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Meet our experts specialized in Pilates reformer private classes located in Coral Gables, Florida.

About us

In House Physical therapist Michele Gust over 25 years of experience in the field of physical therapy, I founded South Miami Physical Therapy & Pilates to offer a radically different approach to healing—one that combines the science of physical therapy with the art of individualized care.

After earning my Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Florida International University (FIU) in 1996, I began my career at Baptist Hospital’s inpatient rehab center, where I developed a strong foundation in post-acute care. I later transitioned to an outpatient sports clinic, working with professional athletes—including members of the Miami Heat, elite tennis players, and golfers—as well as individuals dealing with chronic pain, post-operative recovery, and sports injuries.

Frustrated by the traditional high-volume clinic model that limits real connection and hands-on time with patients, I made the decision in 2000 to become fully self-employed. I completed my Comprehensive Pilates training through Polestar and began offering private, concierge physical therapy and Pilates sessions—bringing expert-level care directly to people’s homes.

At South Miami Physical Therapy & Pilates, my mission is simple: to treat each person as an individual and to uncover and correct the root causes of pain and dysfunction. My approach combines advanced manual therapy techniques with Pilates-based rehab in a fully equipped private studio. This allows for a seamless transition from pain relief to full-body wellness and strength, all under one roof.

In 2023, I expanded the healing potential of the practice by incorporating cutting-edge energy healing technologies, including the Energy Enhancement System (EES), Red Light Therapy with Infrared and PEMF, and sound healing therapies. Patients now have full access to our in-house Energy Spa, designed to elevate cellular energy and support the body’s innate ability to heal.

What sets our center apart is not just the personalized, one-on-one care—but the comprehensive, whole-body approach that empowers patients to heal quickly, build strength, and feel their absolute best on every level.

About us

Carlos Diaz graduated with a BS in Physical Education in Havana Cuba. After doing a master’s program in sports and fitness as an athletic trainer specialized in sports injuries.

He has inherited a passion to help others and for more than 30 years with his private practice.

 He became specialized in rehab Pilates exercise and as a pain free movement specialist helping many people already who were in acute or chronic pain in their lower back, Sciatic, Butt, hips, knees, neck, and shoulders. He has gained a full understanding of the relationship between movement, biomechanics, physiology, ergonomic assessments, anti-inflammatory nutrition . He found a way to help anyone to become pain free faster by doing less exercises and stretches in NO TIME with the right methodology after his many years of struggle with spinal disc herniations, bulging disc and Scoliosis.

Carlos Avoided Surgery After Dealing with Lower Back, Sciatic and Butt pain due to herniated discs. As a teenager, I experienced persistent pain, much like you might be feeling now.

I was plagued by lower back and sciatic pain, a result of scoliosis and two herniated discs. This pain was a constant companion, limiting my ability to enjoy simple pleasures like playing baseball or soccer with friends. Even standing for long periods or sitting through a school day was a challenge.

Sleeping at night was the worst. The pain in my back and butt robbed me of rest, leaving me in a constant state of discomfort and bad mood. Doctors recommended surgery, but I refused. I knew there had to be another way. I tried everything - chiropractors, stretching, every exercise I could find on social media.

I even gave up my beloved ice cream trying to reduce inflammation, as someone suggested that sugar might be the culprit. But nothing worked. Despite these setbacks, I did not give up. I knew I had to find a solution, not just for myself, but for others like me who were suffering.

I started tracking and recording my own data, studying what worked and what did not thanks to my father. I pursued a master's program in sports and fitness in Havana, specializing in sports injuries as athletic trainer. I learned from the best doctors in the field of pain-free movement and became an expert in preventing lower back, sciatic, butt, and hip pain after I could not graduate from his last program when I was punished by the dictatorial government in Cuba because my sister defected as synchronized swimmer in Puerto Rico. Through my journey, I discovered a unique and comprehensive methodology that has proven effective for many of my clients.

This methodology is not just about treating the symptoms, but about understanding the root cause of the pain and addressing it more effectively. I understand your lower back, butt, and sciatic pain because I have been there. I respect your struggle because I've lived it, even to the point of missing work. And I am here to tell you that there is a way out.

You do not have to live with the pain. You do not have to give up what you love. With the right approach, you can live a pain-free life. And I am here to help you achieve that. You can see my X-Ray to understand how crooked my spine is, and realize that you too can stop living with the feeling of a broken back.

Can you relate to this?