Payton Lima, PT, DPT, MDNC

Payton Lima, PT, DPT, MDNC, is a physical therapist at Reform Physical Therapy’s Yarmouth clinic. She provides personalized, movement-based care focused on helping individuals recover from injury, improve performance, and return to the activities they love.

With a background as a dancer, gymnast, and elite-level cheerleader, Payton understands firsthand the physical demands placed on the body during training, competition, and everyday movement. These experiences inspired her passion for physical therapy and shaped her commitment to helping patients recover, prevent future injuries, and continue doing what they enjoy most.

Personalized Physical Therapy Care in Yarmouth

Payton earned her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health from the University of Tampa in 2019, where she competed as a Division II collegiate cheerleader. She later completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in May 2022.

Her unique combination of athletic experience and clinical knowledge allows her to connect with patients and understand their goals on a deeper level. Whether someone is returning to competitive athletics, recovering from surgery, or looking to move with less pain, Payton creates individualized treatment plans focused on long-term success.

Payton has a special interest in working with athletes, especially those involved in dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, and skiing. However, she enjoys treating patients of all ages, backgrounds, and activity levels. From helping a skier return to the mountain to supporting someone through everyday mobility challenges, her goal is to help each patient feel confident and capable.

Her treatment style is active, encouraging, and collaborative. Payton believes in working alongside her patients throughout the recovery process, often demonstrating exercises herself to help motivate, educate, and create a positive rehabilitation experience.

Life Outside the Clinic

Outside the clinic, Payton enjoys embracing everything Maine has to offer. She loves hiking with her dog, skiing at Sugarloaf, riding her Peloton, and spending time relaxing at Lake Winnipesaukee.

When she is not staying active outdoors, Payton enjoys cooking homemade meals and spending quality time with family and friends.

Education

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• MGH Institute of Health Professions
• Bachelor of Science in Allied Health
• University of Tampa

Clinical Interests

• Sports Injury Rehabilitation
• Dance Rehabilitation
• Gymnastics Rehabilitation
• Cheerleading Injuries
• Ski Injury Rehabilitation
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Knee Rehabilitation
• Injury Prevention
• Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation
• Strength and Conditioning
• Functional Movement Training
• Manual Therapy
• Dry Needling
• Movement Assessment
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Patient Education

Advanced Training & Continuing Education

Payton is committed to expanding her knowledge through advanced education in sports rehabilitation, movement assessment, pain science, and evidence-based treatment techniques.

• Master Dry Needling Level 2
• Inflammation and Its Impact on Performance and Chronic Disease
• Dry Needling Level 1 – Structure & Function
• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization 1 – Prague School
• ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Best Practices
• Movement System: Assessment and Treatment of Knee Pain
• Warning Signs, Perception, and Peculiarities of Pain
• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): Lower Quarter

Helping You Return Stronger

Whether you’re an athlete returning to competition, recovering from an injury, or working toward moving better in your everyday life, Payton is dedicated to helping you reach your goals.

Through personalized treatment plans, evidence-based care, and an encouraging approach, she helps patients build confidence, restore movement, and return to the activities that matter most.