Candace Crittenden

Candace Crittenden is a Physical Therapist 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 is a valued partner in preventive health at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. Her practice focuses on the crucial role of prevention in overall well-being, recognizing general physical therapists as primary partners in creating long-term health plans, coordinating screenings, and restoring movement and function. She guides patients through injury rehabilitation and empowers them to maintain optimal wellness for life, serving all ages.

Dr. Candace Crittenden's approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, emphasizing a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey. As a physical therapist in Gainesville, FL, she understands the importance of proactive strategies to prevent injuries and maintain optimal physical function. This commitment extends to creating personalized plans that address individual needs and goals, fostering a strong patient-therapist partnership. Patients should call (352) 373-7984 to confirm if Dr. Candace Crittenden is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Candace Crittenden provides consultations primarily in English. Her dedication to preventive care, coupled with her commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, positions her as a trusted resource for individuals seeking to optimize their physical health and well-being through proactive strategies.

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

• Knee Dislocation: Early detection of knee dislocation symptoms like intense pain and deformity is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure effective, timely treatment that restores knee function and prevents long-term complications.
• Contracture: Early detection of contracture, often indicated by stiffness or limited range of motion, is key to preventing irreversible joint damage and maintaining mobility.
• Spinal Compression Fracture: Protecting your spine from compression fractures involves proactive steps like weight management, regular bone health checkups, and incorporating exercises that strengthen your core muscles to prevent falls and stabilize your spine.
• Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment, Closed: Understanding your risk factors for foot and ankle fractures and taking steps to mitigate them is critical for maintaining mobility and independence throughout your life.
• Coccygeal Pain: Preventing chronic coccydynia starts with understanding its causes and addressing risk factors like poor posture and falls; early physical therapy intervention can help manage pain and restore function.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries: Proper training techniques and injury prevention strategies, including effective warm-ups and conditioning, are vital for safeguarding your ACL and maintaining active mobility.
• Bone Reconstruction Recovery: Proper bone reconstruction recovery, through physical therapy, is crucial for preventing stiffness, restoring function, and ultimately, avoiding the need for further interventions.

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

• Muscle-Testing Electrodiagnosis With Chronaximetry: Protect your body's movement and function with muscle-testing electrodiagnosis; this advanced assessment helps pinpoint muscle imbalances and nerve issues early, potentially avoiding more serious conditions.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Empower yourself after a spinal cord injury with targeted rehabilitation; it's a proactive approach focusing on improving strength, regaining mobility, and enhancing your quality of life.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): As a proactive step in managing your musculoskeletal condition, CBT can help you develop strategies to better manage pain and improve your ability to participate in activities.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation: Strengthen your heart and reduce your risk of future cardiovascular problems by participating in cardiac rehabilitation; it provides guidance and support tailored to your individual needs and recovery goals.
• Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique: Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique is a gentle, hands-on approach to spinal alignment that can help prevent future back pain and improve overall joint mobility.
• Exercise Counseling: Proactive exercise counseling guides you on safe and effective movement to reduce your risk of future injuries and improve your overall fitness.
• Muscle-Testing With Torque Curves During Isometric and Isokinetic Exercise: Proactively safeguard your body's movement and function: this muscle test helps identify and address potential weaknesses before they lead to pain or restricted activity.

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. Candace Crittenden 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 recognizing the early warning signs of knee pain, a patient proactively addressed potential knee dislocation risk, ensuring swift intervention and a full recovery. This proactive approach allowed them to avoid long-term complications and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
• By proactively addressing stiffness and limited range of motion, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing contractures, maintaining their independence and mobility. Early intervention provided peace of mind, allowing them to confidently pursue their desired activities.
• By proactively managing their weight and strengthening core muscles, a patient significantly reduced their risk of spinal compression fractures, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an 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. Candace Crittenden:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They are experts in helping improve quality of life through hands-on care, education, and exercise. PTs help 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. Crittenden will be a comprehensive evaluation. 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Crittenden's physical therapy program focuses on restoring function after stroke. Through specific, repetitive exercises, we help rewire the brain (neuroplasticity), improving walking, balance, and strength. This ultimately maximizes independence and helps prevent falls.

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. Candace Crittenden can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Crittenden's physical therapy helps prevent injuries by identifying muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns through a functional movement screen. A personalized exercise program is then created to correct these issues, proactively strengthening your body and reducing your risk of future problems.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy that treats the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physical therapists to address pain and improve movement. It involves techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and reduce pain. This prepares the body for therapeutic exercises, ultimately improving function.

3919 Newberry Rd Ste 4
Gainesville FL 32607
Phone: (352) 373-7984

Candace Crittenden 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): 1447934112

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. Candace Crittenden 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.