About

Joni had a total hip replacement. Hear what she has to say about why Laura is different than traditional physical therapists.

“Laura’s repertoire of possibilities to help me seems inexhaustible; Laura is inventive, insightful, and artful in choosing from them.”

Robin Cohen, Newton MA

“Laura is simply the BEST! She will change your life!”

Debbie Kernochan, Cambridge MA

“My daughter has gotten much more out of this in terms of gross motor development than she has in any other therapy – and there have been a lot of other therapies.”

Andy, Dad, Watertown, MA

“Ms. Diamond is a professional and knowledgeable Physical Therapist who provided excellent consultative services to our agency as we developed plans for an aquatics facility designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of individuals with disabilities. She was easily accessible for meetings and thorough in her review of the drafted plans. Her guidance helped tremendously in our decision-making process and we would happily use her services in the future.”

Brian Liu-Constant, Ed.S., BCBA, Chief Operating Officer, Evergreen Center

“From the first time I met her, Laura’s mix of professionalism and genuine empathy for my severe chronic pain truly impressed me and put me at ease. Her initial assessment and examination went far beyond those of many therapists. She is very patient with me, stays with me the entire therapy session, and offers me both helpful correction and lots of positive reinforcement. While I’m enjoying the warmth of the therapy pool, she has helped me get stronger! Physical therapy with her is worth every penny.”

Louise Battista, Stow MA

“I’ve been a patient at Diamond Physical Therapy for a few months now and can’t say enough about Laura. She spends one on one time, is caring, professional and extremely knowledgeable. I’ve been to several PTs over the years and she is by far the best I’ve encountered.”

Lisa W. from Yelp

“For me, water therapy means having fun while doing something constructive! I’m helping myself and it gives me a feeling of independence. It makes me feel good and free like I’m in space. I feel it’s important because it helps limber me up and helps with bowel movements and circulation because I am able to stand upright.

Standing upright in the pool gives my girlfriend Cindy and I a chance to stand upright face to face like we never did before!!!

The staff takes the time to figure out every individuals needs and talks about their interests. It’s great for social contacts and interacting with other people.”

Jim Viggiano

Sally has multiple musculoskeletal challenges. She discusses Laura’s holistic approach and her integrated water and land program.

“Laura Diamond is a total gem”

Sally Sanford, Concord MA

“This is a cost effective way to learn water exercises from Laura.”

Beth, Maynard MA

“Laura Diamond is a total gem.”

Sally Sanford, Concord MA

Abbey has chronic pain.

“As a physician, I have worked in healthcare settings with many physical therapists. Laura’s consummate professionalism and vast knowledge make her a standout in her field. She is remarkably skilled at adapting physical and water therapy techniques. As a patient with multiple sclerosis, Laura helped me on both a physical and emotional level. She showed me that with water therapy, I could do things in the water that I was unable to accomplish on land. The use of buoyancy is a remarkable way to accelerate the rehabilitation of many conditions.”

William G. Lavelle, MD, Professor and Chairman of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery U Mass Medical School and U Mass Memorial Hospital

“As a physician with chronic pain, I consider myself well positioned to evaluate health care providers. After consulting numerous physical therapists over many years, I have found a powerful approach to chronic pain in Laura Diamond’s unique combination of aquatic and manual therapies. Laura’s range of skills exceeds those of any other physical therapist I have seen. She is not only an exceptional clinician, but also an exceptional person. Laura is supremely talented, creative, and totally committed to her patients, putting the full force of her being into her practice. Her warm, generous, and caring temperament enable her to relate effectively to all kinds of people.”

“Without aquatic physical therapy, I would never have been able to return to my pre-surgical level of functioning. After being injured in traditional physical therapy, I was referred to Laura for aquatic work. In the pool, I was able to increase my strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance without further injury. Water exercise eventually made it possible for me to resume land therapy and I continue to utilize both kinds of therapy to this day. On those rare occasions when I have too much pain to exercise on land, aquatic therapy remains available to me. It gives me a sense of moving forward even when I am in a flare-up and helps me feel productive while managing my pain.”

“When I was in medical school, my role models were people who set out to make a difference in lives of their patients. Laura has made a significant difference in mine.”

