Dr. Ashley Eichler, DPT

Dr. Ashley Eichler, DPT is a Physical Therapist 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 is a valued partner in preventive health at her clinic in Largo, FL. She understands 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. Ashley DPT is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages. Please call (727) 541-5304 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

As a physical therapist in Largo, FL, Dr. Ashley DPT's practice focuses on preventive strategies, incorporating proactive measures to maintain and improve physical function. She believes that everyone deserves access to comprehensive physical therapy care that goes beyond treating existing injuries. Her approach extends to injury rehabilitation, but also encompasses educating patients on proper body mechanics, movement patterns, and lifestyle choices to prevent future issues. This holistic approach prioritizes patient education and collaboration, empowering individuals to become active participants in their own health journeys. Dr. Ashley DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) highlights the importance of comprehensive pre-surgical planning and choosing the right surgical approach to minimize the risk of needing further interventions.
• Sprain: Proper conditioning and strengthening exercises minimize your risk of sprains, protecting your joints and keeping you active.
• Cerebral Palsy: Proactive management of cerebral palsy through physical therapy and other therapies helps children maintain or improve their movement, coordination, and functional skills, leading to better quality of life.
• Spina Bifida: Because Spina Bifida can cause numerous physical challenges, proactive physical therapy can help prevent complications, enhance functional mobility and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals affected.
• Excision of Scapula, Clavicle, Rib, or Sternum: Prompt treatment of fractures or tumors in these areas can often prevent the necessity of removing the bone, thereby preserving your range of motion.
• Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment, Open: Early detection of foot and ankle fractures is crucial to prevent long-term mobility issues and chronic pain, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any suspected injury.
• Cauda Equina Syndrome: Managing underlying conditions like spinal stenosis through regular checkups and physical therapy can significantly reduce your risk of developing cauda equina syndrome.

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

• Supartz® Injection: Supartz injections are a proactive step to ease joint pain and stiffness, potentially delaying the need for more extensive treatments.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation: Take a proactive step towards a healthier heart with cardiac rehabilitation; it helps you safely increase your activity levels and reduce your risk of future heart issues.
• Trigger Point Acupuncture: As a preventative measure, consider trigger point acupuncture to detect and alleviate muscle imbalances before they cause pain or limit your activity.
• Arthrocentesis: Arthrocentesis is a simple procedure that can help your doctor determine the source of your joint pain or swelling by analyzing the joint fluid, enabling prompt treatment and potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.
• Heat Therapy: Using heat therapy proactively can ease tension and promote relaxation, reducing your risk of musculoskeletal pain.
• Manipulation Adjustment of Back and Neck: Maintain optimal spinal health and prevent future problems by scheduling a back and neck manipulation and adjustment; this helps identify and address subtle misalignments.
• Acupuncture: Proactively address pain and stiffness with acupuncture, a therapy that can help prevent future injuries by restoring balance and promoting natural healing.

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. Ashley 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 back pain through targeted physical therapy exercises and education, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing failed back surgery syndrome, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence in their future well-being.
• By focusing on strengthening exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of ankle sprains, regaining confidence in their daily activities and enjoying a more active lifestyle.
• A family proactively sought physical therapy, which helped their child maintain developmental milestones, reducing the risk of cerebral palsy and fostering a sense of confidence in their future. Early intervention empowered the family to embrace a proactive approach to their child's health and well-being.

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. Ashley DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Ashley DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to improve your quality of life, prevent injuries, manage pain, and restore function after an illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Ashley 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 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 just as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function, making it a powerful, non-invasive first step to potentially avoid more invasive procedures.

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

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Ashley 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, reducing your risk of falls.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Ashley DPT can perform a developmental screening to identify any delays and create a fun, play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence to meet their milestones.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Ashley DPT's home exercise program is a crucial 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 does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Ashley 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, proactively preventing future injuries.

8254 118th Ave Ste 100
Largo FL 33773
Phone: (727) 541-5304

Dr. Ashley Eichler, 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): 1568891562

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. Ashley 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.