Dr. Christina Sterling, DPT

Dr. Christina Sterling, 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 the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she provides essential preventive care at her clinic in Vero Beach, FL. 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 serves all ages, and patients should call (772) 569-2330 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Christina DPT is a physical therapist in Vero Beach, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, recognizing the importance of proactive strategies to prevent future issues. Her practice prioritizes restoring optimal movement and function, and she is dedicated to guiding patients through the process of injury rehabilitation. Dr. Christina DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Osteoporotic Spine Fractures: Protecting your bones from osteoporosis is key to preventing painful and debilitating spine fractures; early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining mobility and preventing further complications.
• Syncopal Paroxysmal Tachycardia: Syncopal paroxysmal tachycardia is a sudden fainting spell caused by a rapid heartbeat, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious falls and injuries.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: ACL and PCL tears often stem from sudden twists or impacts; understanding and mitigating these risks through proper conditioning and training can help you avoid this injury.
• Thoracic Spine Fracture: Maintaining good posture and core strength helps prevent thoracic spine fractures and is part of a holistic approach to protecting your back and overall well-being.
• Complex Fractures: Complex fractures, if not properly addressed, can lead to long-term mobility issues, highlighting the importance of preventive measures like bone density checks and fall prevention strategies.
• Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: Protecting your hip joints through healthy habits and addressing early symptoms of avascular necrosis can significantly reduce the risk of needing major surgery later in life, thus prioritizing prevention.
• Ankle Sprains and Strains: Preventing ankle sprains and strains starts with understanding your risk factors and taking proactive steps like proper footwear and strengthening exercises to avoid injuries.

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

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Take a proactive step towards a full recovery: post-surgical rehabilitation helps restore your movement and function after an operation.
• Fire and Sliding Cupping: As a proactive step in your wellness journey, fire and sliding cupping can help relieve muscle stiffness and pain, promoting better movement and preventing future issues.
• 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.
• Ischial Bursa Injection: To ease persistent buttock pain and improve mobility, an ischial bursa injection can help pinpoint the source of discomfort and promote healing.
• Radiofrequency Denervation: To proactively manage your joint pain and prevent further deterioration, radiofrequency denervation offers a targeted approach to deactivating pain-causing nerves.
• Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment: Protect your long-term mobility and well-being with cooled radiofrequency treatment – a procedure that helps reduce pain by precisely targeting problematic nerves.
• Electrical Stimulation: Proactively address muscle weakness and improve nerve function with electrical stimulation, a key component in restoring full movement.

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. Christina 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 understanding their risk factors and participating in a personalized exercise program, a patient significantly reduced their chances of experiencing painful osteoporotic spine fractures, allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle with greater confidence.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of experiencing syncopal paroxysmal tachycardia, gaining confidence in their ability to prevent potential falls and injuries.
• By focusing on strengthening exercises and proper warm-up routines, a young athlete significantly reduced their risk of an ACL or PCL tear, enabling them to confidently participate in their favorite sports.

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. Christina DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Christina 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 an illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Christina 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 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 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 does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Christina DPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes, not just relieving symptoms. She will identify the root cause of your pain and create a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Christina 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.

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, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. Dr. Christina DPT will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Christina DPT to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization, which help restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This approach helps prepare the body for therapeutic exercise and reduce pain.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Christina 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.

1155 35th Ln Ste 100
Vero Beach FL 32960
Phone: (772) 569-2330

Dr. Christina Sterling, 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): 1932757614

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. Christina 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.