Dr. Anna Merkel, DPT

Dr. Anna Merkel, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, 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 partners with patients to create long-term health plans, coordinating screenings and restoring movement and function. 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. Anna DPT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her focus on prevention is key, recognizing that proactive measures are crucial for long-term well-being. Patients should call (904) 962-1381 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Anna DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Work-Related Injuries: Early detection of work-related injuries is key to minimizing long-term damage and ensuring a quicker return to your normal activities.
• Ankle Arthroscopy: By using ankle arthroscopy to address ankle issues promptly, you can reduce the risk of developing more serious complications, such as osteoarthritis, and maintain healthy joint function.
• Abdominal Muscle Strain: Early detection of an abdominal muscle strain is crucial for a faster recovery; addressing pain and weakness promptly minimizes long-term complications and prevents future injuries.
• Ankle Fracture: Ankle fractures can significantly impact your quality of life; however, proactive measures like protective gear during sports, maintaining bone health, and seeking timely treatment can help prevent these injuries and improve long-term outcomes.
• Elbow Injuries: Addressing elbow pain promptly and seeking physical therapy can prevent the injury from worsening and improve your ability to perform daily tasks.
• Essential Tremor: Essential tremor, a common neurological disorder causing involuntary shaking, can be better managed with early detection and proactive lifestyle adjustments, preventing its progression and impact on daily life.
• Ventral Hernia: Maintaining core strength and proper posture are effective preventative measures for ventral hernias, reducing the strain on abdominal muscles and minimizing the risk of organ protrusion.

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

• Musculoskeletal Function Test: Proactively assess your body's strength and flexibility with a musculoskeletal function test to catch early signs of dysfunction and maintain optimal physical health.
• Percutaneous Disc Decompression: Take a proactive step towards spinal health: percutaneous disc decompression helps identify and address issues with spinal discs before they lead to significant problems.
• Spine Rehabilitation Exercises: Strengthen your spine and prevent future back pain with targeted exercises designed to improve posture and core stability.
• Cranial Osteopathy: Cranial osteopathy is a gentle hands-on approach that can help identify subtle restrictions in the skull and surrounding tissues, potentially improving overall head and neck health.
• Thermotherapy: As a preventative measure, thermotherapy can reduce inflammation and promote healing after exercise or minor injuries, keeping you moving freely.
• Shoulder Injection: Shoulder injections can help identify the root of your shoulder discomfort and help avoid more extensive procedures down the line, empowering you to take control of your health.
• Diversified Technique: Enhance your body's ability to heal and recover faster with our diversified techniques, which combine multiple strategies for optimal results.

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. Anna 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 proactively addressing potential work-related injury risks, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of long-term issues, leading to a quicker return to normal job duties.
• By proactively addressing ankle pain with physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of needing ankle arthroscopy, ensuring continued mobility and preventing potential future complications.
• Recognizing the early signs of potential abdominal muscle strain, a patient proactively sought physical therapy guidance, significantly reducing their risk of long-term complications and fostering a healthier, more 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. Anna DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Anna DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Anna DPT 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 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 may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

I'm having joint replacement surgery. When should I start PT?

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. We'll work with you to create a personalized plan.

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. Anna 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 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Anna, DPT, to address pain and movement limitations. Techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization help restore joint motion and improve muscle function. This prepares the body for more effective therapeutic exercises.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Anna DPT can perform a functional movement screen to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that could lead to injury. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they cause a problem, helping to prevent future 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, not traditional Chinese medicine, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

1819 Hendricks Ave
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 962-1381

Dr. Anna Merkel, 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): 1578942850

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. Anna 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.