Dawn Gagliardi

Dawn Gagliardi is a Physical Therapist registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is a vital partner in preventive health, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. 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. Dawn Gagliardi's approach prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Orlando, FL, she understands the importance of proactive strategies for maintaining well-being. Her focus on prevention encompasses a wide range of needs, from injury rehabilitation to long-term wellness strategies. Patients should call (407) 377-0251 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Dawn Gagliardi provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Distal Radius Fracture: A broken wrist bone (distal radius fracture) can be prevented by taking precautions like wearing protective gear during sports and falls, thus minimizing the risk of future fractures.
• Lumbar Spine Fracture: A lumbar spine fracture, a break in one of the lower back bones, highlights the importance of proactive bone health measures like regular weight-bearing exercise and sufficient calcium intake to reduce fracture risk.
• Shoulder Osteophyte: Shoulder osteophytes, or bone spurs, can develop silently, emphasizing the importance of regular checkups to catch them early and prevent limited shoulder movement or pain.
• Foot and Ankle Disorders: Addressing foot and ankle issues promptly with physical therapy can help restore function, avoid chronic pain, and prevent further injury.
• Knee and Lower Leg Fracture Treatment, Closed: Managing a closed knee and lower leg fracture effectively reduces the risk of complications like chronic pain or stiffness, improving your overall quality of life.
• Thoracic Spine Myelopathy: Regular visits with your healthcare provider for assessments and early intervention are crucial for preventing long-term complications associated with thoracic spine myelopathy.
• 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.

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

• Electrical Nerve Stimulation: Electrical nerve stimulation can help reduce pain and inflammation, promoting faster healing and preventing long-term mobility issues after an injury.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Proactively address persistent muscle or joint pain with soft tissue injections; they can reduce inflammation and speed your recovery.
• Chiropractic Subluxation Adjustments: Proactively address potential spinal misalignments with chiropractic subluxation adjustments to help maintain optimal spinal health and prevent future pain.
• Shiatzu Massage: As a preventative measure, Shiatsu massage can improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of falls and other mobility-related issues.
• Medical Branch Block: Ensure your body's healing process is optimized with a medical branch block, a targeted approach to pain management that facilitates faster recovery and improved mobility.
• Educational Therapy: Take charge of your movement with educational therapy, learning exercises and strategies to prevent future injuries and improve your overall function.
• Cognitive Assessment: Protecting your brain health is just as important as protecting your body; this cognitive check-up helps us tailor your physical therapy to best suit your unique needs and abilities.

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. Dawn Gagliardi 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 participating in a proactive physical therapy program focusing on fall prevention, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a distal radius fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By incorporating regular weight-bearing exercise and calcium-rich foods into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a lumbar spine fracture, gaining peace of mind about their bone health.
• By proactively working with a physical therapist, a patient successfully managed potential shoulder osteophyte development, maintaining full range of motion and preventing future pain. This proactive approach ensured a continued active 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. Dawn Gagliardi:

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 illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Gagliardi 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 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 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.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Gagliardi's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. This includes a personalized program of core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics. The goal is not just temporary relief, but long-term pain management and wellness.

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, differing from acupuncture, and is a tool to accelerate your recovery.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Gagliardi'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 cause a problem. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of future injuries.

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. Dawn Gagliardi 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. Gagliardi can help. Many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation, and can treat common causes of dizziness, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises, helping to prevent falls.

100 S Orange Ave Ste 800
Orlando FL 32801
Phone: (407) 377-0251

Dawn Gagliardi 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): 1235623414

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. Dawn Gagliardi 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.