Health Update: 25 years of communityfirst physical therapy – What Experts Say

Southern Maine Physical Therapy (SMPT) is marking its 25th year of delivering one-on-one personalized patient care — an approach the clinic says is increasingly uncommon in today’s healthcare landscape.

Located at 449 Cottage Road, Southern Maine Physical Therapy (SMPT) has spent a quarter century working alongside local physicians, community partners, and families throughout southern Maine. Owned and operated by Scott and Brenda Ayre, the practice has built its reputation on individualized treatment plans designed around each patient’s specific goals, challenges, and lifestyle.

The Ayres share that they are grateful for the collaboration and trust with area providers over the past 25 years. They credit those partnerships with helping SMPT become known for “exceptional, individualized physical therapy.”

For Scott Ayre, the milestone carries personal significance. He grew up in the same South Portland neighborhood where the clinic now operates. That connection, the family says, shapes SMPT’s culture — one centered on warmth, accessibility, and community involvement, including support for local schools and outreach efforts.

At the heart of the practice is what the Ayres describe as a “mindful approach” to care. Rather than moving patients through high-volume treatment sessions, SMPT matches each individual with a dedicated therapist who guides them throughout their recovery. The model emphasizes education as well as treatment, helping patients understand the source of their pain or injury while combining evidence-based physical therapy with customized rehabilitation plans.

In an era when many clinics rely on group treatment or rotating providers, SMPT says consistency matters. Working with the same therapist from evaluation through discharge can support stronger outcomes and a more personal, supportive experience — whether a patient is recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, returning to work, or getting back to sports.

The practice recently added new staff members.

Darren Shi, DPT, joined the practice with a focus on orthopedic care. Certified in dry needling and offering advanced running analysis, Shi is currently pursuing board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), with plans to sit for the examination in March. The OCS designation, granted by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, recognizes advanced knowledge and extensive clinical experience in musculoskeletal care. Scott Ayre has also held the OCS credential for 13 years.

Richelle Sipiora, PT, brings 43 years of experience to the clinic, with expertise in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, movement disorders, and muscle imbalances.

Abi McGovern, DPT, a graduate of Husson University, has joined the team with interests in vestibular and TMJ rehabilitation and is continuing to expand her clinical skill set.

Continuing education remains a core expectation at SMPT. Therapists complete two to three advanced courses each year to stay current with evolving research and treatment techniques — a commitment the owners say reflects their broader investment in quality, long-term patient outcomes.

Beyond clinical care, SMPT has also been active in advocacy efforts at the state level. Scott Ayre has worked with the Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services in Augusta on issues related to fair insurance negotiations — a topic the clinic says can directly impact the ability of independent practices to maintain individualized, patient-centered care.

After 25 years, the Ayres say their mission remains simple: provide thoughtful, one-on-one physical therapy in a setting where patients feel known, supported, and understood.

Southern Maine Physical Therapy can be reached at 207-799-9700 or online at www.smpt.biz.

This article is sponsored by Southern Maine Physical Therapy.