Thursday, June 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. Raffles and giveaways for screenings, cold laser therapy and massages will be offered alongside hors d’oeuvres and drinks. To RSVP call 786-500-7868 or email erica@fitptot.com.