Dr. Christen Bickerstaff, DPT

Dr. Christen Bickerstaff, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Saint Augustine, 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 is a vital partner in preventive health, recognizing that general physical therapists are your primary partners in preventive care. This collaborative approach involves creating 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. Christen DPT's practice is rooted in a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Saint Augustine, FL, Dr. Christen Bickerstaff, DPT, understands the importance of proactive health management. She emphasizes the crucial role of prevention in maintaining optimal function and well-being throughout life. Patients should call (904) 824-1478 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Christen DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Patellar Disorders: Protecting your knees through proactive physical therapy can help prevent patellar disorders, reducing pain and improving long-term joint health.
• Wrist Pain: Catching wrist pain early can prevent long-term problems and keep your hands functioning fully.
• Fracture: Proper management of a fracture, including following your physical therapist's instructions, prevents further complications like stiffness, pain, and impaired movement.
• Clubfoot: Preventive care for clubfoot focuses on early identification and specialized therapies, ensuring the child develops normal foot structure and gait patterns.
• Hip Dysplasia, Beukes Type: Managing Beukes type hip dysplasia effectively involves proactive strategies to minimize the risk of developing osteoarthritis and maintain hip joint health throughout life.
• Degenerative Spine Disorders: Addressing degenerative spine disorders early can prevent long-term complications like chronic pain and limited mobility; physical therapy plays a crucial role in this process.
• Turf Toe: By addressing turf toe promptly with physical therapy and appropriate treatment, you can prevent the development of chronic instability, stiffness, and potentially, arthritis in the big toe joint.

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

• Spinal Manipulation Under Anesthesia: Spinal manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) can proactively address persistent spinal pain and stiffness by allowing your physical therapist to more effectively correct spinal misalignments and improve mobility.
• Lumbar Selective Nerve Root Block: A lumbar selective nerve root block is a procedure that can help pinpoint the source of lower back pain, allowing for more targeted treatment and preventing unnecessary procedures.
• Reflexology: Reflexology is a holistic therapy that can promote relaxation and reduce tension, proactively supporting your body's ability to maintain optimal health and preventing some stress-related conditions.
• Interferential Current Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better mobility by exploring interferential current therapy, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing after an injury.
• Sympathetic Nerve Block: As a proactive step in managing complex pain syndromes, a sympathetic nerve block can help identify the source of your pain and provide targeted relief, improving your overall quality of life.
• Diversified Technique: Enhance your body's ability to heal and recover faster with our diversified techniques, which combine multiple strategies for optimal results.
• Lymphedema Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better health: Lymphedema therapy helps detect and manage fluid buildup, reducing your risk of long-term complications.

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. Christen 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 patellar issues through targeted physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing painful knee problems, allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By attending physical therapy sessions and incorporating helpful exercises, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future wrist pain, ensuring continued enjoyment of daily activities.
• Following a physical therapist's guidance on proper fracture management, a patient avoided further complications like stiffness and pain, regaining full movement and confidence in daily activities.

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. Christen DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Christen, a licensed Physical Therapist (PT), is a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. She provides 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. Christen DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. 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. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step, potentially preventing 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. Dr. Christen DPT will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan.

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, different from acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

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. Christen 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. Christen, 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 to prevent falls.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Christen DPT, focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pregnancy/postpartum issues, benefiting both men and women.

109 Southpark Blvd Ste 100
Saint Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 824-1478

Dr. Christen Bickerstaff, 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): 1538518808

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. Christen 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.