Dr. Abigail Howard, DPT

Dr. Abigail Howard, DPT is a Physical Therapist 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 trusted partner in preventive health at her clinic in Boynton Beach, FL. 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. Please call (563) 650-4294 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Abigail Howard, DPT is a physical therapist in Boynton Beach, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. Her practice prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, working with them to achieve their individual goals. She believes in the power of proactive health management and guides patients through every step of their journey, from injury rehabilitation to long-term wellness strategies. Dr. Abigail DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Addressing minor rotator cuff discomfort promptly with physical therapy can prevent it from developing into a major, debilitating injury that restricts your daily activities.
• 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.
• Thoracic Spine Fracture: A fractured thoracic spine, often caused by falls or trauma, highlights the importance of proactive measures like fall prevention exercises and bone density checks to protect your spine and maintain its healthy function.
• Prostatitis: Understanding your risk factors for prostatitis, such as urinary tract infections or a sedentary lifestyle, allows you to implement preventive measures and reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.
• Ankle Instability: Don't let an unstable ankle sideline you! Early detection and intervention with a physical therapist can help restore strength, balance, and proper function, preventing future falls and injuries.
• 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.
• Sports Injuries: Managing sports injuries effectively reduces the chance of chronic pain and disability, allowing for a quicker return to activity and maintaining an active lifestyle.

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

• Cancer Rehabilitation: Maximize your recovery journey after cancer by engaging in cancer rehabilitation—a crucial step toward restoring movement, strength, and overall functionality.
• Dorsal Column Stimulation: If you're experiencing persistent pain impacting your mobility, dorsal column stimulation may be an option to explore as it targets the spinal cord to potentially alleviate discomfort and improve physical function.
• Cell Based Therapy: To prevent future mobility issues, cell-based therapies may help regenerate damaged tissues to restore movement and function, enhancing the effectiveness of your physical therapy.
• Facet Blocks: Consider facet blocks as a way to proactively assess the source of your spine pain; this procedure can help avoid more invasive interventions and assist in creating an effective, long-term plan for managing your condition.
• Pediatric Developmental Therapy: Ensure your child's physical development is on track with pediatric developmental therapy. It's a valuable assessment tool that helps detect and treat delays early, optimizing their movement and function.
• Rossitor System for Pain Relief: The Rossitor System offers a proactive approach to pain management by assessing your body's movement patterns, identifying potential issues, and guiding you towards lasting pain relief and improved function.
• Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Begin your journey to pain relief and improved movement with non-surgical arthritis treatment; this comprehensive approach emphasizes functional restoration and quality of life improvements.

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. Abigail DPT 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:

• Recognizing the early signs of rotator cuff discomfort and following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient avoided a more serious injury, allowing them to maintain a pain-free lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured continued participation in their favorite activities.
• By understanding repetitive strain risks and practicing proper ergonomics, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of needing elbow repair, gaining confidence in their daily activities.
• By incorporating fall prevention exercises into her daily routine and scheduling regular bone density checks, a patient proactively reduced her risk of a thoracic spine fracture, gaining peace of mind and confidence in her ability to maintain a healthy spine.

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. Abigail DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Abigail DPT, a licensed physical therapist, is a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. She provides 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. Abigail DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. 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, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be just as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Abigail DPT 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 helps prepare your body for therapeutic exercises and promotes healing.

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

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, unlike acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Abigail DPT's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent future problems. This program empowers you to manage your condition effectively long-term.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Abigail DPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program, including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture, will be developed to manage your pain and improve your overall well-being.

510 E Ocean Ave Apt 465
Boynton Beach FL 33435
Phone: (563) 650-4294

Dr. Abigail Howard, DPT 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): 1477260610

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. Abigail DPT 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.