Amy Fitzgerald, PT

Amy Fitzgerald, PT is a Physical Therapy provider dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Shalimar, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. She serves all ages.

Dr. Amy PT is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Shalimar, FL, she understands the importance of proactive care in preventing future issues and works diligently to create personalized plans tailored to each individual's needs. To confirm if Dr. Amy PT is currently accepting new patients, please call (850) 609-2550. Dr. Amy PT provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Amy PT 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. Amy PT 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. Amy PT 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:

• Spina Bifida Occulta: Spina bifida occulta, a minor spinal abnormality, highlights the value of preventive healthcare; routine checkups and lifestyle adjustments can mitigate any potential future health challenges.
• Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury: Early detection of spinal issues, even minor ones, is crucial for preventing a lumbar spinal cord injury and preserving your overall spinal health.
• Toe Injuries: Early detection of toe injuries, like sprains or fractures, is crucial for minimizing pain and ensuring swift recovery, preventing chronic discomfort.
• Wrist Osteophyte: Protecting your wrists from overuse and repetitive strain can help prevent the formation of osteophytes and maintain their mobility for years to come.
• Arthritis of the Wrist: Wrist arthritis can be managed effectively through physical therapy, reducing pain and preserving your ability to perform everyday tasks, thus enhancing your quality of life.
• Shoulder Osteophyte: Shoulder osteophytes, or bone spurs, can develop silently, emphasizing the importance of regular checkups to catch them early and prevent limited shoulder movement or pain.
• Benign Positional Vertigo: Managing BPV through simple maneuvers helps maintain balance and prevents further complications like anxiety or fear of falls, significantly improving 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. Amy PT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Insertion: This procedure involves inserting a small pump to deliver pain medication directly to your spinal cord, a proactive step to significantly reduce debilitating pain and enhance your mobility.
• Joint Injection: To proactively address joint pain and stiffness, a joint injection can provide temporary pain relief while we determine the best long-term treatment strategy.
• Tendon and Bursa Injection: As a preventative measure, a tendon and bursa injection helps diagnose and treat the underlying cause of joint pain, potentially avoiding more invasive treatments.
• Non-Opiate Pain Management: Take control of your pain without relying on opioids; we'll explore effective, drug-free methods to manage your discomfort and improve your mobility.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP): Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is a proactive treatment that harnesses your body's natural healing abilities to speed up recovery from injuries and reduce pain by concentrating growth factors in the injured area.
• Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Prevent further decline and enhance your functional abilities after a traumatic brain injury through our personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Facet Blocks: As a preventative measure against chronic back pain, facet blocks can help determine if irritated facet joints are the culprit, allowing for early intervention and preventing long-term disability.

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. Amy PT 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:

• By proactively scheduling regular checkups and incorporating physical therapy into their routine, a family was relieved to learn that their child's spina bifida occulta remained stable, allowing them to feel confident about their child's future health.
• By proactively addressing minor back pain and incorporating a tailored exercise program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a lumbar spinal cord injury, gaining confidence in their long-term spinal health.
• By understanding proper footwear and activity modifications, a patient significantly reduced their risk of toe injuries, ensuring pain-free participation in daily activities.

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. Amy PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to improve quality of life, 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. Amy PT will be a comprehensive assessment. We'll discuss your medical history and goals, followed by 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.

My child seems clumsy or behind in motor skills. Can PT help?

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Amy PT can perform a developmental screening to identify any delays and create a fun, play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. We'll work closely with you to develop a personalized plan.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is the hands-on approach Dr. Amy PT uses to address pain and movement issues. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to improve joint motion, reduce pain, and prepare your body for more effective exercise.

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. Amy PT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Amy PT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and preventing future episodes. A personalized program combining core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics will empower you to manage your pain effectively and improve your overall well-being.

1200 Hawthorn House Dr
Shalimar FL 32579
Phone: (850) 609-2550

Amy Fitzgerald, PT 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): 1295233302

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. Amy PT 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.