Carmen Palacio, PT

Carmen Palacio, PT is a Physical Therapist 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 Doral, 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. Carmen PT is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Doral, FL, she understands the importance of proactive health management, focusing on preventing injuries and promoting well-being. Patients should call (786) 621-7860 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Carmen PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Bunion: Wearing supportive footwear and maintaining a healthy weight are key steps in preventing bunions and reducing the risk of developing this painful foot condition.
• Hand Tendon Injuries: Protecting your hands from tendon injuries starts with understanding the risks and taking preventive measures like proper ergonomics and strengthening exercises to avoid pain and limitations.
• Knee Fracture: Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial in preventing falls and reducing the likelihood of a knee fracture, thereby reducing the need for extensive rehabilitation.
• Adhesive Capsulitis Shoulder: Don't let shoulder stiffness sideline you! Understanding the risk factors for adhesive capsulitis and seeking early intervention with physical therapy can prevent this painful condition.
• Contusion: A contusion, or bruise, is a common injury that can be prevented by taking precautions to avoid falls and impacts, and early detection helps minimize swelling and pain.
• Bunionette: Addressing the underlying causes of a bunionette, such as tight shoes or foot mechanics, can proactively prevent the worsening of the condition and associated pain.
• Osteochondritis Dissecans: Protecting your joints through proper training and avoiding overuse can significantly reduce your risk of developing osteochondritis dissecans, a condition where a bone fragment separates in a joint, causing pain and potentially long-term damage if left untreated.

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

• Core Muscle Endurance Testing: This test evaluates your core's ability to sustain effort, helping you understand your risk for injury and improve your fitness.
• Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal: Take a proactive step toward better musculoskeletal health with musculoskeletal ultrasound—a non-invasive scan that helps us identify and address potential issues before they become major concerns.
• Injection of Tendon: As part of preventing future tendon injuries, an injection can help identify the root cause of your pain and inform a personalized rehabilitation program to improve your movement and prevent further problems.
• Bursa Injection: Bursa injections are a proactive way to address joint pain and inflammation, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions affecting your movement.
• Intersegmental Traction: Intersegmental traction can be a key part of your proactive approach to spine health, allowing us to detect potential issues before they become major problems.
• Lumbar Transforaminal Injection: A lumbar transforaminal injection is a proactive step to pinpoint the source of your lower back pain and potentially reduce the need for surgery.
• Autonomic Testing: This simple test helps detect early signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which can contribute to various health issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious complications.

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. Carmen 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 choosing supportive footwear and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing bunions, ensuring continued comfort and mobility.
• By understanding the risk factors for hand tendon injuries and practicing proper hand ergonomics at work, a patient proactively prevented future pain and limitations, allowing them to maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.
• By engaging in regular strength training and balance exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a knee fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured they could confidently enjoy their daily activities without worry.

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. Carmen PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life through hands-on care, education, and targeted 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. Carmen PT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This evaluation 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, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be just as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that often prevents the need for more invasive procedures.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Carmen PT's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue improving between sessions and prevent the issue from recurring after therapy ends. This program empowers you to actively participate in your healing process.

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

Yes, Dr. Carmen PT is an expert in child development. A developmental screening can identify any delays, and a fun, play-based therapy program can help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence to reach their milestones.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles, which can speed recovery after your joint replacement surgery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical to restoring range of motion, building strength, and ensuring the best possible outcome. Starting soon after surgery will help you regain your strength and independence.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled physical therapy technique where a thin needle is inserted 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 helpful tool to accelerate your recovery.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Carmen 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 to help prevent falls.

4005 NW 114th Ave Unit 20
Doral FL 33178
Phone: (786) 621-7860

Carmen Palacio, 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): 1750400479

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. Carmen 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.