Medical Center Area

Dr. Amir S Kazemi PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Vice President and Clinical Director
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Certified Fitness Trainer

Dr. Kazemi participated in many team and individual sports since middle school. However Football and track eventually became his main interests. He played football up to his second year in college and then went on to compete in amateur level physique contests. He has a through knowledge of various types of orthopedic/sports injuries and their rehabilitation needs.

Treatment Philosophy:

A complete and detail physical therapy evaluation is key to obtaining the optimum results. Treatment must be individualized, progressive and evidenced based. There are times when treatment must be rather aggressive while in some cases a more conservative approach is warranted. Ultimately the goal should be to restore strength, flexibility, endurance, power and function within the shortest time period.

Accomplishments and Interests:

Dr. Kazemi has been a clinical professor/adjunct clinical faculty with the physical therapy program at Old Dominion University since 2006. He also provides clinical education for several other physical therapy programs around the United States. He is certified as a clinical instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and also serves as a physical therapy consultant and advisor to the Houston Independent school district.

Professional Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Boston University - Boston, Mass, 2006
• Master of Physical Therapy, Old Dominion University - Norfolk, VA, 1999
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, George Mason University - Fairfax, VA, 1996
• Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, 2004
      American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, 1998
       National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Certified Personal Trainer, 1995
      American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• Certified Clinical Instructor, 2010
      American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association, APTA
      Sections: Orthopedics, Private Practice
• American Academy of Orthopedic Manuel Physical Therapy, AAOMPT
• Texas Physical Therapy Association, TPTA
• National Strength and Conditioning Association, NSCA
• American Council on Exercise, ACE

Dr. Laleh Askari PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Askari participated in female gymnastic and swimming team in elementary school but running became her main interest in high school and college. Her main interest at this time is promoting female fitness and encouraging healthy living.

Treatment Philosophy:

An essential aspect of any physical therapy treatment program is the evaluation. A thorough evaluation is the key to develop an effective physical therapy treatment plan. Dr Askari's treatment philosophy focuses on the patient. The patient's goals, preferred activity level, and prior experiences shape the treatment plan and help to achieve the quickest recovery. Close communication with the referring physician also ensures a comprehensive and effective treatment plan. Though onsite treatment and exercise initiate a return to function, patient education and adherence to a home exercise program are necessary to receive the full benefit of the treatment.

Accomplishments and interests:

Dr. Askari has been a clinical instructor for several physical therapy programs since 2007. She has been a physical therapist at Apex since 2005.

Professional Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman University, Houston, TX, 2009
• Master of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman University, Houston, TX, 2005
• Bachelor of Art in Biology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Clear Lake, TX, 2004

Professional Memberships:

• American Physical Therapy Association, APTA
• Texas Physical Therapy Association, TPTA

Glenda Kneupper, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Glenda has always enjoyed staying fit and playing sports while growing up. She particularly enjoyed participating in basketball, volleyball, dart board games and occasional bowling. She has been working in the orthopedic setting since 2007 and also has an extensive amount of experience in home health and long term care settings as well.

Treatment Philosophy: The physical therapist assistant has a vital role in helping implement the treatment plan designed by the physical therapist. The goal should be to increase the patient's level of mobility and independence by tailoring an individualized treatment plan specific to each patient's goals and abilities. Furthermore, the emotional state of the patient can highly affect his or her well being and therefore, needs to be considered.

Professional Education:

• Associate in Applied Science, Houston Community College College, Aug 1996