Dr. Courtney Sickel, DPT

Dr. Courtney Sickel, 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 Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she serves as a vital partner in preventive health at her clinic in Saint Augustine, 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 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. Courtney DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Courtney Sickel, DPT is a physical therapist in Saint Augustine, FL, serving all ages. She focuses on preventive care, recognizing the importance of proactive strategies to maintain optimal health and function. Her practice emphasizes comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and patient education to foster long-term wellness. Patients should call (904) 679-3449 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Her commitment to empowering patients through proactive care makes her a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their overall health and well-being.

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

• Ankle Injury: Early intervention after an ankle injury is crucial to minimize long-term complications, ensuring proper healing and the restoration of full ankle function, preventing future issues.
• Pediatric Ankle Fractures: Proper treatment and rehabilitation of pediatric ankle fractures help prevent chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility later in life, promoting healthy active lifestyles.
• Bunion: Proper foot care, including stretching and strengthening exercises, can reduce your risk of developing bunions and manage existing ones to lessen pain and improve movement.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Shoulder: Early intervention with physical therapy is key to slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in the shoulder and preventing long-term joint destruction, ensuring you maintain your quality of life.
• Snapping Hip: Proactive management of snapping hip symptoms, like pain or clicking, can prevent the condition from worsening and allow you to maintain your desired activity level.
• Complex Spine Disorders: Don't wait until back pain cripples you: understanding and managing complex spine disorders through preventative care and early intervention with physical therapy can help you maintain your independence and mobility.
• Nerve Root Injury and Plexus Disorders (incl. Pinched Nerve): Maintaining a healthy weight and good posture minimizes stress on your nervous system, preventing conditions such as pinched nerves and promoting overall well-being.

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

• Mindfulness Meditation: By practicing mindfulness meditation, you can cultivate better body awareness, leading to earlier detection of subtle pain or stiffness that might indicate a developing problem.
• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: Prevent future dental and facial problems by seeking Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy; this therapy evaluates oral function and identifies areas for improvement before they become significant problems.
• Exercise Counseling: Take control of your health with exercise counseling; it tailors a fitness plan to your specific needs, helping you avoid musculoskeletal issues.
• Epidural Block: As a proactive measure, epidural blocks may reduce the need for extensive, prolonged pain management, aiding in quicker restoration of movement and function.
• Disability Evaluation: Take control of your health! A disability evaluation provides a comprehensive overview of your physical capabilities, enabling early intervention and promoting independence.
• Injection of Tendon: As part of preventing future tendon injuries, an injection can help identify the root cause of your pain and inform a personalized rehabilitation program to improve your movement and prevent further problems.
• Joint Injection: To proactively address joint pain and stiffness, a joint injection can provide temporary pain relief while we determine the best long-term treatment strategy.

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. Courtney 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:

• Following a physical therapy program, a patient proactively addressed potential ankle injury risks, significantly reducing the likelihood of future problems and ensuring a swift recovery from a previous injury. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle without limitations.
• Following a physical therapy program, the family felt empowered to proactively manage their child's ankle injury, significantly reducing the risk of future mobility issues and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. This proactive approach provided peace of mind, knowing they were taking steps to prevent long-term complications.
• By incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing bunions, enjoying greater comfort and mobility.

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. Courtney DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Courtney DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They provide 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. Courtney DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We'll 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 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, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

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. Courtney DPT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Courtney DPT are experts in child development. She 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.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Courtney, DPT, can help prevent injuries by performing a functional movement screen to identify potential problems like muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to strengthen those areas and improve your form, reducing your risk of future injury.

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. Courtney DPT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Courtney, DPT, to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This prepares the body for more effective therapeutic exercise.

4320 A1A S Ste 7
Saint Augustine FL 32080
Phone: (904) 679-3449

Dr. Courtney Sickel, 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): 1316631245

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. Courtney 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.