Dr. Caroline Bresnan, MD

Dr. Caroline Bresnan, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Lakeland, FL. As a trusted partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the importance of early intervention and long-term health management in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life.

General Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life, expertly diagnosing and managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life. Dr. Bresnan serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (863) 687-1222. Dr. Caroline Bresnan, MD is a rheumatologist in Lakeland, FL. She is affiliated with Tampa General Hospital. She is accepting new patients.

Dr. Bresnan's approach to care centers on collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She believes in a holistic approach, understanding that managing chronic conditions requires a partnership between patient and provider. Dr. Caroline Bresnan provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Arthritis: Protecting your joints starts with understanding arthritis: early detection and proactive management, as supported by WePrevent, can significantly slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
• Spondylitis: Managing spondylitis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes is key to controlling inflammation and protecting your spine's long-term health.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Managing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) effectively through medication and lifestyle changes minimizes inflammation and prevents further complications, helping you enjoy life to the fullest.
• Gout: Managing gout effectively through lifestyle changes and medication helps control inflammation, reducing pain and protecting your joints from long-term harm.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can damage joints if left untreated, so early diagnosis and proactive management are crucial for preventing long-term disability.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain can be a sign of underlying arthritis or autoimmune disease, so early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing long-term joint damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Because ankylosing spondylitis can cause long-term joint damage, focusing on early detection and consistent treatment can slow disease progression and improve your overall health.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Protecting your joints from the long-term effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the condition: RA is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation, and early intervention with proper management is key to preventing disability.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Regular check-ups with a rheumatologist and diligent monitoring of your skin for changes can help detect cutaneous lupus erythematosus early, allowing for effective intervention to prevent scarring and flares.
• Bursitis: Bursitis, the painful inflammation of the small sacs around your joints, can be significantly improved with early intervention, reducing long-term limitations.
• Lupus: Early detection and consistent management of lupus are key to preventing the inflammation and joint damage that can significantly impact your quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Don't let knee pain sideline you; early detection and treatment of knee osteoarthritis are crucial for preserving joint function and improving your quality of life.

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

• Physical Therapy: Enhance your range of motion and reduce stiffness by working with a physical therapist to create an exercise program tailored to your specific needs.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injection: By replenishing essential joint fluid, hyaluronic acid injections can alleviate arthritis symptoms and protect your joints, helping you live a more comfortable life.
• Biopsy: A biopsy helps your rheumatologist differentiate between various types of arthritis and autoimmune diseases, guiding treatment choices for optimal outcomes.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Soft tissue injections provide targeted relief from painful inflammation in your joints and surrounding tissues, helping you stay active and engaged.
• Biopuncture: Biopuncture is a minimally invasive procedure that may help pinpoint the source of your joint pain and inflammation, guiding your rheumatologist toward the most effective treatment plan.
• Synovial Biopsy: For accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment of inflammatory joint conditions, a synovial biopsy helps identify the underlying issue, assisting in preventing worsening symptoms and protecting your quality of life.
• Immunosuppressive Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis: Immunosuppressive therapy for psoriatic arthritis helps control the overactive immune system, preventing further joint damage and improving your ability to stay active.

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 Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Caroline Bresnan 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 understanding their arthritis risk factors and proactively managing their condition, a patient experienced significant relief from pain and improved mobility, allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By understanding their spondylitis risk factors and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient was empowered to manage inflammation and maintain a healthy spine, leading to improved quality of life.

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 Rheumatologic care with Dr. Caroline Bresnan:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They can help by diagnosing and treating these conditions, managing them long-term, preventing further joint damage, and improving your overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Bresnan's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases involving inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms vary greatly depending on which blood vessels are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are crucial to prevent damage to vital organs.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that also involves joint inflammation. Not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Bresnan screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a sign of an autoimmune condition, but it's not definitive. Dr. Bresnan will consider this result along with your symptoms and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune disease, preventing any unnecessary worry or misdiagnosis.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise can't cure arthritis, they're powerful tools for prevention. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling strengthens supporting muscles, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily leading to extremely dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms to prevent complications like dental decay and eye damage.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures bone density. It's the gold standard for osteoporosis screening. The scan helps us assess your risk of fracture, allowing for early preventive treatment.

3030 Harden Blvd
Lakeland FL 33803
Phone: (863) 687-1222

Dr. Caroline Bresnan, MD 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): 1689135907

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. Rheumatology like Dr. Caroline Bresnan 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 rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.