Dr. Antonia McDowell, DPT

Dr. Antonia McDowell, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Melbourne, FL. As a valued 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. Dr. Antonia McDowell, DPT serves all ages.

Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey. Understanding that proactive health management is key, she recognizes the vital role of preventative measures in maintaining well-being. To confirm if Dr. Antonia DPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (321) 802-5655. Dr. Antonia DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Rheumatoid arthritis can affect your ankle and foot, leading to pain and stiffness. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in slowing disease progression and preventing significant joint damage, keeping you active and mobile.
• Hip Dysplasia, Beukes Type: Early diagnosis of Beukes type hip dysplasia is crucial for implementing preventive measures, such as physical therapy exercises, to support proper hip development and reduce the chances of needing surgery later.
• Autonomic Neuropathy: Protecting your nervous system through lifestyle choices, like managing blood sugar and blood pressure, can significantly reduce your risk of developing autonomic neuropathy and its debilitating effects.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Managing MS effectively relies on a proactive approach, where physical therapy plays a crucial role in slowing disease progression, improving functional abilities, and reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
• Ventral Hernia: Addressing a ventral hernia promptly is crucial for preventing pain, bowel obstruction, and other potential complications that can significantly impact your mobility and overall health.
• Traumatic Spine Disease: Traumatic spine disease, like injuries from falls or accidents, can be prevented through proactive safety measures and early intervention to minimize long-term complications and preserve spinal health.
• Knee Injuries: Understanding the risk factors for knee injuries, such as overuse or improper biomechanics, allows for preventative strategies and a healthier future.

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

• Chiropractic Subluxation Adjustments: Take a proactive step towards better posture and reduced back pain by undergoing chiropractic subluxation adjustments, which identify and correct vertebral subluxations.
• Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Maximize your recovery and reduce long-term complications from a traumatic brain injury through targeted rehabilitation therapies.
• Lymphedema Therapy: Early detection of lymphatic system issues is key! Lymphedema therapy can help identify fluid buildup before it becomes a significant problem.
• Concussion Treatment: Our concussion treatment helps identify any neurological deficits and guides you through a personalized recovery plan to restore your brain health.
• Strain-Counterstrain: Strain-counterstrain is a gentle hands-on technique that helps identify and relieve muscle strain, preventing future injuries and improving overall mobility.
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): As a proactive step toward better physical health, EFT helps address emotional blocks that may hinder your recovery from injury or limit your movement.
• Sports Medicine Related Procedures: Ensure peak athletic performance and longevity by utilizing sports medicine procedures for early detection and management of sports-related injuries.

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. Antonia 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:

• A patient, committed to a proactive physical therapy plan, experienced reduced pain and maintained ankle and foot mobility, significantly lessening the risk of further joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy a higher quality of life.
• A family, proactively engaging in physical therapy exercises, significantly reduced the risk of needing hip surgery later, gaining peace of mind about their child's developing hip health.
• By proactively managing blood sugar and blood pressure, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing autonomic neuropathy, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their health journey.

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. Antonia DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Antonia DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing 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. Antonia 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 is 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Antonia DPT and her team of physical therapists will work with you to improve strength, balance, and walking ability after a stroke. They use targeted exercises, promoting neuroplasticity to help rewire the brain and regain lost function. The goal is to maximize your independence and prevent falls through tailored, effective treatments.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Antonia 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 approach helps prepare the body for more effective therapeutic exercises.

My child seems clumsy or behind in motor skills. Can PT help?

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Antonia DPT are experts in child development. She can perform a developmental screening to identify any areas of concern and create a fun, play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles, improving your recovery after joint replacement surgery. Post-operative physical therapy is equally crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's function. Dr. Antonia DPT will work with you to create a personalized plan to achieve the best possible outcome.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Antonia 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, helping to prevent falls.

801 E Hibiscus Blvd Ste 1
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 802-5655

Dr. Antonia McDowell, 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): 1467818765

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. Antonia 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.