Testimonials

Laura and Megan have worked in the aquatic industry for a grand total of 66 years. They have been physical therapists 37 years of those years.

“I’ve shared the therapy pool with Megan for several years, and I love watching her do her magic with people of all ages. Whether working with a 4-yr old or an elderly patient, Megan is warm, observant, unflappable, and upbeat. She cares deeply and clearly conveys to her charges: ‘You can do this, and I’m here to help.’ Her patients are very lucky.”

– Christine Pasterczyk, Educator

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

– Jill, Concord MA

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

Debbie Kernochan, Cambridge MA

“Laura and Megan are so kind and nice. You should try it to get strong muscles. I recommend it!”

– Sylvie

“My daughter LOVES going to water PT. Laura and Megan challenge her to work hard while having fun in the warm pool. They are excellent clinicians and very responsive to my daughter’s needs. She feels so good after each session and it shows!”

– Kathy Corkins, Sylvie’s Mom

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

“Megan is a wonderful combination of sweetness and inspiration wrapped around technical expertise. She knows when to push and when to watch; this approach brings out the best in Bill”

– Alison, Bill’s Mom

“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

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

“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

“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

“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

“Megan understood immediately my pain and my fears. She guided me through as series of exercises in a therapy pool that improved my confidence and physical ability. She was right there in the water with me, helping and encouraging me through each exercise. Megan is a gentle and supportive therapist. Her professional knowledge is such that she can immediately begin where it is needed and adapt accordingly. I watched Megan work with a disabled youth and believe that she can accommodate all levels of therapy for all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed the aqua therapy experience with Megan.”

– Diane Climo, Lincoln, MA

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

“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

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

“Megan has a great way with my 6 year old son with Cerebral Palsy (Right Hemiplegia) that honors him, his growing independence, self-awareness and advocacy, needs and opportunities of his body.  I scoured the earth for Laura almost 4 years ago.  Our family has traveled far and wide (Alabama, Virginia, NYC, etc.) for the best care and therapies and the Universe gave us a break that the best in this discipline is right here in the Greater Boston area.  Laura scoured the Earth for Megan.  From these years working with Laura and Megan, my son swims with family and friends, in community swim classes.  He loves, is safe in, and participates fully in the water.  It’s wonderful for his body and spirit.”

– Jordyne, Mom, Newton

“Ready to go? From the second those three words are uttered each session Megan is locked in and her number one focus is on six year old daughter, Olivia. But she is not there as a swim instructor or PT she is there as her partner. Actively engaging Olivia in conversation and more importantly listening for both verbal and non-verbal cues about what’s going on both in the pool and in Olivia’s life. Megan had taken great care in forming a strong relationship of trust and understanding with Olivia that has helped both of them remain patient as Olivia has navigated learning a new and challenging environment of the pool.”

“Olivia has always had challenges with core strength and balance, and I never quite knew if she would be safe in the water, but week after week I see Olivia’s confidence grow as Megan truly enables her to not only be safe and be strong, but have a love of swimming. I could not have asked for a better partner in this journey for Olivia. After all, who else would gladly let a six year old dump water on them over and over and over and over again.”

– Rich Weiss, Framingham, MA

“She and Jason made an immediate connection at the consultation. Megan welcomed him and engaged directly with him showing such respect and genuine interest in getting to know him. At the pool Megan worked hard to help Jason feel comfortable about getting into the pool. Megan was very patient and kind as she encouraged Jason to sit on the chair lift and get into the pool. She looked him in his eyes and established trust. When in the pool he is completely connected with Megan and willingly takes part in the various therapies she structures for him.”

“We couldn’t be more happy with Megan and her obvious dedication and passion for working with individuals who benefit from her therapy. Thank you Megan!”

– Karen R., Jason’s proud Mom

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

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

– Robin Cohen, Newton 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

“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

“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

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

“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

“Megan is a bright, compassionate, and creative  physical therapist. Diamond PT is fortunate to have someone has talented as Megan on their staff. I have worked with many physical therapists over the years, Megan is by far the most outstanding. She does not have a cookie cutter approach to treatment.  She evaluates the individual needs, listens carefully to the client and recommends exercises and stretches for the individual needs.”

– Paula Bentinck-Smith, Concord, MA

“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 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 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

“…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

Abbey has chronic pain.

“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.

Allison, Mother of Bill

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.

“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

Susan, Mother of Kaylin

“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

“Megan is by far the most skilled physical therapist I have encountered. She is thorough in assessment, considering all aspects of my activities of daily life, and body mechanics to create an individualized treatment plan. Megan has creative problem solving skills to address obstacles that exacerbate pain and to find exercises that help overcome well established issues. But, what impresses me most about Megan is her emotional intelligence. I have seen her work with a wide variety of ages and disabilities adapting her communication style to suit the situation. She is kind, respectful, and thorough, gently redirecting when necessary yet affirming. This type of attention to detail and care is a gift. We need more like Megan in the medical community!”

– Kelly Larson, RN

“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

“…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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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