At age 16, Dr. Nicole de Freitas decided to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. She attended Florida International University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology (cum laude) in April 2000. She continued her education at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Florida, earning her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy with a focus on Manual Therapy in December 2002.

 

Upon returning home to Trinidad and Tobago, Nicole provided inpatient physical therapy services at St. Clair Medical Centre and Westshore Medical Centre, while also working in outpatient rehabilitation. In May 2007, she joined Dr. Carla Rauseo and Lorraine Hadeed in founding Total Rehab. Together, they have remained committed to providing exceptional patient care with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.

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Dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development, Nicole became a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist through The Back School of Atlanta in 2010 and completed the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification in 2014. In 2024, she earned the Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES) Certification and has since continued advanced training in pelvic health rehabilitation, becoming Total Rehab’s in-house Pelvic Rehab Therapist.

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Nicole is passionate about helping individuals overcome pain, restore function, and return to the activities they enjoy most. She believes in treating the whole person, combining evidence-based practice, hands-on therapy, and individualized exercise programs to achieve lasting results. Whether working with orthopedic injuries, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, pelvic health conditions, or chronic pain, she is committed to empowering her patients through education, movement, and compassionate care.

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Nicole’s clinical interests include both orthopedic rehabilitation and pelvic health therapy, allowing her to take a comprehensive approach to patient care. She is especially passionate about helping individuals navigate concerns related to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, incontinence, and core dysfunction. She is committed to creating a supportive and comfortable environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout their rehabilitation journey. Her treatment philosophy centers on education, movement, and individualized care, empowering patients to understand their bodies better and actively participate in their recovery.