Arlene Sotolongo, PT

Arlene Sotolongo, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Naples, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health. 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. Arlene PT's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Naples, FL, she is committed to providing exceptional, individualized care, focusing on the prevention of future issues. Patients should call (236) 352-9884 to confirm if Dr. Arlene PT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Arlene PT provides consultations primarily in English. She understands the importance of proactive health management and is committed to working alongside her patients to achieve their individual wellness goals. Her focus on preventive care extends beyond immediate injury or ailment, encompassing the holistic promotion of physical well-being throughout life.

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

• Complications of Joint Prosthesis: Understanding the potential complications of joint replacement surgery, such as infection or loosening, helps you proactively manage your recovery and prevent long-term problems.
• Familial Joint Laxity: Loose joints due to heredity (familial joint laxity) can lead to chronic pain and instability; early intervention through physical therapy and targeted exercises can significantly improve joint support and function.
• Contracture: Addressing contractures early, through physical therapy and targeted exercises, helps preserve your joint health and keeps you actively enjoying your favorite activities.
• Spinal Compression Fracture: A spinal compression fracture, a break in one of your vertebrae, can be prevented by maintaining strong bones through regular exercise and a healthy diet, reducing your risk of falls, and early detection through regular bone density screenings.
• Sacral Fracture: Protecting your bones through regular exercise and a healthy diet can significantly reduce your risk of a sacral fracture and the long-term complications associated with this injury.
• Charcot Disease: Charcot disease can lead to significant foot deformities, but with careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and proactive foot care, especially for those with diabetes, its progression and severe complications can often be avoided.
• Lumbar Herniated Disc: Early intervention with physical therapy after a lumbar disc herniation diagnosis is key to reducing pain, improving mobility, and preventing the need for surgery.

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. Arlene PT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: To proactively maintain healthy joint function, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate injections lubricate and cushion the joint, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Psychoeducation: Empower yourself with knowledge: psychoeducation helps you understand your pain and develop effective self-management techniques for long-term well-being.
• Trigger Point Acupuncture: Take a proactive step towards pain-free movement by using trigger point acupuncture to identify and treat muscle knots that may lead to injury.
• Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal: Protect your mobility and prevent future problems by using musculoskeletal ultrasound to screen for conditions like tendonitis, muscle tears, and other musculoskeletal issues.
• Dry Needling: Take a proactive role in your health by using dry needling to address muscle imbalances and pain, helping you to restore normal movement patterns and preventing recurring issues.
• Sports Rehabilitation: Prevent long-term damage and enhance athletic abilities through early intervention and targeted treatment with sports rehabilitation.
• Non-Cosmetic Botox® Injection: As part of your injury rehabilitation, non-cosmetic Botox® injections offer a targeted treatment option to reduce muscle spasticity and promote functional recovery.

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. Arlene 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 diligently following the physical therapist's guidance on exercises and precautions, a patient significantly reduced the risk of complications after joint replacement surgery, ensuring a smoother recovery and greater peace of mind.
• Recognizing the hereditary predisposition to joint laxity, a family proactively sought physical therapy. Through targeted exercises and guidance, they significantly reduced the risk of chronic pain and maintained healthy joint function.
• By engaging in a proactive physical therapy program, a patient successfully mitigated the risk of contractures, preserving joint mobility and ensuring continued participation in their favorite 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. Arlene PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

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

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Arlene PT will be a comprehensive assessment. She 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 feel dizzy and off-balance. Can a physical therapist help?

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Arlene PT can help. Many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation and can treat common causes of dizziness, such as BPPV, with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises, reducing the risk of falls.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Arlene PT's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

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

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

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

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Arlene PT can perform a functional movement screen to identify potential injury risks, such as muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to strengthen these areas and prevent future injuries.

5263 Golden Gate Pkwy Ste E
Naples FL 34116
Phone: (236) 352-9884

Arlene Sotolongo, 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): 1225063803

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. Arlene 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.