David Harding

David Harding is a Physical Therapist registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing at his clinic in Sarasota, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and, as a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, is committed to helping all ages achieve optimal wellness. 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. David Harding is a physical therapist in Sarasota, FL, dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He strives to be a trusted advisor and guide throughout your wellness journey. Please call (941) 955-2181 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. David Harding provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tethered Cord Syndrome: Understanding the risk factors for tethered cord syndrome, such as spina bifida, allows for proactive monitoring and intervention to minimize the severity of symptoms and future complications.
• Acute Postoperative Pain: Addressing your acute postoperative pain proactively is essential for reducing the chance of developing chronic pain and needing further interventions, helping to maintain your overall health.
• Intra-Articular Fracture: Early detection of an intra-articular fracture is crucial for effective treatment, preventing further joint instability, and preserving mobility.
• Shoulder Fractures: Early detection of a shoulder fracture is key to ensuring proper healing and preventing long-term mobility issues—so seek medical attention promptly after any significant shoulder injury.
• Sports Injuries of the Knee: Proper conditioning and injury prevention strategies can significantly reduce your risk of developing knee problems related to sports.
• Hemiplegia: Physical therapy after a stroke plays a vital role in regaining movement and function lost due to hemiplegia, preventing further disability and improving quality of life.
• Shoulder Bursitis: Protecting your shoulders from repetitive movements and strains can prevent bursitis; incorporating ergonomic principles at work and at home is a proactive approach to maintaining healthy shoulder function.

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

• Disability Evaluation: This evaluation proactively screens for functional limitations and identifies ways to maintain or regain strength, flexibility, and independence, preventing future disability.
• Pain Management Through Physical Therapy: Proactively address pain and prevent future problems by seeking physical therapy; it helps identify the root cause and guides you toward lasting relief.
• Compression Wrap Therapy: Compression wrap therapy can help reduce swelling and pain after an injury, promoting faster healing and preventing further complications.
• Stress Management: Proactively manage stress to prevent future injuries caused by muscle tension and poor posture.
• NormaTec Compression Treatment: Experience faster recovery and improved athletic performance by incorporating NormaTec Compression Therapy into your routine; it aids in reducing muscle stiffness and improving flexibility, preventing future setbacks.
• Chronic Pain Management: Invest in your long-term well-being by addressing chronic pain early with physical therapy, preventing further disability.
• Rehabilitation Therapy - Inpatient Rehabilitation: Investing in inpatient rehabilitation after surgery or illness speeds recovery, helping you avoid complications and regain your quality of life sooner.

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. David Harding 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 the risk factors for tethered cord syndrome, a family proactively sought regular check-ups, allowing for early intervention and minimizing potential future complications.
• By proactively preparing with a physical therapist, a patient minimized their postoperative pain, avoiding the development of chronic pain and enjoying a smoother recovery.
• By diligently following a personalized physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of an intra-articular fracture, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their ability to maintain long-term joint health.

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. David Harding:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They provide hands-on care, education, and exercises to 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. Harding 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, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be just as effective as surgery, providing a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing more invasive procedures.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on 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.

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

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. David Harding 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. Harding's physical therapy can help 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 before they lead to problems.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physical therapists like Dr. Harding to address pain and movement issues. It involves techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to improve joint motion, reduce pain, and prepare the body for exercise.

3908 S Tamiami Trl
Sarasota FL 34231
Phone: (941) 955-2181

David Harding 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): 1629517487

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. David Harding 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.