Ashley Ballard

Ashley Ballard is a Physical Therapist registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she recognizes that 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. Ashley Ballard's approach to care emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies for maintaining optimal health. She works closely with patients to develop individualized plans that address their specific needs and goals, focusing on prevention and early intervention. This comprehensive approach encompasses injury rehabilitation, movement restoration, and the creation of long-term wellness strategies. Patients should call (904) 345-8100 to confirm if Dr. Ashley Ballard is currently accepting new patients. She is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dystonia: Understanding your risk factors for dystonia and seeking early intervention through physical therapy can help prevent disability and improve long-term outcomes.
• Wrist Injuries: Protecting your wrists through proper posture and ergonomic practices can prevent painful injuries and keep you moving freely.
• Facet Joint Pain: Understanding your risk factors for facet joint pain—such as poor posture or previous injuries—allows for proactive steps to prevent or mitigate its development.
• 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.
• Runner's Injury: Managing a runner's injury promptly, through physical therapy and rest, helps prevent chronic pain and limitations in mobility.
• Cervical Spondylolisthesis: Understanding your risk factors for cervical spondylolisthesis, such as repetitive neck strain or prior injuries, allows for preventative measures like ergonomic adjustments and targeted exercises to minimize slippage.
• Facet Joint Synovial Cysts: Regular physical therapy, including exercises to strengthen your core and improve spinal flexibility, can help prevent the formation of facet joint synovial cysts and reduce your risk of developing back pain.

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

• Supportive Counseling: Proactive counseling helps you identify and manage stress, anxiety, or depression that may hinder your healing process and participation in physical therapy.
• Thoracic Facet Joint Injection: A thoracic facet joint injection is a proactive step to pinpoint the source of your upper back pain and potentially avoid more invasive treatments.
• Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, potentially easing headaches and promoting overall well-being.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Proactively manage pain and improve mobility by using TENS, a technique that uses low-level electrical currents to ease pain and restore movement.
• Physical Rehabilitation: Proactively address pain and mobility limitations through physical rehabilitation, helping you regain your full functional capacity.
• Cold Laser Therapy: Cold laser therapy uses low-level lasers to promote healing and reduce pain, helping you proactively manage injuries and avoid long-term problems.
• Mobility Exercise: Mobility exercises are a simple yet powerful way to improve your flexibility and balance, significantly reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

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. Ashley Ballard 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:

• Recognizing subtle signs of potential dystonia and engaging in a proactive physical therapy program empowered a family to significantly reduce their risk factors, fostering peace of mind and a positive outlook on their future.
• By focusing on proper posture and ergonomic techniques, a patient significantly reduced their risk of wrist injuries, allowing them to enjoy their daily activities without pain.
• By understanding their posture and potential risks for facet joint pain, a patient proactively implemented preventative strategies, significantly reducing their discomfort and improving their overall well-being.

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. Ashley Ballard:

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 exercise 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. Ballard will be a comprehensive assessment. She will 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. Ashley Ballard can perform a developmental screening to identify any delays and create a play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physical therapists like Dr. Ashley Ballard to address pain and movement issues. Techniques include joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization, helping to reduce pain, improve movement, and prepare the body for exercise.

I feel dizzy and off-balance. Can a physical therapist help?

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Ballard can help. Many 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 to prevent falls.

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, unlike acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles, preparing you for surgery and speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint.

6210 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 345-8100

Ashley Ballard 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): 1720796519

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. Ashley Ballard 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.