Dawn Smith, PT

Dawn Smith, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health. 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 PT is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering 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 crucial role of proactive care in preventing future issues and promoting overall well-being. She strives to provide individualized plans to meet each patient's specific needs, with a focus on restoring and maintaining optimal function. Patients should call (407) 599-1355 to confirm if Dr. Dawn PT is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Dawn PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: Strengthening the muscles around your knee joint is key to preventing ACL or PCL tears; regular physical activity and proper technique during sports significantly decrease risk.
• Elbow Fracture Repair: Repairing an elbow fracture effectively and promptly reduces the chances of complications like arthritis or nerve damage, safeguarding your arm's function.
• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain disease caused by repeated head injuries, and understanding the risks and seeking early medical attention can help prevent further damage and slow its progression.
• Elbow Repair: Understanding risk factors for elbow injuries, such as repetitive motions or forceful impacts, allows for proactive measures to be taken to avoid the need for elbow repair.
• Ankle Fracture Repair: By addressing an ankle fracture promptly and following your physical therapist's plan, you can avoid long-term disability and return to your normal activities more quickly.
• Numbness: Numbness is often preventable through proactive measures such as maintaining good posture and ergonomic work habits, protecting yourself from injuries, and seeing a physical therapist regularly.
• Coccygeal Pain: Coccygeal pain, or tailbone pain, can significantly impact your daily life, so early detection and proactive management through physical therapy can help prevent long-term discomfort and disability.

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

• Post-Operative Physical Therapy: Ensure a smoother recovery journey with post-operative physical therapy; it's designed to minimize scarring, improve range of motion, and help you return to your normal activities.
• Cervical Medial Branch Block: This targeted injection helps identify the exact source of your neck pain, allowing for a personalized treatment plan to improve mobility and function before the problem worsens.
• Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: This procedure helps identify and treat specific muscle trigger points, preventing further pain and injury, and allowing you to participate fully in activities you enjoy.
• Sports Rehabilitation: Sports rehabilitation helps athletes get back in the game safely and effectively after an injury, preventing future problems.
• Arthrocentesis: To proactively manage your joint health, arthrocentesis can be used to analyze the fluid within your joint, identifying potential infections or inflammatory conditions before they worsen.
• Graston Technique®: As part of your injury prevention strategy, consider Graston Technique®; it helps identify and treat subtle soft tissue abnormalities that might otherwise lead to bigger problems.
• Percutaneous Disc Decompression: Invest in long-term spinal health with percutaneous disc decompression, a proactive treatment option that reduces pressure on your spinal discs and aids in pain relief.

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 PT 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 the muscles around their knee joint and practicing proper sports techniques, a patient significantly decreased their risk of an ACL or PCL tear, gaining the confidence to pursue their favorite activities without worry.
• By following a proactive physical therapy program, a patient successfully strengthened their elbow, reducing the risk of future fracture and ensuring continued use of their arm. This preventive approach allowed them to maintain their active lifestyle without worry.
• Understanding the risks of repeated head injuries and implementing a proactive physical therapy plan allowed a family to gain peace of mind, knowing they were taking steps to potentially reduce the future development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

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 PT:

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. Dawn PT 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 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.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Dawn PT to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This prepares the body for therapeutic exercises, ultimately reducing pain and improving overall function.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Dawn PT's physical therapy helps stroke survivors regain lost function by using targeted exercises to rewire the brain. These specific, repetitive movements encourage neuroplasticity, improving walking, balance, and strength. This ultimately leads to greater independence and reduces the risk of falls.

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 various conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and those related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, for both men and women.

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. Dawn PT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Dawn PT 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 prevent falls.

5201 Raymond St
Orlando FL 32803
Phone: (407) 599-1355

Dawn Smith, PT 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): 1619919669

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 PT 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.