Home - RAM Performance and Rehab

At RAM Performance and Rehab, you are the center of our mission.

Here at RAM Performance and Rehab, we look at movement though a unique lens. We believe that sport and everyday performance does not happen through a one-size-fits all approach. Instead, by using movement assessments and addressing the body as a whole, we can address your deficiencies and get you to perform at your best.

The staff here is focused on providing exceptional care and combining education, research, and RESULTS, in hopes of changing your view of performance and wellness.

Prioritize your healing. Perform at your peak.

Give us a call: 407-625-1190

Or send us an Email!

Our Philosophy

After more than twenty years of working with orthopedic populations, especially athletes of all skill levels, I have seen a disconnect between the rehabilitation professional, strength coach, and position/player coach. The typical, too-often scenario is the patient suffers injury, gets mediocre or shortened therapy, participates in a strength and conditioning program that is not preventative in nature or creates movement dysfunction, and returns to sport when not ready. This results in a vicious cycle of injury, return to sport, and re-injury. One of the main predictors of future injury is previous injury and pain. Addressing total body movement dysfunction is integral to not only injury prevention but also indirectly improving performance. In many cases as well, what the general population considers aging, is most often decay. Other cultures around the world move at a high level without the typical degenerative diseases we suffer from in this country. Nutrition has an impact on function, but the ability to move well and move often creates the perfect marriage.

Our Services

Physical Therapy

At RAM Performance & Rehab, each patient has a specific treatment plan of care designed after thorough evaluation addressing the body as a whole. Our treatment plans may include:

Soft Tissue Massage/Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Dry Needling
Shockwave Therapy
Bio-Electrical-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER)
Red Light Bed and Mats
Cold Plunge
Infrared Sauna
Alter-G for weight bearing restrictions
Cryotherapy (available on-site/additional cost)

Sports Performance and Training

Each client undergoes a movement assessment and we develop a program based on your goals as well as your current movement competency. This program will aim at mitigating any dysfunctions and optimizing your performance while playing your sport or going about daily tasks. We have a proven track record of improving strength, speed, power, agility, and resiliency. We offer training for individuals, small groups, and sports teams.

Proteus 3D Motion

Recently, we have added a piece of revolutionary equipment called the Proteus. Unlike a classic cable stack or Keiser, this device provides constant resistance in all planes of motion (equivalent to moving in water), making it practical for rotational and niche movements. Proteus also has performance testing features that can track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) during every test and show improvements over time. This machine can be used for any individual with any skill level. Especially for baseball players, the Proteus has been shown to improve exit velocity, swing and pitching speed in just months.

Meet Our Team

RAM Performance and Rehab is owned and operated by Alex and Leslee Mendez

Alex Mendez

Founder/Head Physical Therapist

Alex has been practicing physical therapy since 1987 with all but four years in orthopaedics and sports medicine. Alex was blessed to have the opportunity to attend an Functional Movement Screen (FMS) course early in his career that fundamentally changed the way he practiced. He realized that movement competency, not looking at individual body parts, was the key to not only rehabbing but also to training and sports performance durability. Attempting to build fitness and performance on mobility or stability deficits will, long term, create dysfunction not performance. Alex has taken a very comprehensive approach to his treatment and has been a certified FMS, SMFA, Ybalance, Olympic Certified Weightlifting Coach, TPI level 1, and Certified Speed Coach. He uses the Regional Interdependence Model when rehabbing using manual techniques (mobilization, physical therapy manipulation, massage, corrective exercise, and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)).

Alex has had the opportunity to work closely with Coach Tom Shaw and his strength staff at ESPN Wide World of Sports for the past twelve years treating many top round NFL recruits. He has also provided concierge treatment and training to numerous NFL, MLB, PGA, and Olympic track and field athletes. He also has many years of experience treating general orthopaedic patients, including high school and collegiate athletes and teams.

