Our Staff

Matthew Harkness MPT, MTC, ATC, CEAS

MPT – Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy

MTC - Certified Manual Therapist

ATC – Certified Athletic Trainer

CEAS - Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist

Degrees / Specialties

Matthew Harkness is a specialty trained Physical Therapist specializing in treatment of the spine and pelvis/SI joint region utilizing Manual Therapy intervention.   Matthew obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Science from Gordon College, a Master of Physical Therapy Degree from Nova Southeastern University and post Graduate Manual Therapy Certification form the University of St Augustine of Health Sciences.   Matthew is a board certified Athletic Trainer with specialty training in Sports Medicine and has worked with NFL and collegiate athletes facilitating there return to elite athletic competition.

Personal

Matthew is an entrepreneur, has a passion for developing leaders and achieving maximum potential.  He is a certified facilitator of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective people, the founder of Allied Physical Therapy and The APT Leadership Institute. As a former Motocross racer of the New England Championship Series (NESC), he experienced many injuries, enjoys competition, appreciates the importance of exercise, and has made a career of working with injuries.   Today, Matthew is an avid road and mountain cyclist and participates in several tours each year. He has four active and beautiful children and enjoys being with them and his wife Melissa Harkness.

Melissa Harkness RN, MPT

MPT - Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy

RN – Registered Nurse

Degrees / Specialties

Melissa Harkness is a specialty trained Physical Therapist specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction of men and women throughout southwest Florida.  Melissa obtained a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from Wheeling Jesuit University, a Master of Physical Therapy degree from Nova Southeastern University and post- graduate course certifications from Herman and Wallace Institute.  Melissa is a pelvic therapy practitioner and a member of the American Physical Therapy’s section on Women’s Health.

About Pelvic Floor Therapy

Melissa is one of few physical therapists in Lee county who practices both internal and external pelvic rehabilitation using biofeedback, manual therapy/massage, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, electrical stimulation and patient education in the treatment of pelvic pain as well as urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunctions. The effective outcomes of pelvic rehabilitation have allowed patients to be free from discomfort they have had for years, avoid surgeries, discontinue medications, and engage in activities that they have not previously been able to enjoy.

Personal

Melissa is partner and owner of Allied Physical Therapy. She and her husband Matthew Harkness are the proud parents of four beautiful children.  She has a passion for orphans and is a leader and co-founder of  “Impact 127” a Christian orphan ministry.

Elizabeth Padron PTA

PTA – Physical Therapy Assistant

Degrees / Specialties

Elizabeth Padron is a specialty trained Physical Therapist Assistant specializing

in pelvic floor dysfunction of both men and women. Elizabeth obtained her PTA degree from South University and Pelvic Floor course certifications from Herman and Wallace Institute. Elizabeth also has experience in treatment of neurological disorders including but not limited to strokes, Cerebral Palsy and brain injuries.

About Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor dysfunction treatments include pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, urinary and fecal incontinence, and post-operation procedures. Treatment is done through patient education, manual therapy/massage, biofeedback, internal/external electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular re-education.

Personal

Elizabeth has been with Allied Physical Therapy for more than 5 years. She is a proud wife and mother of 2 children.

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