Debra Wishard, PT

Debra Wishard, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL, and is a dedicated partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she's committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. 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. Debra PT's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Orlando, FL, Dr. Debra PT is dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals through personalized, proactive care. Please call (407) 249-6062 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Debra PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cervical Spondylitis: Maintaining good neck posture and practicing neck-strengthening exercises are key preventive strategies for managing and potentially avoiding cervical spondylitis.
• Tendon Disorders: Managing tendon injuries effectively through physical therapy can help prevent the condition from worsening, allowing you to regain full function and mobility.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Maintaining strong shoulder muscles through targeted exercises helps to stabilize the rotator cuff, preventing tears and minimizing the chance of future pain.
• Neck Pain: Managing neck pain proactively through physical therapy can help prevent long-term disability and improve your quality of life.
• Cervical Sprain: Early detection and management of a cervical sprain are vital to preventing lasting stiffness and discomfort; proactive care makes a significant difference in recovery.
• Wrist Sprain or Strain: A wrist sprain or strain, often caused by overuse or sudden injury, can be prevented with proper warm-up exercises and ergonomic adjustments at work or home, minimizing long-term complications.
• Arthritis: Arthritis, a joint disease, can be better managed with early detection and proactive physical therapy, preventing further pain 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. Debra PT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Rapid Release Therapy: Rapid Release Therapy helps restore optimal movement and function by quickly releasing tension in your muscles and joints, helping you stay active and healthy.
• Cancer Rehabilitation: Take a proactive step toward recovery by undergoing cancer rehabilitation; it helps restore your physical abilities and manage side effects like fatigue and pain.
• Functional Movement Screening: This proactive check-up evaluates your body's movement capabilities to detect any limitations, setting you up to prevent injuries and improve overall physical performance.
• Lymphedema Therapy: Protect yourself from the limitations of lymphedema; this therapy helps identify and manage fluid retention, ensuring you maintain mobility and function.
• Cervical Facet Joint Injection: As a preventative measure against long-term neck problems, a cervical facet joint injection can help diagnose the cause of your pain and guide treatment decisions early on.
• Discography: Take a proactive step towards managing your chronic back pain: a discography can reveal the condition of your spinal discs, helping you and your doctor make informed decisions about your care.
• Trigger Point Injection: Trigger point injections are a proactive treatment option for persistent muscle pain, allowing you to address the root cause of the problem and improve your quality of life.

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. Debra 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 incorporating posture-correcting exercises into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced the risk factors associated with cervical spondylitis, achieving greater comfort and preventing future pain.
• By proactively addressing potential tendon issues with a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future tendon problems, regaining confidence in their daily activities.
• By consistently performing targeted exercises, a patient strengthened their shoulder muscles, significantly reducing their risk of rotator cuff injuries and enjoying pain-free activities.

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. Debra 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 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. Debra 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 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. Debra PT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes, not just treating the current pain. She'll identify the root cause, creating a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics. This empowers you to manage your back pain long-term.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Debra PT to address pain and improve movement. Techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization help restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This prepares the body for more effective therapeutic exercise.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Debra PT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing 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.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Debra PT's home exercise program is the cornerstone of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent future problems. This empowers you to maintain your gains long after therapy ends.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Debra PT can help prevent injuries by performing a functional movement screen to identify potential problems like muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues and strengthen your body, reducing your risk of future injuries.

12124 High Tech Ave Ste 300
Orlando FL 32817
Phone: (407) 249-6062

Debra Wishard, 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): 1982956652

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. Debra 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.