Deborah Chud, MD, November 2005

“As the parent of a child with SMA, I have become so accustomed to doctors, clinicians and educators talking to me about limitations. Our experiences with Laura have been the polar opposite. While making every effort to understand our son and his medical needs fully, she focuses on all the things he can do and where we can push past his current limitations. Working with Laura always makes him feel strong, confident and happy. To see the look on his face when he gets to really move on his own – his whole body rolling and dancing in the water, is pure joy. We have found Laura’s knowledge, skill and dedication to be both unique and downright magical.”

Kate, Mother, Natick MA

Mike is Nancy’s husband. Nancy has had a stroke.

“Loved the pace, the knowledge Laura has, and the warmth she exudes”

Jill, Concord MA

“My daughter has gotten much more out of this in terms of gross motor development than she has in any other therapy – and there has been a lot of other therapies.”

Andy, Dad of Amaia

Nathan is a 15 year old boy with cerebral palsy. Listen to him speak about his love for water therapy. Nathan has been in Laura’s program for nearly 8 years.

“I wanted to take the opportunity to let you and your wonderful staff know how much I appreciate the work you have done with my daughter Jessica.

Jessica has always been very afraid of swimming, an activity which could offer considerable benefits to her as she has spastic cerebral palsy. Along with the physical disabilities, Jessica is unable to speak and uses a communication book and gestures to communicate. Since you and your staff have worked with Jessica, she has undergone a welcome transformation.

With patient guidance, she has grown from fear of the water, to a sense of confidence, and now to outright joy as she initiates and even implements parts of her own program. I find it surprising that at 30 years of age Jessica would make so much progress–in both confidence and skill–in a relatively short period.

I believe the confidence she has gained through aquatic physical therapy has made a difference in many areas of her life. The therapy has become one of her favorite activities; she comes home proud of what she has accomplished each time she goes. The physical benefits have been many. Since Jessi uses a wheelchair, exercise is difficult. Her therapy program has helped her gain strength and flexibility, both of which have helped with her ability to produce her artwork. Also, Jessi has managed to maintain her weight at a good level, having lost 4 pounds and kept them off for the past year.

I especially appreciate your foresight to equip Jessica’s personal assistant with the knowledge and skills she needs to implement the program with Jessica. They have helped bring about a major change in her life, one that will have lasting benefits!”

Janet R. Vohs, Mother

“I came to Laura for aquatic physical therapy because everyone said she was the best. I wanted the best and she is the best. I have not been disappointed. She has definitely helped me get to the next level.”

Bob Lobel, Sportscaster

“Jacob has been in physical and occupational therapy in some form since he was 7 months old. No other therapist has connected with Jacob in the same way that Laura has. She pushes him to do things he doesn’t think he can do, without him even realizing it! Her manner with him is amazing, and he actually looks forward to his sessions with her. As his parents, we trust that she has his best interests at heart, and that she truly cares about him and the progress that he makes. ”

Lynn W., Mother of Jacob

“Laura is amazing! Laura’s innovative, knowledgeable and personal approach are unique and comprehensive.”

Astrid Williams, Concord MA

Nancy has had a stoke and experiences challenges with her speech.

“Laura is remarkably skilled at adapting physical and water therapy techniques during acute flare-ups of arthritis so her clients can continue to exercise and be active. Her detailed knowledge of these techniques enables her to adjust them to accommodate clients’ physical limitations. Working with her has significantly improved my mobility.”

Anonymous Physician

“I met Laura Diamond during a time when I was experiencing severe back pain from muscle spasm and arthritis made worse by MS neurologic changes. I was looking for relief and a way to exercise. Up until then I had only temporary relief from land based physical and massage therapy. I had been a competitive swimmer long ago but as I became weaker with MS I became afraid to swim. My body was so strange. I could not trust it to behave as it used to and I tired quickly. But I loved the water. My physical therapist, friends and family all encouraged me to get in the water. My fear stopped me.”

“Then I met Laura. Laura understood my fears and could teach to my level of disability. She worked with me to develop strategies to overcome my fears. She guided me reminding me of old techniques, which I could draw on for safety, and swimming. She reassured me that I could become stronger. She helped me relax. My pain always was better as I spent time in the water and lasted for days. We developed a routine of water walking, swimming and passive and active stretching, which has now become an invaluable part of my self-care.”

