Dr. Christopher Atkinson, DPT

Dr. Christopher Atkinson, DPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices at his clinic in Merritt Island, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Christopher DPT 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. He serves all ages.

Dr. Christopher Atkinson, DPT is a physical therapist in Merritt Island, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. His practice emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He focuses on preventing future injuries and promoting optimal function, working with patients to develop personalized strategies for maintaining wellness. To confirm if Dr. Christopher DPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (321) 454-4035. Dr. Christopher DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Spinal Osteophyte: Spinal osteophytes, or bone spurs, are bony growths that can develop on your spine, and catching them early through regular checkups can help prevent pain and stiffness.
• Pediatric Ankle Fractures: Early detection of ankle fractures in children is crucial for minimizing long-term complications and restoring full ankle function, preventing future mobility issues.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): CRPS emphasizes the importance of proper injury care, as early and appropriate management can significantly reduce your risk of developing this painful condition that impacts your ability to move normally.
• Joint Pain: Don't let joint pain sideline you – proactive physical therapy can help identify underlying issues and create a personalized plan to prevent further injury and maintain mobility.
• Achilles Tenotomy: An Achilles tenotomy is a surgical procedure sometimes necessary to address severe Achilles tendon issues, highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive management of tendon pain to prevent the need for surgery.
• Bicep Injuries: Preventing bicep injuries starts with understanding your risk factors and practicing proper lifting techniques to avoid strains and tears that can sideline you.
• Temporomandibular Ankylosis: Managing jaw injuries promptly and comprehensively is vital to prevent temporomandibular ankylosis and the resulting chronic pain and functional limitations.

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

• Sports Medicine Related Procedures: Prevent serious athletic setbacks by using sports medicine procedures to assess your current condition, identify risks, and develop a personalized plan for injury prevention.
• Prolozone® Injections: Prolozone® injections are a proactive treatment option that may reduce your need for surgery by regenerating damaged tissues in your joints.
• Exercise Counseling: Prevent injuries and improve your quality of life with exercise counseling, which teaches you how to move your body safely and effectively for long-term well-being.
• 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.
• Cranial Release Technique (CRT): Proactively address potential problems before they arise with CRT, a gentle screening technique that checks for restrictions in the skull that might contribute to headaches, jaw pain, or other issues.
• NeuroKinetic Therapy®: Take a proactive step towards injury prevention with NeuroKinetic Therapy®; it pinpoints muscle weaknesses and movement limitations to guide your personalized strengthening plan.
• Grip and-or Muscle Group Pull Test: This quick assessment of your grip and pulling strength helps pinpoint muscle imbalances that could increase your risk of strains or other musculoskeletal issues.

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. Christopher 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 following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient proactively managed potential spinal osteophyte development, reducing the risk of future pain and stiffness and gaining confidence in their long-term spinal health.
• By understanding the early warning signs of potential ankle fractures, a family proactively addressed potential mobility issues, fostering peace of mind and ensuring a healthy future for their child.
• Following a physical therapy program focused on early injury management, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), ensuring greater mobility and a healthier future. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in managing their overall well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Christopher DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Christopher 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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Christopher DPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery for both men and women.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Christopher 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 help prevent falls.

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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Christopher DPT's physical therapy helps stroke survivors regain lost function by focusing on specific exercises to rewire the brain (neuroplasticity). This targeted approach improves walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls. Our goal is to help you recover and return to activities you enjoy.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Christopher 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 your condition from returning after therapy is complete.

500 Crockett Blvd
Merritt Island FL 32953
Phone: (321) 454-4035

Dr. Christopher Atkinson, 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): 1295214575

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. Christopher 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.