Michael Amato, PT, DPT

I chose to become a physical therapist because it combines my interest in wellness/exercise with helping patients navigate challenging periods in their life due to pain and/or injury. I believe that a strong patient-clinician relationship is built by mutual trust, open communication, and collaborative goal setting. I utilize exercise and movement to facilitate recovery and increase patients’ participation in their valued activities. When I am not at work, I enjoy going on walks, being in nature, spending time with my partner, and exploring new cities.

I am interested in sports medicine and orthopedic trauma. I have worked across the country in both the acute and outpatient settings, and love seeing the process of broken to healed. I played field hockey in college and still love playing in a local adult league. I also love working out and running and hanging out with my husband and son.

I chose to become a physical therapist because I had a desire to work closely with patients and help them reach their desired goals. I love connecting with people and learning about what they want to accomplish so that I can use my love of exercise and anatomy to put together a game plan that increases their confidence and quality of life. My approach to care is to make my patients feels as comfortable as they can around me through supportive and open communication. I love for patients to open up to me so I understand what will make their therapy successful in the long run to prevent them from ever having to come back to physical therapy. When I am not at work, I love to weightlift, read a new book, spend time with family and friends, try new restaurants and bars in the Triangle area, and watch any and every sport.