Staff Spotlight: Paula Mangiarelli

Paula Mangiarelli

Physical Therapist & Owner

What is your name, title, credentials, and specialty?

I am Paula Mangiarelli, a Physical Therapist and Owner and Director of Mangiarelli Rehabilitation. My specialty is industrial rehabilitation, working with injured workers. I also specialize in working with chronic pain patients.

What brought you to Mangiarelli Rehabilitation?

I started Mangiarelli Rehabilitation because I wanted to have a clinic where a therapist could provide specialized care. The focus at Mangiarelli Rehabilitation is excellence as well as compassion. Since all three of my children received their doctorate in physical therapy, I wanted them to have the opportunity to grow this clinic where each patient who comes to us feels they have received the best care available. My vision was to have multiple therapists who could specialize and in doing so, provide our patients with a number of options for care.

How long have you worked here?

I started this clinic in June 2010, but I have been a physical therapist in this community for 40 years.

Can you briefly describe your role at Mangiarelli Rehabilitation?

I am the working director and owner of Mangiarelli Rehabilitation. I love engaging in patient care, but I’m also responsible for the day-to-day operations and administration of the clinic.

Can you describe your specialty (or specialties)?

My love is working with injured workers. They are work athletes. Work is such an important part of a person’s life. It allows us to provide for our families, do the things we love to do, and gives us security. I am very passionate about the care that injured workers receive. As a therapist, I have an obligation to be attentive to both the physical needs and the stresses and emotional trauma that a worker experiences with the extreme lifestyle change following a work injury.

I also have a strong interest in chronic pain patients and that is why we offer a warm aquatic therapy pool in the clinic. I am also certified in Dry Needling which has been beneficial for many different types of pain complaints.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is the people I meet and serve. I enjoy the opportunity to help someone, to learn something new, and that each day at the clinic is different.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am active in my church and enjoy spending time in prayer, watching my grandchildren, visiting with family and friends, and traveling.

What do you wish people knew about physical therapy?

I wish people knew that it is important who you choose for your physical therapy care, just as it is important who your doctor is. I wish people knew that they should take time to check out different places before they choose a clinic to have their physical therapy. How functional a person is determines their quality of life and how they will spend their time. This is so very critical. If patients ask questions and take the time to explore the options, they will know what is right for them.