Alison Austin

Alison Austin is a Physical Therapist registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Largo, FL, and is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. General physical therapists are your primary partners in preventive care, collaborating to create long-term health plans, coordinating screenings, and restoring movement and function, guiding you through injury rehabilitation and empowering you to maintain optimal wellness for life.

Dr. Alison Austin is a physical therapist in Largo, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. She focuses on empowering all ages to take an active role in their long-term health, creating a supportive environment where patients feel understood and heard. She works with patients to develop personalized plans, addressing both immediate needs and long-term wellness goals. Patients should call (727) 596-2101 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Alison Austin provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Alison Austin is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Alison Austin can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Alison Austin provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Myelomalacia: Early intervention for myelomalacia, often through physical therapy, is key to managing symptoms, slowing progression, and maintaining mobility.
• Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: Avascular necrosis in the hip joint, if caught early, can often be successfully managed with physical therapy and lifestyle changes to preserve mobility and prevent disability, making prevention paramount.
• Knock Knees: Preventing the progression of knock knees is important to avoid excessive strain on your knees and potentially serious complications; early intervention can prevent long-term damage.
• Bracheal Plexus Birth Injuries: Managing brachial plexus birth injuries through prompt physical therapy and appropriate interventions helps prevent chronic pain and functional limitations in the affected arm and shoulder.
• Cerebral Palsy: Proactive management of cerebral palsy through physical therapy and other therapies helps children maintain or improve their movement, coordination, and functional skills, leading to better quality of life.
• Foot Fracture: A foot fracture, or broken bone in your foot, can be prevented by wearing supportive footwear and taking precautions to avoid falls, thus minimizing the risk of long-term mobility issues.
• Joint Stiffness: Joint stiffness, if caught early, can be managed to prevent the development of more serious mobility issues and improve your quality of life.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Alison Austin offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Lymphedema Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better health: Lymphedema therapy helps detect and manage fluid buildup, reducing your risk of long-term complications.
• Soft Tissue Massage: Take a proactive step towards better mobility and prevent future pain by scheduling a soft tissue massage to release tension and improve flexibility.
• Myofascial Release Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better mobility by trying myofascial release therapy; it helps identify and treat restrictions in your fascia, improving flexibility and reducing pain.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Post-surgical rehabilitation helps you regain strength and mobility after surgery, speeding your recovery and reducing the risk of complications.
• Mindfulness Meditation: By practicing mindfulness meditation, you can cultivate better body awareness, leading to earlier detection of subtle pain or stiffness that might indicate a developing problem.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation using hyaluronate is a preventative step that involves injecting a substance to replenish the joint's natural fluid, reducing friction and pain for improved mobility.
• Spinal Nerve Block: To prevent long-term disability, a spinal nerve block can help identify the specific nerves causing pain, enabling prompt and effective physical therapy.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Physical Therapies in Florida.

Dr. Alison Austin is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• A patient, proactively engaging with physical therapy, learned strategies to manage potential myelomalacia symptoms, fostering a sense of empowerment and peace of mind about their future mobility. Early intervention empowered them to maintain a high quality of life.
• By proactively addressing potential risk factors and following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing avascular necrosis, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered them to confidently manage their long-term health.
• A young athlete, through proactive physical therapy, successfully managed the development of knock knees, preventing future knee pain and ensuring continued athletic performance. Early intervention allowed them to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Physical Therapy care with Dr. Alison Austin:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to prevent injuries, manage pain, and restore function after illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Alison Austin will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This is the starting point for creating a completely personalized prevention and recovery plan.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

Yes, in many cases. Physical therapy can be as effective as surgery for conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

Yes, physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. While it can't reverse the arthritis, a targeted exercise program from Dr. Alison Austin can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

I have pain at my desk job. Can you provide ergonomic advice?

Yes, absolutely. Preventing workplace injuries is a key part of physical therapy. Dr. Alison Austin can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Alison Austin to address pain and improve movement. Techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization help restore joint motion, reduce pain, and prepare the body for therapeutic exercise.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled technique where a physical therapist inserts a thin needle into a muscle "trigger point" to release tension and relieve pain. It's based on Western anatomy and physiology, different from acupuncture, and can be a helpful tool to accelerate your recovery.

I'm having joint replacement surgery. When should I start PT?

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery, helping speed your recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, rebuild strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. Dr. Austin's team will work closely with you to create a personalized plan.

14280 Walsingham Rd
Largo FL 33774
Phone: (727) 596-2101

Alison Austin is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1689458697

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Physical Therapies like Dr. Alison Austin are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your physical therapy about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.