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have met Laura. Her compassionate, experienced, intelligent approach to aqua therapy is remarkable. I hope that many other persons with similar challenges to my own could find comfort and guidance from her care.”

Liz Kopin, MD

“…Aqua therapy is a great complement to all the other physical therapies my son does in a week. He’s working hard and getting stronger, but he hardly notices that he’s working.”

Betsy, Mother, Newton, MA

“When I started working with Laura Diamond, I was experiencing chronic pain and exercise intolerance secondary to fibromyalgia (FM). I also had other multiple problems, including bursitis in both hips, arthritis in one foot, and tendonitis in my shoulder. I was a mess!

Laura carefully evaluated all the physical problems and started me on a gradual and gentle regimen of manual therapy and exercise. In time, I achieved all of my goals and I was in the best physical shape in decades. Now, I work out vigorously several times a week using exercises and self-knowledge about my body that I learned from my work with Laura. Perhaps the best outcome is that I keep my FM in remission through my exercise regimen and enjoy a wide range of physical activities without pain or injury.

Laura is exceptional – the best physical therapist I’ve ever had (and I’ve had lots over the years). Her individualized attention is what really makes the difference and her program is unique.”

Barbara, University Professor

“Laura is simply the BEST! She will change your life!”

Debbie Kernochan, Cambridge MA

“I came to Laura for aquatic physical therapy because everyone said she was the best. I wanted the best and she is the best. I have not been disappointed. She has definitely helped me get to the next level.”

Bob Lobel, Sportscaster

Aubrey is 21 years old and had a traumatic brain injury. She was an athlete and a competitive swimmer. Aquatic physical therapy is used as an adjunctive treatment to her many land based therapies.

Jenn Smagula talks about what aquatic physical therapy has done for her daughter Chloe who had a stroke at birth resulting in hemiplegia.

“Aqua therapy has been a total success for our daughter. Laura is outstanding in not only her ability to maximize the benefits of aqua therapy, but in the ability to make the children feel as if it is fun, not work! In all of the therapies Kendall has received, by far, aqua therapy is one of the most beneficial for her body and mind! I would recommend Laura to all moms who are looking for the ultimate experience for their children with disabilities!”

Kim, Mother, Stow MA

“Laura Diamond is an excellent physical therapist in the Boston area. Laura is detail-oriented, dedicated, experienced, knowledgeable, smart, and has a sense of humor. She focuses on your problem, and seems to care only about getting you better. I’ve seen a lot of people in the medical profession over the past fifteen years, and most of them have not impressed me. Laura is an exception.”

Eric Albert, Newton, MA

Dear Laura,
I wanted you to know how touched I was to watch you with the little boy in the therapy pool. Your gentleness and patience touched my heart – you are a blessing.

Ann, Mother of an adult child with special needs

“I strongly urge other practices to use Laura’s consulting services if considering starting up or expanding an therapeutic aquatic program.”

Megan Friedman, MS, DPT, Director of Clinics, NE Physical Therapy Plus, Inc.

“Laura has touched and changed my life. I used to be petrified of the water, but she has helped me to relax and feel comfortable in the water. After swimming, I am like a battery, fully charged.”

After being in therapy for 6 months, Sheila said, “I can do a lot more now…. I can reach up to the trapeze with both hands, when I used to need help, I can sit by myself on the edge of the bed, and I can feed myself with a lot less help. I couldn’t do these things before.”

Sheila Riley

Allison, Mother of Bill

“As a veteran of eight months of physical therapy for back surgery, I have been treated by at least half a dozen physical therapists. None of them have been as helpful or healing as the combination of Laura Diamond’s skills and her water therapy.”

“Water therapy is, itself, a wondrous form of rehabilitation – especially if you need to build your core strength and restore weakened muscles. But even therapy in the water would not accomplish as much as its combination with a therapist like Laura. She gives her clients/patients her undivided attention during the entire session. Your every move is attended to, so that you learn how to move and how not to move. Much of what I learned from Laura had never been mentioned to me by either doctors or other therapists. ”

“I recommend her for anyone who is frustrated and discouraged by the prospect of a long recovery. She makes it fun, is exceptionally caring, and brings you along at a pace that is realistic, but intended to get you to your goal before the next millennium.”

