Dr. Danielle Shugard, DPT

Dr. Danielle Shugard, 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 patients of all ages at her clinic in West Palm 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. Patients should call (561) 684-9200 to confirm if Dr. Danielle DPT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Danielle DPT, a physical therapist in West Palm Beach, FL, is 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. Her practice prioritizes preventative measures, recognizing the vital role of physical therapy in promoting overall well-being. She understands the importance of personalized care plans and works diligently to create strategies that support each patient's unique needs and goals. Dr. Danielle DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Complex Spine Disorders: Complex spine disorders, like spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life, but early detection and proactive physical therapy can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
• Degenerative Scoliosis: While degenerative scoliosis is a progressive condition, proactive measures such as maintaining good posture, strengthening core muscles, and seeking early physical therapy intervention can help minimize its impact on your daily life.
• Ventral Hernia: Addressing a ventral hernia promptly is crucial for preventing pain, bowel obstruction, and other potential complications that can significantly impact your mobility and overall health.
• Cervical Spine Disorders: Protecting your neck health through proper posture and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing cervical spine disorders.
• Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: Preventing further complications from foot and ankle osteophytes requires understanding your risk factors, like age and certain activities, and taking steps to protect your joints through targeted exercises and proper footwear.
• Hip Arthritis: Early diagnosis of hip arthritis is key to preventing further damage and limiting its progression; physical therapy and lifestyle modifications are crucial for managing symptoms and preserving hip joint function for years to come.
• Ligament Sprain: By engaging in regular physical therapy and strengthening exercises, you can reduce your risk of developing ligament sprains and improve overall joint stability.

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

• Post-Isometric Exercise Relaxation Technique: Post-isometric relaxation is a proactive way to address muscle imbalances, promoting improved body mechanics and helping to prevent injuries before they occur.
• Intercostal Nerve Block: As a preventative measure against chronic chest pain, an intercostal nerve block can provide temporary pain relief and allow for a more accurate diagnosis of underlying conditions affecting movement and function.
• Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty: As a proactive measure against chronic back pain, Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty strengthens and stabilizes the spinal discs, improving spinal function and reducing the need for future interventions.
• Non-Cosmetic Botox® Injection: Proactively manage muscle spasms and chronic pain with non-cosmetic Botox® injections, restoring your movement and function.
• Nutritional Counseling: Prevent future injuries and enhance your recovery with a customized nutritional plan designed to support your body's natural healing process and improve your functional capacity.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Proactively address persistent muscle or joint pain with soft tissue injections; they can reduce inflammation and speed your recovery.
• Auricular Acupuncture: Auricular acupuncture may help relieve pain and improve body awareness, promoting a proactive approach to injury prevention.

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. Danielle 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 proactively managing their posture and engaging in regular physical therapy exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a complex spine disorder, ensuring a pain-free and active lifestyle.
• By incorporating posture exercises and core strengthening into their routine, a patient significantly reduced the risk factors associated with degenerative scoliosis, gaining greater confidence in maintaining an active lifestyle.
• Recognizing the early warning signs of potential ventral hernia issues, a patient proactively engaged in physical therapy, significantly reducing their risk of future complications and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured their well-being and peace of mind.

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. Danielle DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Danielle DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. They use 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. Danielle 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 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 just 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.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding up 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. Danielle DPT will work with you to develop a personalized plan.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Danielle's physical therapy helps stroke survivors regain lost function by using targeted exercises to retrain the brain (neuroplasticity). This leads to improved walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing fall risk.

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

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

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

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

603 Village Blvd Ste 303
West Palm Beach FL 33409
Phone: (561) 684-9200

Dr. Danielle Shugard, 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): 1609241793

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. Danielle 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.