Biographies
Laura Bunso Bittencourt, PT, MTC
Laura is the Director of Rehabilitation at Smart Body. She first earned her Bachelor's in Biology from Jacksonville University and later earned her Master's in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 1999. After graduation she received her certification in Manual Therapy, which involves extensive training in a hands on approach to treating the musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain. This approach shapes her practice and the way she treats many joint and muscle dysfunctions.
In addition, Laura has been specializing in the area of women's health since 1999. After working and studying at the Mayo Clinic, she established Smart Body Physical Therapy in 2004. You will appreciate the special care and undivided attention she gives everyone of her patients.
Edsel Bittencourt, PT
Edsel Bittencourt received his formal education in his country of origin, Brazil. He has been a physical therapist in the United States for over 15 years now. He specializes in orthopedics, sports medicine and manual physical therapy. He lectures internationally to mixed audiences of physicians and physical therapists about treatment of chronic pain and manual therapy techniques.
Dr. Ryland Austin, DPT
Ryland Austin is a graduate of the University of North Florida where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and later received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2011. During his course work for Physical Therapy, he received extensive training in manual therapy, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Ryland is originally from St. Augustine, FL where he currently resides and enjoys participating in local sports, recreational activities, and relaxing at the beach. He is excited to be working at Smart Body Physical Therapy, providing his patients with passionate individualized care in order to get them back to living a pain-free and healthy lifestyle.
Ryland plans to become a certified manual therapist (MTC) and has completed all coursework required for this hands-on holistic approach to Physical Therapy. In addition to manual therapy, Ryland would like to earn future specializations in the areas of sports rehabilitation, geriatric care, and orthopedics.
