Bridget Swartzel

Bridget Swartzel is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the vital role physical therapists play 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. Bridget Swartzel is a physical therapist in Saint Petersburg, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Her focus is on proactive care, working closely with patients to develop personalized strategies for injury prevention, strength building, and overall well-being. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, recognizing that prevention is key to a fulfilling and healthy life. To confirm if Dr. Swartzel is currently accepting new patients, please call (727) 871-2784. Dr. Bridget Swartzel provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: Lumbosacral radiculopathy, or nerve pain in your lower back and legs, can be prevented by maintaining good posture, strengthening core muscles, and addressing any spinal issues early to avoid long-term disability.
• Joint Disorders: Protecting your joints through regular exercise and healthy weight management can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint disorders later in life.
• Dislocated Joint: Managing a dislocated joint effectively through timely intervention and rehabilitation significantly reduces the likelihood of recurring dislocations and associated chronic pain.
• Partially Dislocated Elbow (Nursemaid Elbow): Preventing future nursemaid's elbow episodes focuses on understanding proper arm-handling techniques and ensuring safe play environments for young children, minimizing the risk of this easily-treatable injury.
• Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair: Proactive injury prevention strategies, such as strengthening exercises and proper conditioning, help reduce the risk of meniscus tears, but if one occurs, arthroscopic repair provides a safe and effective way to preserve knee health.
• Elbow Hyperextension: Protecting your elbows from hyperextension means proactively strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving overall joint stability to avoid future problems.
• Spinal Demyelination: Addressing spinal demyelination through proactive physical therapy can help you manage symptoms, strengthen your muscles, and minimize its long-term impact on your mobility and 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. Bridget Swartzel offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Lymphatic Massage: Lymphatic massage helps improve circulation and reduce swelling, making it a valuable tool for preventing complications from injuries or surgery.
• Ultrasound-Guided Injection: Ultrasound-guided injections precisely target inflamed areas to reduce pain and promote healing, helping you proactively manage your condition and return to your active lifestyle.
• Manipulation Adjustment of Back and Neck: Take a proactive step towards better posture and pain relief with a gentle manipulation and adjustment of your back and neck, helping to identify potential issues early.
• Concussion Treatment: Our concussion treatment helps identify any neurological deficits and guides you through a personalized recovery plan to restore your brain health.
• Pre-Operative Physical Therapy: By strengthening the muscles around your surgical site, pre-operative physical therapy helps minimize post-operative pain and allows for a faster recovery.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments: Proactively safeguard your future with a comprehensive geriatric assessment, designed to identify age-related health concerns and create a tailored strategy for maintaining strength, balance, and overall well-being.
• Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation: Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a procedure that can proactively target and reduce chronic nerve pain, helping you regain your normal movement and function.

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. Bridget Swartzel 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 strengthening core muscles and improving posture, a patient significantly reduced their risk of lumbosacral radiculopathy, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
• By following a personalized exercise program and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing painful joint disorders, enjoying greater mobility and freedom of movement.
• By following a personalized physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future joint dislocations, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy and 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. Bridget Swartzel:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Swartzel will be a comprehensive evaluation. 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 just 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.

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

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Swartzel's physical therapy proactively identifies muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns through a functional movement screen. A personalized exercise program is then created to strengthen these areas and prevent future injuries.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Physical therapy plays a vital role in stroke recovery by helping rewire the brain through specific, repetitive exercises. Our therapists work to improve walking, balance, and strength, maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls. This targeted approach fosters neurological recovery and helps regain lost function.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and prepare you for surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is essential, beginning soon after surgery, to restore joint function, build strength, and optimize the results of your new joint. Our team at Dr. Swartzel's practice will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan for both phases.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Swartzel 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.

5042 42nd St S
Saint Petersburg FL 33711
Phone: (727) 871-2784

Bridget Swartzel 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): 1437831609

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. Bridget Swartzel 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.