Dr. Andrea Swope, DPT

Dr. Andrea Swope, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. As a valued partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is 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 understands the crucial role physical therapists play in long-term wellness.

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. Dr. Andrea DPT serves all ages, focusing on a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to providing a comprehensive and personalized experience. Please call (727) 202-4625 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Andrea DPT is a physical therapist in Saint Petersburg, FL, dedicated to preventative care and proactive health management. Her practice emphasizes collaborative care, empowering patients to understand their bodies and take ownership of their well-being. While her consultations are primarily conducted in English, her commitment to patient education and preventative care translates to a positive impact on all patients.

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:

• Knee Tendinitis: Addressing knee tendinitis promptly through physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments can prevent the development of more severe knee problems such as osteoarthritis, improving your long-term joint health.
• Rupture of Achilles Tendon: Addressing underlying conditions and lifestyle factors like obesity and improper training techniques is crucial for avoiding a painful Achilles tendon rupture and its associated complications.
• Fracture: Regular bone density checks, especially for those at higher risk, can lead to early detection of weakening bones and help prevent fractures before they occur.
• Hip Bursitis: Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that put excessive stress on your hip joint are crucial preventive measures to reduce your chances of developing hip bursitis.
• Discogenic Pain: Regular exercise and mindful movement can significantly reduce your risk of developing discogenic pain by keeping your spine healthy and flexible, allowing for early intervention if issues arise.
• Infective Arthritis: Early diagnosis and treatment of infective arthritis are key to minimizing joint damage and avoiding the need for extensive physical therapy later.
• 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.

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:

• Cold Laser Therapy: Cold laser therapy uses low-level lasers to promote healing and reduce pain, helping you proactively manage injuries and avoid long-term problems.
• Manipulation Adjustment of Back and Neck: Invest in your long-term well-being by having your back and neck manipulated and adjusted; this assessment helps detect and correct issues that can lead to mobility limitations.
• Neurostimulation: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, neurostimulation can help improve your body’s natural ability to heal, leading to quicker recovery from injuries and better overall movement.
• Pelvic Floor Therapy: Ensure optimal pelvic health and function through pelvic floor therapy; this preventative measure addresses muscle imbalances and improves overall quality of life.
• Applied Kinesiology (AK): Proactively safeguard your musculoskeletal health with Applied Kinesiology (AK) – a method for detecting and correcting muscle imbalances that can contribute to pain and restricted movement.
• Kinesio® Taping: Kinesio® Taping is a supportive technique that can help prevent future injuries by providing gentle support to your muscles and joints.
• Sacroiliac Joint Injection: By precisely identifying the source of your lower back pain, a sacroiliac joint injection can help prevent prolonged suffering and guide you towards the most appropriate and effective treatment options.

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 addressing knee pain early with a personalized physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing more severe knee problems, ensuring continued enjoyment of activities.
• By addressing underlying issues like weight management and improving training techniques, a patient significantly reduced their risk of Achilles tendon rupture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By scheduling regular bone density screenings, a patient proactively identified early signs of bone weakening, significantly reducing their risk of fractures and empowering them to maintain a healthy, 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 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 and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Andrea DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical assessment of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This will be the starting point for creating a 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 the goal of a home exercise program?

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

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, not traditional Chinese medicine, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate recovery.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Andrea DPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy that treats 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 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Andrea DPT to address pain and limited movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to improve joint motion and muscle function. This helps reduce pain and prepare the body for more effective therapeutic exercise.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Andrea DPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain emphasizes prevention and empowering you to manage your pain long-term. We'll identify the root cause, create a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes. This proactive approach helps you regain control and reduce your pain.

2600 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St N Ste 200B
Saint Petersburg FL 33704
Phone: (727) 202-4625

Dr. Andrea Swope, 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): 1841909538

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.