Catherine Kent

Catherine Kent is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices at her clinic in Temple Terrace, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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. Dr. Kent's approach to care is grounded in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages. Please call (813) 542-2605 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Catherine Kent is a physical therapist in Temple Terrace, FL, committed to the proactive management of health. Her practice prioritizes preventive care, recognizing the vital role of physical therapy in maintaining optimal function and well-being. She works collaboratively with patients to develop personalized plans that address individual needs, focusing on restoring movement, preventing injuries, and promoting long-term wellness. This approach extends beyond immediate treatment, encompassing lifestyle adjustments and strategic screenings to support overall health. While Dr. Catherine Kent provides consultations primarily in English, her dedication to patient empowerment and effective communication ensures a clear understanding of care plans for all patients.

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

• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: While seronegative rheumatoid arthritis doesn't have a clear cause, understanding your risk factors and seeking prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms can help to minimize its impact on your life.
• Complete Spinal Cord Injury: Managing a complete spinal cord injury focuses on preserving existing function and preventing secondary complications, highlighting the importance of regular physical therapy and adaptive strategies.
• Back Pain: Protecting your back through proactive posture and exercise prevents back pain and keeps you moving freely.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Protecting your ankle and foot from the damaging effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the condition and taking steps to manage it through regular physical therapy and exercise to maintain mobility and prevent further joint damage.
• Autonomic Neuropathy: Autonomic neuropathy, a nerve damage affecting bodily functions like heart rate and digestion, often goes undetected, highlighting the importance of regular health checkups to catch it early and prevent serious complications.
• Achilles Tendon Reconstruction: Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon is a last resort for severe injuries; consistent physical therapy and adherence to injury prevention strategies can greatly reduce the need for this major procedure.
• Cartilage Damage: By addressing any existing joint pain or stiffness promptly and seeking professional guidance, you can manage early signs of cartilage damage and slow the progression of joint degeneration.

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

• Arthrocentesis: Arthrocentesis is a simple procedure that can help your doctor determine the source of your joint pain or swelling by analyzing the joint fluid, enabling prompt treatment and potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.
• Counseling Services: Empower yourself to overcome physical limitations with counseling that addresses the emotional and mental aspects of injury recovery, supporting your overall well-being.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Proactively prevent long-term limitations by choosing post-surgical rehabilitation; it helps you rebuild strength, flexibility, and function after your procedure.
• Exposure Therapy: Proactively address movement-related fears and anxieties through gradual exposure to activities that trigger them, improving your overall function and quality of life.
• Integrated Yoga Therapy: Integrated Yoga Therapy can help identify muscle imbalances and postural problems early on, preventing them from developing into significant limitations and pain.
• Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique: Consider Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique to screen for spinal misalignments that might lead to pain or restricted movement, empowering you to maintain optimal physical function.
• Pre-Operative Physical Therapy: Pre-operative physical therapy helps you build strength and improve flexibility, reducing your risk of complications and improving your surgical outcome.

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. Catherine Kent 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 understanding their risk factors and proactively managing potential symptoms, a patient felt empowered to take control of their health, reducing the likelihood of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis impacting their daily life.
• By diligently following a proactive physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of a complete spinal cord injury, finding peace of mind in their proactive approach to health management.
• By incorporating proactive posture exercises into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their back pain and regained confidence in their ability to move freely. This proactive approach to health management allowed them to maintain a vibrant lifestyle without limitations.

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. Catherine Kent:

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 an illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Kent will be a comprehensive assessment. 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.

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

Dr. Catherine Kent's pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. They 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.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Catherine Kent's physical therapy helps prevent injuries by identifying muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns through a functional movement screen. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they lead to problems.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Kent's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

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," can strengthen muscles and improve your overall health before surgery, speeding up recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is essential, beginning soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome for your new joint.

9311 N 56th St
Temple Terrace FL 33617
Phone: (813) 542-2605

Catherine Kent 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): 1487244992

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. Catherine Kent 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.