Dr. Christie Spillman, DPT

Dr. Christie Spillman, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Christie DPT serves all ages. Please call (904) 573-0046 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Christie Spillman, DPT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to promoting proactive health management. Her practice prioritizes the prevention of injuries and the maintenance of optimal physical function. Recognizing that physical therapy is a key component of comprehensive preventive care, she works closely with patients to develop personalized strategies for injury prevention and rehabilitation, ensuring long-term well-being. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the body's mechanics and the critical role of movement in overall health. This patient-centered approach empowers individuals to take control of their health journey, fostering a strong partnership between patient and practitioner. Dr. Christie DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Charcot Disease: Charcot disease can lead to significant foot deformities, but with careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and proactive foot care, especially for those with diabetes, its progression and severe complications can often be avoided.
• Dislocated Jaw: Prompt medical attention for jaw pain and dysfunction can help prevent a full dislocation, allowing for early management and minimizing the need for more extensive intervention.
• Internal Derangement of Knee: Understanding your risk factors, like previous injuries or intense physical activity, and taking preventative steps can help avoid or minimize the impact of internal knee derangement.
• Coccygeal Pain: Don't let coccygeal pain sideline you – early intervention with physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent the development of chronic pain and functional limitations.
• Concussion: Protecting your brain from further injury after a concussion is crucial for preventing long-term complications and ensuring a full recovery.
• Arthropathy of Spinal Facet Joint: Protecting your spine's health by maintaining good posture and engaging in regular, low-impact exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing facet joint arthropathy.
• Arthritis of the Hand: Regular hand exercises and gentle stretches can help strengthen your joints and prevent the onset or worsening of hand arthritis.

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

• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage helps identify and remove excess fluid from your joints, reducing pain and stiffness and preventing further damage.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Take a proactive step towards better health with a spinal and postural screening; it helps detect early signs of back problems, muscle imbalances, and poor posture.
• Cox Flexion-Distraction Technique: To proactively address lower back pain, Cox Flexion-Distraction helps restore normal spinal mechanics, potentially preventing further injury and improving your overall mobility.
• Chronic Pain Management: Take control of your chronic pain with a personalized physical therapy plan designed to reduce pain and improve function.
• Knee Joint Aspiration and Injection: Knee joint aspiration and injection is a procedure that can help identify the cause of knee pain and inflammation, allowing for early intervention and preventing further damage.
• Manual Therapy: Manual therapy is a hands-on approach that helps screen for and resolve musculoskeletal issues before they limit your daily activities or lead to more significant problems.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Improve your overall recovery by addressing the psychological and social factors affecting your physical health and function.

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. Christie 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 diligently following a proactive foot care plan, guided by a physical therapist, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Charcot foot complications, gaining peace of mind and confidence in managing their diabetes.
• By addressing jaw pain early with a physical therapist's guidance, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a dislocated jaw, gaining confidence in their ability to manage their oral health proactively.
• By understanding their knee's potential vulnerabilities and implementing a proactive exercise program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of internal knee derangement, allowing them to confidently pursue their 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. Christie DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Christie, 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. Christie 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 that provided by Dr. Christie DPT, can be as effective as surgery for conditions such as chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Christie DPT's home exercise program is a personalized set of exercises crucial for continuing your progress between sessions and preventing the problem from returning after therapy is complete. It empowers you to actively participate in your recovery and maintain your gains.

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

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles, preparing you for surgery and speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, beginning soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, rebuild strength, and optimize your new joint's function. Dr. Christie DPT will work closely with you to create a personalized plan for your needs.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Christie 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Christie and our team of physical therapists use specific, repetitive exercises to help your brain rewire itself after a stroke. This process, called neuroplasticity, helps you regain lost function, improve walking, balance, and strength, and ultimately maximize your independence and prevent falls.

6248 103rd St
Jacksonville FL 32210
Phone: (904) 573-0046

Dr. Christie Spillman, 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): 1871022442

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. Christie 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.