Jean Hardisty, Senior Scholar, Wellesley Centers for Women

“Laura Diamond is a treasure. She combines focus, connectedness, caring and skill. Her gift for healing has changed my life.”

Jean Hardisty, Senior Scholar, Wellesley Centers for Women

“Physical therapy with Laura Diamond is worth every penny.”

Louise

“…Laura has had a tremendous impact on our daughter’s development – boosting her strength, endurance and self confidence. Through a carefully planned and continually evolving program of exercises as well as early swimming and water safety skills, Laura has helped Sarah work and develop muscles in the water that she would never have been able to do on land. What’s more, Laura does this all in such a fun way that our daughter doesn’t even realize how hard she’s working. We love how much Sarah has grown and how much self confidence she’s gained. If you’re looking for the best therapeutic aquatic program for your child, call Laura right away!”

Mimi S., Mother, Newton, MA

Susan, Mother of Kaylin

Nathan is 15 years old and has cerebral palsy. Listen to him talk about what aquatic physical therapy does for him.

“Laura’s repertoire of possibilities to help me seems inexhaustible; Laura is inventive, insightful, and artful in choosing from them.”

Robin Cohen, Newton MA

“Rehabilitation is the cornerstone of musculoskeletal care. A key component to successfully treating patients is to have community-based healthcare providers that provide excellent and comprehensive rehabilitation services, such as Diamond Physical Therapy Associates. Laura has been an invited lecturer in our institution and receives high marks for her passion and knowledge about aquatic and land-based therapy.”

Sheila A. Dugan, MD, PT, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

“Laura Diamond’s physical therapy program has turned my life around. Laura has a remarkably comprehensive knowledge of the muscular and nerve systems of the body. Laura carefully targeted exercises in the water, and then on land, which quickly and entirely eliminated my sciatica pain and resolved a habitual bent over posture problem.  The results were remarkable. Colleagues and students would greet me with remarks such as: “What a transformation! You look like your old self again.” More recently, she has focused on exercises designed to help me counter the onset  of balance problems typical of my age group.”

“Laura possesses a warm and engaging personality, and she knows how to listen to others. She is kind, thoughtful, and eminently competent. Physical therapy with Laura Diamond was the best investment I ever made.”

Richard Cobb-Stevens, Professor Emeritus, Boston College

“I see Laura for PT. Her classes help me review what she taught me.”

Ann, Westford MA

Joni had a total hip replacement and came to Laura after she got worse with traditional physical therapy.

“As the parent of a child with SMA, I have become so accustomed to doctors, clinicians and educators talking to me about limitations. Our experiences with Laura have been the polar opposite. While making every effort to understand our son and his medical needs fully, she focuses on all the things he can do and where we can push past his current limitations. Working with Laura always makes him feel strong, confident and happy. To see the look on his face when he gets to really move on his own – his whole body rolling and dancing in the water, is pure joy. We have found Laura’s knowledge, skill and dedication to be both unique and downright magical.”

Kate, Mother, Natick MA

“Everyone is interested in results and the therapists at Diamond Physical Therapy Associates get results. I can attribute their successes and my patients’ accelerated recoveries to the exceptional care being offered by this group and to the benefits of aquatic physical therapy.”

Gigi Girgis, MD, Neurologist Affiliated with Waltham Deaconess Hospital

“Everyone is interested in results and the therapists at Diamond Physical Therapy Associates get results. I can attribute their successes and my patients’ accelerated recoveries to the exceptional care being offered by this group and to the benefits of aquatic physical therapy.”

Gigi Girgis, MD, Neurologist Affiliated with Waltham Deaconess Hospital

“Laura is amazing! I had shoulder surgery two years ago and was in Physical Therapy for months and it was not working. When the pain became unbearable and my shoulder and arm were getting weaker I was told I probably needed another operation.  I was recommended to Laura by a friend; in a few short weeks I feel so much better. Laura’s innovative, knowledgeable and personal approach are unique and comprehensive. I am hopeful that with her continued work I can avoid having more surgery.”

Astrid Williams, Concord MA