Dr. Emily Ricardo, DPT

Dr. Emily Ricardo, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care, recognizing 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. Dr. Emily DPT serves all ages.

Dr. Emily Ricardo, DPT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. This includes a focus on preventing future issues through proactive care, comprehensive assessments, and tailored rehabilitation plans. Patients should call (904) 345-7373 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Emily DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Knee Arthritis: Addressing knee arthritis proactively through physical therapy and healthy lifestyle choices can help avoid joint replacement surgery and preserve your independence in the long term.
• Glenoid Labrum Tear: Early detection of a glenoid labrum tear is crucial to prevent long-term shoulder instability and the need for extensive surgery; proactive physical therapy can often address the issue.
• Elbow Injuries: Addressing elbow pain promptly and seeking physical therapy can prevent the injury from worsening and improve your ability to perform daily tasks.
• 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.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Understanding your risk factors for MS and seeking early medical attention can significantly impact the progression of this disease, making physical therapy vital for managing symptoms and preserving mobility.
• Joint Fracture: Proper management of a joint fracture, including physical therapy, helps prevent long-term complications like stiffness, limited mobility, and chronic pain.
• Partially Dislocated Elbow (Nursemaid Elbow): Early detection of a nursemaid's elbow is key; swift treatment ensures quick recovery and prevents the need for more extensive medical interventions.

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

• Manipulation Adjustment of Back and Neck: Protect yourself from chronic back and neck pain by undergoing a gentle manipulation and adjustment; this screening helps diagnose and address underlying joint restrictions.
• Disability Evaluation: A disability evaluation helps identify physical limitations and develop a personalized plan to improve your movement and function.
• Ganglion Impar Block: This procedure helps identify the origin of persistent pelvic or lower back pain, allowing for proactive treatment and preventing long-term complications through early diagnosis.
• Peripheral Nerve Block: A peripheral nerve block is a procedure that can help pinpoint the source of your nerve pain, guiding your physical therapist in creating a targeted treatment plan.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation: Electrical muscle stimulation helps strengthen weakened muscles to prevent future injuries and improve overall function.
• Trigger Point Acupuncture: As a preventative measure, consider trigger point acupuncture to detect and alleviate muscle imbalances before they cause pain or limit your activity.
• Electrical Stimulation: Electrical stimulation can help proactively reduce muscle pain and promote healing after an injury, getting you back to your active life faster.

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. Emily 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 incorporating a physical therapy program and adopting a healthier lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced their risk of knee arthritis, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a pain-free, active lifestyle.
• A patient, experiencing shoulder discomfort, sought proactive physical therapy guidance, reducing the risk of a future glenoid labrum tear and extensive surgery. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in managing their shoulder health.
• A young athlete, experiencing minor elbow discomfort, sought physical therapy guidance. Early intervention helped prevent a more serious injury, allowing them to continue their sport without limitations.

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. Emily DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Emily DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to improve your quality of life, 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. Emily DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform 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 as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function, often serving as a powerful, non-invasive first step to potentially prevent 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 crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's function. Dr. Emily DPT and our team will guide you through both phases to ensure the best possible outcome.

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

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Emily DPT, focuses on the muscles supporting the pelvic organs. 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 feel dizzy and off-balance. Can a physical therapist help?

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

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Emily DPT can perform a functional movement screen to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that could lead to injury. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues and help prevent future problems.

3599 University Blvd S
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 345-7373

Dr. Emily Ricardo, 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): 1447903182

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. Emily 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.