Dr. Ami Shah, DO

Dr. Ami Shah, DO is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic 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, recognizing that general Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life. She expertly diagnoses and manages arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management, all designed to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life.

Dr. Ami Shah serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Shah is affiliated with HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital and Morton Plant Hospital, and is committed to providing exceptional care. Please call (813) 356-7161 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Ami Shah provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Arthritis: Managing arthritis effectively involves understanding the disease, adopting preventive strategies, and seeking timely medical attention—WePrevent provides the information you need to achieve this.
• Joint Pain: Experiencing persistent joint pain? Don't delay seeking medical attention; proactive management can significantly reduce inflammation and preserve your joint health.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can be managed effectively to prevent severe joint pain and loss of function; regular checkups with your doctor and proactive treatment can help you maintain mobility and quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Hand osteoarthritis can limit your daily activities, but proactive steps like regular exercise and managing risk factors can significantly reduce pain and maintain hand function.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Don't let shoulder osteoarthritis limit your activities. Early detection and a tailored treatment plan, including physical therapy and medication, can significantly improve your shoulder function and prevent further deterioration.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Osteoarthritis of the spine, a common type of arthritis, can be managed effectively through early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent further joint damage and maintain mobility.
• Osteopenia: Osteopenia indicates a decrease in bone mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis; taking preventive measures can help maintain bone strength and protect against fractures.
• Osteoporosis: Don't let osteoporosis steal your strength – regular bone density screenings and a proactive approach to bone health can help prevent fractures and maintain your independence.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively means actively participating in its treatment and taking steps to control inflammation, thereby preventing long-term joint destruction and preserving mobility.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis where blood tests don't show the typical rheumatoid factor, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluation for early diagnosis and proactive management to protect your joints.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: A seropositive rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis means you have the disease confirmed by blood tests, highlighting the need for a customized treatment plan to manage inflammation and prevent irreversible joint destruction.

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

• Joint Fluid Therapy: Take a proactive step towards managing your arthritis by undergoing joint fluid analysis; it helps identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guides treatment decisions.
• Immunosuppressive Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis: Proactive management of psoriatic arthritis often includes immunosuppressive medications to lessen joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, improving your overall quality of life.
• Stress Management: Empower yourself in your autoimmune health journey by adopting stress management practices that can help control inflammation and improve your overall health.
• Nutritional Counseling: Take control of your arthritis by meeting with a registered dietitian to learn which foods can reduce inflammation and protect your joints.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a gentle, whole-body approach that may improve joint mobility and reduce pain, helping you stay active and prevent further joint damage.
• Prolozone® Injections: Prolozone® injections are a treatment option that may help strengthen weakened ligaments and tendons, potentially reducing joint pain and improving function.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Regular DEXA scans can be a vital part of your arthritis management plan, providing insights into bone density and helping you and your doctor create a strategy to maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.

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 Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Ami Shah 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 their arthritis risk factors and proactively managing their condition, a patient experienced fewer painful flares and improved overall quality of life.
• By implementing a proactive exercise regimen and dietary modifications, a patient significantly reduced joint pain and improved overall mobility, allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle.

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 Rheumatologic care with Dr. Ami Shah:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Shah is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting your joints, muscles, and connective tissues. She can help manage chronic rheumatic diseases, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being through long-term care.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where cartilage breaks down over time, often due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Shah will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is followed.

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multi-faceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through a combination of medication, gentle exercise, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Shah's practice emphasizes lifestyle choices like adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking to help prevent or slow osteoporosis. A rheumatologist can assess individual risk factors and utilize a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, enabling early intervention to prevent fractures.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise can't cure arthritis, they are powerful tools for prevention. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling strengthens muscles supporting joints, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe when performed by a specialist like Dr. Shah. They are a powerful tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for better participation in physical therapy and daily life. They are used strategically to manage flare-ups.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, which makes them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

A joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief by reducing pressure and allows lab analysis of the fluid to identify the cause of swelling, which is essential for developing a treatment plan and preventing future problems.

4321 N Macdill Ave Ste 305
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 356-7161

Dr. Ami Shah, DO 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): 1144781428

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. Rheumatology like Dr. Ami Shah 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 rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.