Athena’s Outpatient Care: The Afternoon of a Montowese Physical Therapist
NORTH HAVEN, C.T. — Saif Mirza, a Physical Therapist in the Outpatient Therapy Center at Montowese Health & Rehabilitation Center in North Haven, Connecticut, will get right to the point with his patients. He has a very methodical process in listening to what ailments and pain patients may be experiencing, acknowledging the causes, reviewing body mechanics, and most importantly, finding solutions for his patients so they can live comfortably and functionally.
A typical session may start out with Mirza asking his patients, “Identify five complaints that cause you pain?” Mirza holds up his hand and points to each finger as the patient will share the five ailments they are experiencing.
There is one patient, Melchia Bensen, who is no stranger to the Outpatient Team at Montowese. Due to a series of unfortunate car accidents, Bensen has been a patient at the Outpatient Center since the summer of 2022. Mirza asks him to identify his complaints and they begin their sessions, while other therapists walk by, wave, and stop by for a fist bump as they pass by Bensen.
Melchia Bensen on the Cybex Hip Machine working with Saif Mirza, Outpatient Physical Therapist at Montowese Health & Rehabilitation Center.
After Mirza and Bensen reviewed and identified the complaints, relating to his shoulder, elbow, and legs, Mirza evaluated his functionality using methods of stretching and a Cybex Hip Machine, which helps with hip strengthening. When Mirza was done with his initial evaluation, Bensen then continued his session with another outpatient team member.
As an outpatient physical therapist at Montowese, Mirza has his bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical therapy, along with his doctorate degree in physical therapy. He is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner, which is a therapy technique focusing on joint mobilization and pain. Mirza is also a Fellow with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.
Thinking back on what bought Mirza into the world of therapy, he said he was just thinking about a different career to go in than his friends and family. Mirza, of Indian nationality, said popular careers to go in within his family are medical and engineering jobs.
“I wanted to be a bit different,” he said. “I tried therapy and liked it.”
Mirza explains that it is important to develop a trusted relationship with patients, which allows them to formulate goals together and focus on improving their quality of life and functionality.
He says to all of his patients, “You’re safe with Saif.”
The outpatient rehab center at Montowese Health & Rehabilitation Center is a full-service outpatient center offering:
The Montowese Outpatient Rehabilitation team. Pictured from left to right: Saif Mirza, PT; Melissa Merwin, PT; Charlotte Limosani, speech language pathologist; Vanessa Ramirez, rehab aide; Meredith Ballard, lead occupational therapist; Richard Tekriwala, occupational therapist; Christian Alvarez, occupational therapist
- Physical Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Occupational Therapy
- Dry Needling for Pain Management
- Full Spine Traction
- Lymphedema Therapy
- Wound Treatments
- Electric Stimulation
- Short Wave Diathermy
- Ultrasound
- Custom Wheelchair Fittings
- Splinting
- Fall Recovery and Prevention Program
- Joint Replacement Recovery
- Pain Management
- Stroke Recovery
To receive outpatient therapy services at Montowese, a patient will need a prescription from their physician to initiate therapy. The prescription must include a diagnosis and the disciplines requested, for example, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc. A member of our outpatient care team will be in touch to schedule the initial appointment.
Athena Health Care Systems has four outpatient therapy offices in Connecticut including Beacon Brook Health Center in Naugatuck, Cherry Brook Health Care Center in Canton, Montowese Health & Rehabilitation Center in North Haven, and Newtown Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Newtown as well as Active Physical Therapy & Wellness in Wilbraham, Massachusetts.
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