Dr. Elizabeth Defelice, DPT

Dr. Elizabeth Defelice, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Plantation, FL, 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), she understands the vital role of preventive care. 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.

Dr. Elizabeth DPT is a physical therapist in Plantation, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Her care centers around creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands the importance of proactive measures and is passionate about helping individuals achieve and maintain optimal physical function. To ensure you receive the best possible care, please call (954) 474-2525 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Elizabeth DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Early detection of hip and thigh osteoarthritis is crucial, as physical therapy interventions can significantly improve symptoms, reduce pain, and help you maintain mobility and independence.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Syndrome: Regular health check-ups and awareness of ISCS symptoms can enable early diagnosis, leading to timely treatment and potentially preventing permanent damage and disability.
• Soft Tissue Disorders: Early detection of soft tissue problems through self-assessment and professional checkups is crucial, as it can help prevent chronic pain and functional limitations.
• Joint Fracture: Early detection of risk factors for joint fractures, such as osteoporosis, allows for timely interventions to strengthen bones and reduce the likelihood of breaks.
• Vertebral Compression Fractures: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in weight-bearing activities, and getting enough vitamin D can significantly reduce your risk of developing vertebral compression fractures.
• Insufficiency Fracture: Early detection of insufficiency fractures is key to preventing serious complications like delayed healing and long-term mobility issues; regular bone density checks and awareness of subtle pain are crucial.

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

• Spinal Manipulation Under Anesthesia: Spinal manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) can proactively address persistent spinal pain and stiffness by allowing your physical therapist to more effectively correct spinal misalignments and improve mobility.
• Child Injury Prevention: Take a proactive step in protecting your child from injuries that can impact their physical development and long-term well-being by learning about injury prevention techniques.
• Contemporary Cupping Therapy: Boost your recovery and prevent stiffness by incorporating contemporary cupping therapy, which can alleviate muscle soreness and enhance range of motion.
• Arthrocentesis: As a preventative measure for serious joint problems, arthrocentesis involves drawing fluid from your joint to help detect and treat conditions like arthritis, reducing the risk of irreversible joint damage.
• Spine and Sports Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: Enhance your athletic performance and reduce your injury risk through spine and sports musculoskeletal rehabilitation; we'll assess your movement and address any weaknesses.
• Range of Motion Testing: By measuring your range of motion, we can detect potential problems early, helping you maintain your independence and mobility.
• Graston Technique®: Take a proactive step towards pain-free movement with Graston Technique®, a hands-on method that detects and treats soft tissue restrictions to prevent future injuries.

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. Elizabeth 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:

• Recognizing the early clicking sensation in their jaw, a patient proactively sought guidance from a physical therapist, significantly reducing the risk of further jaw complications and maintaining optimal oral function. This proactive approach ensured they could confidently enjoy their daily activities without discomfort.
• By implementing a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing osteoarthritis in the hip and thigh, maintaining a fulfilling and active lifestyle. Early intervention empowered them to proactively manage their joint health and prevent future pain and limitations.
• By attending regular check-ups and understanding Incomplete Spinal Cord Syndrome symptoms, a patient proactively managed their health, reducing the risk of potential long-term complications.

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. Elizabeth DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They provide 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. Elizabeth 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 evaluation 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 often a powerful, non-invasive first step to potentially avoid more invasive procedures.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Elizabeth DPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

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. Elizabeth 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 are experts in child development. Dr. Elizabeth 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 to meet their milestones.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding up your 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. Elizabeth DPT will work with you to create a personalized plan for both pre- and post-operative care.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Elizabeth DPT to address pain and movement limitations. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to improve joint motion, reduce pain, and prepare the body for therapeutic exercise.

600 S Pine Island Rd Ste 103
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (954) 474-2525

Dr. Elizabeth Defelice, 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): 1952174724

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. Elizabeth 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.