Dr. David Cummings, DPT

Dr. David Cummings, DPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. He practices at his clinic in Fernandina Beach, Florida, 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, Dr. David 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. David Cummings, DPT is a physical therapist in Fernandina Beach, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His practice prioritizes creating individualized plans that address the unique needs of each patient. To confirm new patient availability, please call (904) 261-4664. Dr. David DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Overuse Injuries: Smart training strategies and proper recovery time after exercise can effectively mitigate the risk of overuse injuries and keep you active.
• Spina Bifida Occulta: Managing spina bifida occulta involves regular check-ups and a focus on overall physical health to prevent the development of associated musculoskeletal problems.
• Cartilage Damage: By addressing any existing joint pain or stiffness promptly and seeking professional guidance, you can manage early signs of cartilage damage and slow the progression of joint degeneration.
• Shoulder Osteophyte: Understanding your risk for shoulder osteophytes and engaging in preventive strategies such as strengthening exercises and ergonomic adjustments is key to preserving shoulder health.
• Dislocated Jaw: Prompt medical attention for jaw pain and dysfunction can help prevent a full dislocation, allowing for early management and minimizing the need for more extensive intervention.
• Knee Arthritis: Early intervention for knee arthritis is crucial to prevent further joint damage and maintain mobility; physical therapy and lifestyle modifications are essential in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Enthesopathy of Knee (incl. Bursitis of Knee): Enthesopathy of the knee, including bursitis, is an inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bone, often preventable through proactive strengthening exercises and appropriate weight management to reduce stress on the joint.

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

• Discography: A discography is a diagnostic test that helps identify the source of your back pain by assessing the health of your spinal discs, allowing for early intervention and preventing further damage.
• Spine and Sports Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: Invest in your long-term well-being with spine and sports musculoskeletal rehabilitation; this program helps prevent injuries, improves posture, and optimizes movement.
• Active Release Technique: Proactively maintain your physical well-being with ART, a method that addresses the root causes of muscle and joint discomfort, ensuring optimal function and minimizing future problems.
• Contemporary Cupping Therapy: As a preventative measure, contemporary cupping therapy can help detect and relieve muscle imbalances, supporting overall physical well-being and reducing injury risk.
• Grip and-or Muscle Group Pull Test: A simple grip and pull test helps your physical therapist assess your muscle strength and identify potential weaknesses before they lead to injuries.
• Botox® for Upper Limb Spasticity: Botox® injections can help reduce muscle stiffness and spasms in your arms, making everyday tasks easier and preventing further complications.
• Orthopedic Brace Fitting: Proactive orthopedic brace fitting helps ensure your brace provides the correct support and compression, maximizing its effectiveness in injury rehabilitation and pain management.

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. David 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 implementing smart training strategies and prioritizing recovery, a patient significantly reduced their risk of overuse injuries, enabling them to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
• By following a proactive physical therapy plan, a family felt empowered to manage their spina bifida occulta risk and focus on overall wellness, ensuring a healthier future. Regular check-ups and a personalized exercise program provided peace of mind and reduced the chance of related musculoskeletal issues.
• By addressing persistent knee pain early and following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of cartilage damage, allowing them to continue their active lifestyle without limitations.

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. David DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. David DPT, 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. David DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by 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 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. David DPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. We create a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics. This proactive approach aims for long-term pain relief and improved overall well-being.

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

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

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. David 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 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 different from acupuncture, as its basis is in Western anatomy and physiology, not traditional Chinese medicine. This can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. David DPT can help. Many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation and can treat common causes of dizziness, such as BPPV, using specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises, helping to prevent falls.

1897 Island Walk Way Ste 5
Fernandina Beach FL 32034
Phone: (904) 261-4664

Dr. David Cummings, 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): 1780033985

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. David 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.