Dr. Andrea Hodge, DPT

Dr. Andrea Hodge, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Homosassa, FL. As a trusted partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care, recognizing that 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. Andrea DPT is a physical therapist in Homosassa, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach centers on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands the importance of proactive health management and is dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal physical function. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (352) 382-1141. Dr. Andrea DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Jaw Sprain: Jaw sprains, while often minor, can develop into chronic issues if not addressed promptly; proactive protective measures and early treatment reduce long-term risks.
• Arthritis: Managing arthritis effectively through physical therapy helps prevent joint damage and improves quality of life, allowing you to stay active.
• Complex Fractures: Early detection and appropriate treatment of complex fractures are crucial for minimizing long-term disability and ensuring a full recovery, making preventive health measures like injury awareness vital.
• Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Pain: Managing MS-associated pain early can help prevent disability and maintain your mobility and independence.
• Foot and Ankle Disorders: Protecting your feet and ankles through proactive care, like proper footwear and regular exercise, can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful and debilitating disorders.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis, a painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can be prevented by regularly stretching your calf muscles and wearing supportive footwear, reducing your risk of injury and long-term problems.
• Cervical Spondylitis: Maintaining good neck posture and practicing neck-strengthening exercises are key preventive strategies for managing and potentially avoiding cervical spondylitis.

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

• 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.
• Percutaneous Disc Decompression: Percutaneous disc decompression is a minimally invasive procedure that can help relieve pressure on your spinal discs, proactively preventing further pain and disability.
• Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Don't let arthritis limit you! Non-surgical arthritis treatment helps identify and manage the root causes of your pain and discomfort before surgery becomes necessary.
• Joint Injection: Joint injections may be used to diagnose the cause of joint pain or inflammation, allowing for early intervention and preventing further damage.
• Amputee Rehabilitation: Take charge of your recovery with amputee rehabilitation; our specialized program focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving your confidence after amputation.
• Craniosacral Therapy (CST): Craniosacral therapy can be a valuable tool in early detection of subtle physical restrictions that might otherwise lead to more significant pain or dysfunction, helping you address issues proactively and prevent future complications.
• Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment: Protect your long-term mobility and well-being with cooled radiofrequency treatment – a procedure that helps reduce pain by precisely targeting problematic nerves.

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. Andrea 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:

• By learning proactive exercises and jaw protection techniques, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a jaw sprain, ensuring a pain-free and confident smile for years to come.
• By following a personalized physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing arthritis, maintaining their active lifestyle and improving overall joint health. This proactive approach ensured they could continue enjoying their favorite activities without pain or limitations.
• By understanding fall risks and practicing safe home modifications, a family significantly reduced the likelihood of a complex fracture, fostering a sense of security and peace of mind.

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. Andrea DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Andrea DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to improve quality of life, 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. Andrea DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We 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, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that often prevents the need for more invasive procedures.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Andrea DPT's home exercise program is a vital part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Andrea DPT and our team use specialized physical therapy to help stroke survivors regain lost function. We employ targeted exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to rewire itself. This helps improve walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and preventing falls.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Andrea DPT 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.

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

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.

8477 S Suncoast Blvd
Homosassa FL 34446
Phone: (352) 382-1141

Dr. Andrea Hodge, 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): 1447681234

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. Andrea 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.