He has been a keynote speaker at various orthopaedic conferences over the years, including for Florida Hospital and Orlando Orthopaedic Center. He is currently a doctoral candidate with an anticipated DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) in 2019.

Leslee Mendez

Founder/VP of Operations

Leslee Mendez, MA earned her Masters of Arts in Physical Education/Sports and Fitness from the University of Central Florida. While at UCF, Leslee was an adjunct professor and graduate assistant, implementing various fitness and sports related curricula. Leslee has taught Physical Education since 2005 in both the public and private sectors. Some of her flagship accomplishments are co-developing Seminole County’s virtual school PE curricula and earning special grant funding for fitness programs. She has previous experience as the V.P. of Operations for GeoFitness and as Director of Aquatics and Fitness at Tuscawilla Country Club in central Florida. In addition to publishing several articles regarding the connection between physical activity and academic performance, Leslee has also been a keynote presenter at various sports and fitness conferences. Portions of her physical education programs have been featured on local news stations. She has participated in numerous marathons, triathlons, and other road races, as well as having held a Personal Trainer Certificate.

Leslee is married to Alex Mendez. When Leslee is not working at RAM Performance & Rehab or teaching students how to stay fit both physically and spiritually, she enjoys watching their three little ones.

What People Are Saying

Alex has helped me in rehabilitating my hip injury, and has also helped me strengthen my overall fitness with functional, pain free movement. He genuinely cares about your overall well-being. His knowledge of how the body works and how to help you is top notch

Andy Hess - Golfer

As an athlete who has seen many physical therapists throughout my career, Alex is truly one of the best. His approach not only addresses the symptoms of your issue, but he ensures you receive treatment that will also address the root of the problem. After being diagnosed with a stress fracture in my femur, I trusted Alex with my recovery and rehab and a few months later went on to win a silver medal at the Pan American Games. Alex is truly a leader in his field; I would highly recommend his services

Sarah Wells - Canadian Olympic Hurdler

Working with Alex prior to the NFL combine was the extra edge I needed to feel the most prepared to perform at my best. He has an ability to find your imbalances and then correct them using functional movement and core stability along with other methods that really works.

Will Dissly - Seattle Seahawks, NFL and former Washington Husky

Not only did I get my knee right, I also gained a lifelong friend throughout the process. BLESS.

Kenny Shaw - Saskatchewan Roughriders, Canadian Football League (CFL) and former Florida State Seminole

Alex Mendez is one of the most knowledgeable physical therapists I know. As a former college athlete having multiple chronic issues as I’ve aged and continue to be as physically active as possible, Alex has taught me a variety of functional skills and exercises that have dramatically improved my conditions. He not only helps the athlete recover from injury, but he educates the athlete in order to prevent further injury. As a volleyball player and coach I have and will continue to refer athletes to Alex because of his vast knowledge of treatment options, his ability to challenge athletes to grow and perform better, and his wisdom in treating the individual and not just the injury.

Hollie Benjumea - Assistant Athletic Director, Director of Volleyball, Varsity Volleyball Head Coach with 10 career district championships

As a multi-sport athlete for over 25 years I’ve had my share of injuries. Unfortunately, dysfunctional compensation patterns that I developed over the years as a result, accompanied by an untimely running injury, found me in chronic pain for several years. Having worked with Alex off and on over the past 15 years I knew I could rely on his unmatched knowledge and expertise of sport performance and rehab to correct my dysfunctional patterns and restore my bio mechanics so that I could live pain free and continue to enjoy my passion for sports and adventure. I soon found myself traversing the Grand Canyon from Rim to Rim and several months later standing on the top spot of the podium in an Xterra off-road triathlon. I continue to work regularly with Alex in order to maintain functional bio-mechanics for increased stamina and longevity so I can stay at the top of my game.

Alex is passionate about helping his athletes achieve optimal performance and combines his experience working with top performers with the best techniques and proven approaches to individualize a comprehensive progression that is specific to your current needs and future goals.