Addressing Gaps in Rehabilitation Care: New Consulting Firm to Support Physical Therapists in High-Burden Specialties

Across the United States, an increasingly urgent issue is unfolding in rehabilitation medicine. A convergence of demographic shifts, chronic disease prevalence, and healthcare staffing shortages has placed unprecedented pressure on the field of physical therapy, particularly in the specialties of orthopedics, traumatology, and neuropathic care. As Americans live longer and more individuals are diagnosed with complex conditions like diabetes and peripheral neuropathies, the demand for timely, specialized, and effective rehabilitation continues to rise. Yet many patients still encounter delays in care, inconsistent treatment protocols, and a fragmented system that struggles to provide sustained support, especially in underserved regions.

One of the clearest examples of this disconnect lies in the management of diabetic neuropathy, a complication affecting millions of Americans. While early physical therapy can prevent many of the severe outcomes associated with the condition, including chronic pain, loss of mobility, and even limb amputation, therapists often lack access to updated training or resources to address these issues adequately. At the same time, rare but devastating conditions like Hansen’s disease have seen a reemergence in select areas, highlighting broader gaps in clinical readiness and public health education. These challenges, compounded by a projected national shortage of physical therapists in orthopedic and trauma specialties, represent a complex and growing problem.

In response to these needs, Mobility Consulting LLC will enter the healthcare consulting landscape with a focused mission: to strengthen the clinical capacity of physical therapy professionals through structured mentorship, case consulting, continuing education, and the development of evidence-based protocols. While the company is newly formed and not yet operational, its vision is clear. Rather than offering direct patient care, Mobility Consulting aims to support the professionals who do, ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and confidence required to manage complex cases with consistency and compassion.

The company’s strategic focus on orthopedic and neuropathic rehabilitation reflects an awareness of both public health urgency and systemic gaps in care delivery. By promoting early intervention, knowledge-sharing, and the standardization of clinical approaches, Mobility Consulting is poised to offer meaningful contributions not only to individual therapists and clinics, but also to national efforts in disability prevention and healthcare cost reduction. Its services are expected to be delivered through a mix of virtual and in-person formats, tailored to both individual practitioners and institutional clients across the country.

Behind the initiative is Érika Orlandi do Amor Divino, a seasoned physical therapist whose nearly two-decade career spans both public hospitals and private practice. Since earning her physiotherapy degree in 2005 and completing a postgraduate specialization in orthopedics and traumatology, she has dedicated herself to advancing care for patients with musculoskeletal and neurological impairments. Her most recent role at a public hospital involved rehabilitation for individuals affected by Hansen’s disease, a population often overlooked in traditional clinical settings. There, she focused on assessment, treatment, orthotic design, and disability prevention, while also training other healthcare professionals on best practices. It was this combination of clinical immersion and mentorship that laid the groundwork for her vision of a consultancy focused on systemic improvement.

“There are so many cases where disability could be avoided if physical therapists had the right guidance earlier,” Divino explained. “My goal is to create a framework of support that lifts the standard of care, so that professionals do not feel isolated when facing difficult cases and patients do not fall through the cracks.”

Mobility Consulting intends to operate from its headquarters in Miami, Florida, but its long-term ambition reaches far beyond the state’s borders. As the company grows, it plans to support national continuing education efforts, assist in protocol adoption for clinical networks, and offer scalable mentorship solutions that directly address the U.S. labor shortage in physical therapy. In doing so, it aligns with broader health policy goals: expanding access to specialized care, reducing the need for invasive procedures, and improving long-term recovery outcomes.

The firm’s future offerings, ranging from capacity-building workshops to diagnostic consulting, are expected to help practitioners stay aligned with emerging research while reinforcing patient-centered communication and interdisciplinary teamwork. These elements are especially critical in high-burden specialties, where burnout, staffing limitations, and inconsistent training often interfere with care quality.

As the U.S. healthcare system continues to grapple with the consequences of chronic disease and aging populations, the emergence of organizations like Mobility Consulting offers a forward-thinking response. With its foundation in clinical rigor, education, and advocacy, the company aspires to build not just a business, but a movement toward more equitable, effective, and preventive rehabilitation care across the country.