Meet Julian: The Heart Behind First Gen Physical Therapy at Avalon Park Gym
Community Feature | March 2026
There are practitioners, and then there are people who truly pour themselves into their work. Julian, the founder of First Gen Physical Therapy and resident physical therapist at Avalon Park Gym, is undeniably the latter. With over a decade of experience, a philosophy rooted in deep human connection, and a name that carries the weight of family legacy, Julian is redefining what physical therapy looks like — one patient, one movement, and one community at a time.
From Miami to Avalon Park: A Journey Built on Purpose
Julian’s path into physical therapy began at the University of Central Florida before he earned his degree from the University of Miami in 2012 — Go Canes. Since then, his practice has been firmly grounded in orthopedic and sports physical therapy, a background that perfectly complements his current home inside Avalon Park Gym.
But First Gen Physical Therapy is more than a private practice. It is a tribute.
“The name First Gen Physical Therapy actually has a lot of meaning,” Julian shared. “Both my parents were born in Panama, so I am a first generation American. The name comes from that.” He continued, “The practice started after my father passed away. He really encouraged me to go out, try new things, and take risks. So I started this practice with him in mind — First Gen. Don’t be afraid. Take risks. Provide a better product for people so they can enjoy health, wellness, and everything physical therapy has to offer.”
That spirit of courage and legacy lives in everything Julian does.
Why Avalon Park?
Long before Julian officially set up his practice inside Avalon Park Gym, he had his eye on this community. Years ago, while working for a previous company, he conducted a lecture series in Avalon Park and was immediately struck by the energy here.
“I always had this community spotlighted in my mind as a place to build a practice,” he said. “The community is very welcoming, very engaged in health, wellness, and fitness — whether it be for the body or the mind. I felt like starting a private practice more catered towards people who really wanted to get better would be a good fit. And thus far, it has been.”
Now fully embedded in Avalon Park Gym as a full-time resident, Julian has found the gym setting to be the ideal environment for the kind of physical therapy he believes in most. “We have a private room, but then we have access to the gym and all the equipment it offers,” he explained. “It’s a beautiful relationship — a level of privacy, but also everything needed for people to truly get back to the gym.” Julian hears it all the time from patients who went through traditional rehab but never made it back to squatting with a barbell or lifting the weights they once did. “I would like to not discharge you from rehab until we’ve really checked all the boxes and gotten you back to where you were before.”
A Practice Built Around the Individual
Julian’s approach is anything but cookie-cutter. His 60-minute sessions begin with hands-on work — stretching, massage, and manual techniques — before moving into the gym for functional exercise. He typically sees four to five patients per day, but what sets his practice apart is the depth of care he brings to each one.
“What kind of music do you like?” is a question every single one of his patients will hear. “It’s simple, but it’s a very easy way to connect with people,” he explained. “If you’re going to be with a therapist for 45 minutes to an hour, I like to put on music that you want to hear. It introduces me to what you like and gives us a chance to share something important to you.”
That intentionality extends to every aspect of his work. He learns what has worked for each patient and what has not, customizing his approach every step of the way. His clients span a remarkable range — from teenage soccer players on the Timber Creek soccer team to patients well into their 80s. “The skill in being a physical therapist is being able to take movement and assign it to what that individual can do,” he said. “It really is about scalability.”
When one of his patients — a total knee replacement recipient living nearby — suffered a fall right before a scheduled appointment, Julian didn’t hesitate. He took his practice directly to the patient’s home for two weeks of in-home therapy. “The beauty of private practice is I can customize it to whatever the actual person wants and needs.”
Collaboration Is Key
Julian is a firm believer that great outcomes don’t happen in isolation. His relationship with Dennis Moreto, the head trainer at Avalon Park Gym, is a cornerstone of how he operates. “We speak consistently about the patients and clients we share,” Julian said. “I’m a big believer in collaboration.” That seamless bridge between physical therapy and fitness training ensures clients get a complete, connected experience from rehabilitation all the way back to peak performance.
Taking It to the Class Floor
In addition to his one-on-one practice, Julian teaches boot camp fitness classes at Avalon Park Gym — high-energy, circuit-based sessions that bring his physical therapy philosophy to a wider audience.
“It’s not something I originally set out to do,” he admitted, “but there was an opportunity and I took it, and I’m so glad I did.” His classes are built on the same foundation as his therapy work — functional movement, impeccable form, intentional coaching. “I’m big on form, big on cueing, big on coaching and teaching. If I can give what I give as a physical therapist to more people in a class setting, I want to do it.”
Rooted in the Community
Julian’s presence in Avalon Park reaches well beyond the walls of the gym. He regularly participates in community events, conducting injury screenings and guided stretching sessions throughout the area. He will soon be on site at a community pickleball tournament, offering injury screenings and stretching guidance for participants.
“Being present, being available, letting people know I’m here — that’s how I stay connected,” he said.
Who Is Julian Outside the Gym?
When Julian steps away from the clinic and the class floor, life is wonderfully full. He plays recreational soccer at So 5 in Lake Nona, is deeply involved in his church, and is a devoted husband and father of three. “Life is very busy,” he said with a laugh.
But in everything — the soccer field, the church, the therapy room, the boot camp class — you will find the same Julian: someone driven by purpose, shaped by family, and committed to helping people live and move better.
This March, as Avalon Park celebrates multicultural heritage and the richness of our diverse community, it feels fitting to spotlight a man whose very name honors where he came from and who raised him. First Gen Physical Therapy is not just a practice. It is a promise, kept every single day.
To connect with Julian and First Gen Physical Therapy see below
🌐 Website www.firstgenpt.com
📅 Book an Appointment firstgenpt.janeapp.com
📸 Instagram @firstgenpt
📍 Location 12001 Avalon Lake Dr, Suite M-P, Orlando, FL 32828 (Inside Avalon Park Gym & Wellness Center)
📞 Phone (407) 845-9665
📧 Email info@firstgenpt.com
