Catalina Florez, MPT

Catalina Florez, MPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Miami Lakes, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Catalina MPT understands 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. Catalina MPT is a physical therapist in Miami Lakes, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her focus on prevention emphasizes proactive strategies for maintaining optimal physical function and well-being throughout life. To confirm Dr. Catalina MPT's availability for new patients, please call (305) 364-0969. Dr. Catalina MPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Tennis elbow pain can be managed effectively with preventative strategies, including proper warm-up routines, strengthening exercises, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on your elbow joint.
• Ankle Fracture Repair: Ankle fracture repair focuses on restoring your ankle's function after a break, preventing long-term mobility issues and improving your overall quality of life.
• Knee Ligament Injuries: Properly managing a knee ligament injury promptly minimizes the chance of developing chronic pain, instability, and arthritis, thereby preserving your mobility.
• Car Accident Injuries: Protecting yourself from the lasting effects of car accident injuries starts with prompt assessment and rehabilitation to restore movement and function.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease: Intervertebral disc disease, often affecting the spine, can be managed through proactive measures like maintaining good posture and core strength to prevent further damage and pain.
• Wrist Pain: Understanding the risks of wrist injuries, such as repetitive movements, helps you prevent pain and maintain hand mobility.
• Shoulder Instability: Protecting your shoulders from instability starts with understanding your risk factors and taking preventive measures like strengthening exercises to support joint stability.

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

• Orthovisc Injection: For individuals experiencing knee pain, Orthovisc injections offer a proactive approach to restore joint lubrication and reduce the need for more extensive treatments.
• Active Release Technique: Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on treatment that helps identify and release muscle restrictions, improving your movement and preventing future injuries.
• Post-Operative Physical Therapy: Take a proactive step towards a faster recovery: Post-operative physical therapy guides you through exercises to rebuild strength and restore function after your procedure.
• Fire and Sliding Cupping: As a proactive step in your wellness journey, fire and sliding cupping can help relieve muscle stiffness and pain, promoting better movement and preventing future issues.
• Botox® for Cervical Dystonia: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, consider Botox® injections to reduce muscle stiffness and improve the function of your neck and head.
• Carpal Tunnel Injection: Early detection of carpal tunnel syndrome is key; a carpal tunnel injection can assist in diagnosis and initiate prompt treatment to prevent irreversible damage.
• Child Injury Prevention: Invest in your child's health by understanding and implementing strategies to prevent common childhood injuries, ensuring they can move freely and safely.

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. Catalina MPT 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 incorporating a physical therapist's guidance on warm-up routines and strengthening exercises, a patient effectively prevented the onset of tennis elbow, maintaining a pain-free lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured continued enjoyment of activities without the discomfort of this common overuse injury.
• Following a physical therapy program, a patient regained full ankle mobility after a fracture, significantly reducing the risk of future problems and allowing them to resume their active lifestyle with confidence.
• By working with a physical therapist on a proactive strengthening program, a young athlete significantly reduced their risk of knee ligament injuries, allowing them to confidently pursue their favorite sports.

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. Catalina MPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Catalina MPT, 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. Catalina MPT 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 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 as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

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

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Catalina, MPT, 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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Catalina MPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for various conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Catalina, MPT, can help prevent injuries by performing a functional movement screen to identify potential issues like muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program is then created to strengthen these areas and improve form, reducing the risk of future injuries.

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, different from acupuncture, and can be a helpful tool to accelerate your recovery.

15150 Bull Run Rd
Miami Lakes FL 33014
Phone: (305) 364-0969

Catalina Florez, MPT 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): 1831207414

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. Catalina MPT 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.