Dr. Clay Bales, DPT

Dr. Clay Bales, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, 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), he is a trusted partner in preventive health, featured on weprevent.org. His approach is deeply rooted in the understanding 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. Clay DPT's focus extends beyond immediate injury treatment to encompass the full spectrum of proactive health management. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Clay Bales, DPT, prioritizes patient-centered care, fostering open communication and ensuring a clear understanding of each individual's unique needs. To confirm if Dr. Clay DPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (904) 573-0046. Dr. Clay DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Temporomandibular Ankylosis: Protecting your jaw joint through gentle exercises and proper dental care can help prevent the development of temporomandibular ankylosis, a condition causing jaw stiffness and limited movement.
• Central Vestibular Vertigo: Managing central vestibular vertigo effectively, often through physical therapy, helps prevent further complications like chronic dizziness, falls, and reduced quality of life.
• Bone Replacement Recovery: By actively participating in physical therapy, you can expedite your recovery from bone replacement surgery and reduce the chance of needing further interventions.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: Managing an ACL or PCL tear effectively through physical therapy minimizes long-term complications such as osteoarthritis, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
• Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: Early recognition of symptoms associated with thoracic spinal cord injury is crucial for timely intervention, minimizing long-term disability and improving your quality of life.
• Joint Disorders: Protecting your joints through regular exercise and healthy weight management can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint disorders later in life.
• Tethered Cord Syndrome: Understanding the risk factors for tethered cord syndrome, such as spina bifida, allows for proactive monitoring and intervention to minimize the severity of symptoms and future complications.

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

• Behavior Management: Behavior modification techniques assist in building lasting habits for managing stress, improving sleep, and fostering overall well-being, impacting your rehabilitation journey.
• Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Invest in your long-term well-being by discovering non-surgical options for managing your arthritis; this proactive approach focuses on preserving joint function and improving quality of life.
• Prolotherapy Injections: As a proactive approach to pain management, prolotherapy injections encourage natural healing in your joints and connective tissues, reducing reliance on medication.
• Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation: By reducing nerve pain that interferes with your daily life, radiofrequency nerve ablation can be a proactive approach to improve mobility and function, restoring activities you may have given up due to discomfort.
• High Velocity Low Amplitude Technique (HVLA): To enhance your body's natural healing and prevent future problems, your physical therapist may use HVLA to restore normal joint motion and reduce muscle tension.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Ensure optimal recovery after surgery with post-surgical rehabilitation – a personalized program to help you regain your independence and quality of life.
• Occipital Nerve Block: This injection helps identify if neck pain is related to nerve irritation at the base of your skull, offering a proactive approach to treating chronic pain and improving your quality of life.

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. Clay 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 incorporating gentle jaw exercises and excellent dental hygiene into their daily routine, a patient proactively reduced their risk of developing temporomandibular ankylosis, ensuring a pain-free and flexible jaw for years to come.
• A patient, through proactive physical therapy, learned strategies to manage central vestibular vertigo, reducing the risk of chronic dizziness and falls, and improving their overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently maintain their daily activities and enjoy a higher quality of life.
• Following bone replacement surgery, a patient diligently participated in physical therapy, significantly accelerating their recovery and reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach ensured a smoother return to daily activities and a greater sense of 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. Clay DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Clay DPT, a licensed physical therapist, is a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. They provide 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. Clay DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform 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 as effective as surgery, offering a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Clay DPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. We focus on identifying the root cause and empowering you with a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Clay 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 future problems. This program empowers you to actively participate in your healing journey.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Clay DPT can perform a functional movement screen to identify potential injury risks, such as muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues, proactively preventing future problems.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

Yes, physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. While it can't reverse arthritis, a targeted exercise program from Dr. Clay DPT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

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

Pre-surgery physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles, improving your recovery speed. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial to restore joint range of motion, build strength, and maximize your new joint's success. Starting physical therapy soon after surgery is essential for the best possible outcome.

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

Dr. Clay Bales, 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): 1699908061

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. Clay 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.