Craig Lavista

Craig Lavista is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices at his clinic in Miami, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Lavista 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. He serves all ages.

Dr. Lavista's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to helping individuals achieve their health goals through a holistic approach, focusing on restoring function, improving mobility, and promoting overall well-being. Craig Lavista is a physical therapist in Miami, FL, committed to helping you achieve your physical health goals.

To confirm Dr. Craig Lavista's availability to accept new patients, please call (305) 239-9383. Dr. Craig Lavista provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hip Dislocation: A hip dislocation, where the thigh bone pops out of the hip socket, is a serious injury that can be prevented through proactive measures like strengthening hip muscles and maintaining good posture.
• Hip Muscle Strain: A hip muscle strain, often preventable with proper stretching and strengthening exercises, can significantly impact your mobility and daily life, so early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term issues.
• Low Back Pain: Low back pain often responds well to early intervention. Physical therapy can help you identify the cause, manage pain, and improve your posture to prevent recurrence.
• Fall: Falls can lead to lasting mobility issues and reduced quality of life, so taking proactive steps to improve your balance and strength is a key investment in your long-term health.
• Arthritis of the Elbow: Protecting your elbows from arthritis starts with understanding your risk factors and taking steps to maintain joint health, potentially preventing painful inflammation and stiffness.
• Congenital Hand Anomaly: Addressing a congenital hand anomaly through early therapy helps manage potential developmental delays and promotes hand function, improving overall independence.
• Spondylolysis: Managing spondylolysis, a fracture in one of your vertebrae, involves identifying risk factors such as repetitive stress and correcting them with proper biomechanics and regular physical therapy to prevent long-term complications.

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

• Stroke Rehabilitation: Early participation in stroke rehabilitation can significantly improve your recovery, helping you regain essential daily living skills and enhance your overall well-being.
• Cervical Injection: To proactively manage neck pain and stiffness, a cervical injection may be used to identify the cause and guide treatment, helping prevent chronic issues.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a proactive approach to injury rehabilitation and recovery; it reduces stress, enhances relaxation, and supports better adherence to your physical therapy program.
• Spine Rehabilitation Exercises: Take proactive steps to protect your back health; spine rehabilitation exercises help identify and address weaknesses before they lead to injury.
• Core Stabilization Exercise: Strengthen your core muscles to improve posture, balance, and reduce your risk of back pain and injuries.
• NormaTec Compression Treatment: Boost your recovery and proactively manage muscle fatigue with NormaTec Compression Therapy; its targeted compression helps flush out metabolic waste and reduce inflammation.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better lymphatic health with Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy; it helps your body naturally clear waste and fluids, potentially preventing future 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. Craig Lavista 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 strengthening their hip muscles and practicing proper posture, a patient significantly reduced their risk of hip dislocation, gaining confidence in their daily activities and preventing future injury.
• By proactively incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a hip muscle strain, ensuring continued mobility and enjoyment of daily activities.
• By working with a physical therapist on posture and core strengthening, a patient significantly reduced their episodes of low back pain and regained their confidence in daily activities. This proactive approach allowed them to avoid future flare-ups and enjoy a more active lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Craig Lavista:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and helps improve your quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and 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. Lavista will be a comprehensive assessment. He 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.

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

Yes, a physical therapist, like Dr. Lavista, can help. Many 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, helping to prevent falls.

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

I have pain at my desk job. Can you provide ergonomic advice?

Yes, absolutely. Preventing workplace injuries is a key part of physical therapy. Dr. Lavista can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Craig Lavista'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 preventing future problems.

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. Craig Lavista's practice can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

13011 SW 132nd St Ste 1
Miami FL 33186
Phone: (305) 239-9383

Craig Lavista 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): 1174347181

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. Craig Lavista 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.