AVA Rehab Clinic

We are a small, privately owned, practice that has been serving Lake Wales and the surrounding region for nearly 20 years. AVA Rehab was established in 2002 by Issac Nagib, RPT, who retired after a lifelong of giving all that he has to numerous patients in Polk county and the surrounding region. We take pride in serving every patient as if they were members of our own family. 

Some patients ask if we are owned by other bigger companies (what is known as corporate PT), and the answer is no. The name AVA came from the word ‘Abba’ which is also pronounced ‘AVA’ in Coptic (one of the ancient Egyptian languages), and it is for ‘God the Father’ in the Holy Trinity. Mr. Nagib, as a devout Coptic Christian, named the clinic as such to remind himself and his patients always of the loving care of our heavenly Father, from Whom we all receive our strength and healing. 

Dr. Pola Gayed

Biography: 

Dr. Gayed is a licensed PT in the state of Florida, and has been practicing physical therapy since 2019, treating numerous conditions (e.g. orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological, some vestibular and pelvic floor conditions). He has earned his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2019 and practices physical therapy mainly in Lake Wales and Orlando.

He was born and raised in Egypt until his adolescent years, moved to NY with his family, and settled in central Florida after receiving his bachelor's degree. He was born and raised in a Christian and God loving family. He is very family oriented and happily married. His continuous drive to research for the most up-to-date evidence based practice, combined with his patient-centered care allows him to reach the optimal level of results and outcomes possible.  He is also an Adjunct Professor in the school of health sciences at Webber International University. One of his most unique traits is that he forms all plans of care to the exact needs of each individual; as everyone responds differently to any type of treatment. 

His Care Philosophy?

Everyone is beautifully created in a very unique way, and thus must be treated in a very unique way that is best only for her or him. His passion is to discover what is limiting the mobility of each patient, and help them see the potential they have in them to overcome whatever challenge that may be within the physiotherapy realm. Thankfully we all have this built in system to heal ourselves with very basic means and a strong will. He is here to show you the way and all he asks for is your commitment and trust. He lives and practices by these simple rules: 

  • Treat all patients as he wishes to be treated

  • Treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis

  • Carry Christ healing to as many people as possible

  • Encourage everyone to unleash the power and energy they have to be as independent as possible

  • Everyone deserves to live a pain free life, and to move without limitations 

    Why Did He Become a Physical Therapist?

    After graduating with a bachelor's in Business Administration, he continued to earn a masters' degree in the same field. During his first semester, his mother experienced Bell's palsy (facial paralysis) and needed PT to reserve the function of her facial muscles. His physician highly recommended PT for the treatment of this condition alongside antibiotics. He was so blessed to have found May Khalil, PT, who prescribed his mother a home exercise program which allowed  him to participate in his mother’s plan of care. Helping his mom receive back what she lost from this very simple inflammation allowed him to find something much more satisfying than business school. He knew that this is what he wanted to do and thus he began to prepare for DPT school, and after 8 more years of studying and practicing, under some of the best doctors in Central Florida, he became a licensed physiotherapist in 2019. 

    How Can a Patient Get the Most Out of Seeing Dr. Gayed?

    Be prepared to learn so much about yourself (physically, psychologically, and emotionally). Know that you are much bigger than whatever physical challenge you may be experiencing, and that God intends for you to live your life to the fullest. From experience, the patients who achieve the maximum results are those who are willing to follow every simple advice, comply with each prescription, and communicate with the physio team in every step of the way, so that they may be able to alter the plan of care as needed. 

Front office

Mrs. Ledia Ayad

Mrs. Ayad joined team AVA in 2021, and has been carrying the clinic on her shoulders since then. She is very committed and dedicated to the growth and mission of the clinic, with every patient at the heart of all that she does. Her positive attitude, energy, and encouragement drives everyone in our team (medical and non-medical staff) forward always. She loves what she does and is very much working tirelessly to make your experience as successful and enjoyable as possible. 

Mrs. Haneen Jawad

Mrs. Haneen is the latest addition to our AVA team, and she is our front office secretary. She is a very compassionate person, with much love towards our mission, patients and  physiotherapy. She is a people person and has a very positive personality which beams throughout the office.

Why choose AVA Rehab for your physical rehabilitation needs?

We know that choosing a new PT clinic is not easy. However, we promise to do everything within our power to make you feel right at home. All of our patients are given first a thorough evaluation by the doctor/therapist who monitors your progress every step of the way and is willing to make any necessary alterations to the plan of care to ensure that you meet all your goals, whilst communicating with your referring provider. You will be treated with all the respect and care that you deserve. We promise to explain all treatment options in detail, and to give you time to ask questions. No patient is ever rushed at AVA Rehab. You will feel right at home and that’s a promise. Our slogan ‘absolute movement’ stems from our belief that physiotherapy, alongside the treatments necessary by other medical providers, should and can give you the absolute limitless movement you deserve to carry on your mission in life and enjoy every bit of it.