Dr. Debra Tester, DPT

Dr. Debra DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Debra 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. She serves all ages. Please call (904) 292-0195 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Debra DPT, a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that a proactive approach to wellness is key to a fulfilling life. Her practice focuses on preventive strategies, working closely with patients to identify potential risks and develop personalized plans to promote long-term well-being. Dr. Debra DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Snapping Hip: Early detection of snapping hip syndrome through self-awareness of hip clicks or pain can help prevent long-term joint damage and disability.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Preventive care for your jaw health starts with recognizing symptoms like clicking. Seeking help early can help you maintain jaw function and avoid further complications.
• Intra-Articular Fracture: Early detection of an intra-articular fracture is crucial for effective treatment, preventing further joint instability, and preserving mobility.
• Hip Subluxation: Understanding your risk factors for hip subluxation, such as previous injuries or certain medical conditions, allows for preventative strategies like targeted exercises and lifestyle modifications.
• Toe Sprain: A toe sprain, often caused by awkward movements or impact, can be prevented with proper footwear and exercises strengthening foot muscles, ensuring early intervention avoids long-term mobility issues.
• Coccygeal Pain: Tailbone pain can be debilitating, but proactive strategies like maintaining good posture and seeking physical therapy at the first sign of discomfort can prevent it from becoming a long-term problem.
• Tendon Disorders: Tendon disorders, like tendinitis, can be prevented through regular stretching and strengthening exercises to keep your tendons healthy and resilient, reducing your risk of injury.

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

• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: As a proactive measure to protect your joints, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate helps restore the natural cushioning in your joints, alleviating pain and improving flexibility.
• Injury Prevention: Take control of your health by participating in injury prevention screenings that assess your movement patterns and identify potential weaknesses.
• Synvisc® Injection: Synvisc® injections are a proactive step to ease knee pain and stiffness by lubricating the joint and improving its function.
• Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation: As a proactive step towards better mobility, radiofrequency nerve ablation can help alleviate persistent nerve pain that limits your ability to participate in activities you enjoy.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP): Consider PRP injections as a way to proactively address injuries and chronic pain; they utilize your body's own healing mechanisms to accelerate recovery and enhance movement.
• Reflexology: Reflexology is a therapeutic massage technique that can help improve circulation and reduce stress, proactively supporting your overall well-being and potentially preventing future health issues.
• Ligament Reconstruction: Protecting your joint's long-term health, ligament reconstruction helps restore proper alignment and function after a significant injury.

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. Debra 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 recognizing and addressing early hip clicking, a patient proactively reduced their risk of future hip pain and disability, gaining peace of mind through a tailored physical therapy plan.
• Recognizing the early clicking in their jaw, a patient proactively sought physical therapy guidance. This proactive approach helped them maintain jaw function and avoid more significant issues in the future.
• By following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of an intra-articular fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain joint health 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. Debra DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Debra DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing 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. Debra 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 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?

Prehabilitation, or pre-op physical therapy, can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome for your new joint. Dr. Debra DPT will work with you to create a personalized plan for your needs.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Debra 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 to meet their milestones.

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.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Debra 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 the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Debra DPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. We focus on identifying the root cause and creating a personalized program. This includes core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes and empower you to manage your pain effectively.

12421 San Jose Blvd Ste 100
Jacksonville FL 32223
Phone: (904) 292-0195

Dr. Debra Tester, 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): 1679884506

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. Debra 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.