Dialogue: A Conversation with Cynthia Miles
Cynthia Miles
Cindy Miles is a 1977 graduate of SHRP, now SHRS, with a degree in physical therapy. Today, she directs a successful pediatric therapy practice in the Lehigh Valley. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as a Pediatric Clinical Specialist, and serves on the executive committee for the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
After you received your PT education, what were your career plans?
My initial interest was in pediatrics and sports medicine, so I took a position at an acute care hospital thinking that was the place for me, and it was. A shift in my personal life led me to find more flexible employment so I joined United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was then I discovered a passion for working with children of all abilities. After several years, I decided to strike out on my own, offering private physical therapy. In 1993, we opened a facility we designed and built. The growth of the practice has been very rewarding.
You now offer a full range of therapies and other programs. How did that come about?
We began adding services to accommodate our clients. A mother requested speech therapy for her child, so I called on a former colleague to provide the service. The addition of an occupational therapist followed suit. We expanded to provide early intervention for infants and toddlers, engaging an early childhood education teacher. We saw a need for fitness programs to encourage children to participate in cardio and strengthening activities. Therapeutic aquatics was the next logical step, so we built a pool.
How many clients are you currently serving?
We currently serve about 275 clients in 300 visits per week, which is low for a private practice of our size. With the exception of swimming, each child is seen one-on-one for an hour each session. A traditional therapy practice could be coordinating as many as four patients in that time. Children of all abilities require individualized therapy.
Please describe the children you see in your practice.
Our primary focus is children, birth through young adult, including young athletes with sports injuries and children of all abilities for fitness programs. We strive to build on each individual’s strength so they can achieve maximum ability. We provide an accessible area where individuals can work independently on their performance including muscle strength, cardio endurance, functional ability, and mobility. When I lecture on fitness, my mantra is ‘Fit for Life.’ I believe that physical therapists can provide training and fitness for their challenged clients and encourage children of all abilites to be active. Parents are among their children’s best advocates. The therapist just needs to provide the tools and encouragement to find activities that interest their whole family.
Tell us about Fun & Fitness Day, celebrating its 10th anniversary.
A few young boys challenged me to run in a race at the local UCP; but when that race was cancelled, we staged our own. We secured a local park and provided a day full of fitness and fun for our clients and families. That year, we had about 50 children participate and seven sponsors. Last fall, we had more than 250 participants, 40 volunteers, and 30 sponsors. It’s evolved into a great family event.
The Lehigh Valley seems to be very supportive of children with disabilities.
In 2006, a local father wanted to start a Miracle League – baseball played on a rubberized field so that ALL children can play. He pitched the idea to a group of local donors, and within five months, they prepared a $750,000 complex for opening day. They came to us for assistance in fielding teams. Our staff and volunteers continue to participate as “angels in the outfield,” and I joined the board. We began a chapter of AmTryke, a subsidiary of AMBUCS, an organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. AmTrykes are therapeutic tricycles designed for kids unable to ride traditional bikes. Our goal is to raise $12,000 to purchase 20 bikes by June. We started the ball rolling, but we’re turning the leadership over to the community. Camelot House and Dream Come True are two other organizations here that support children with disabilities.
Are there ‘alumni’ of yours who still stay in contact?
Absolutely, there are many who stay in touch, some have come back and volunteered. One young man, born without bilateral femurs, went on to win two gold medals, one silver and one bronze in swimming at the Paralympics in Atlanta, Barcelona, and Athens. He came back last fall to share his experiences. He’s just one of the reasons I love my job.
What are you doing to help the profession and future therapists?
We accept interns from across the country, and volunteers from colleges and high schools throughout the area. It’s a win-win for everyone. We are also planning a residency for physical therapy graduates. Personally, I’m seeking a doctorate in pediatric physical therapy and hope to contribute to much-needed research. I’m pleased to play a role in helping future therapists and children and their families, and I am grateful for my education and the opportunity to have attended the SHRS physical therapy program!