Dr. Eric Wheeler, DPT

Dr. Eric Wheeler, 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). Dr. Eric 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, and patients should call (904) 261-7878 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Eric Wheeler, DPT is a physical therapist in Fernandina Beach, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His practice is focused on the prevention of injuries and the promotion of optimal function, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. Dr. Eric DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Back Pain: Protecting your back through proactive posture and exercise prevents back pain and keeps you moving freely.
• Herniated Disc: Understanding the risk factors for herniated discs, such as poor posture and repetitive lifting, allows for preventative measures like ergonomic adjustments and targeted exercise to safeguard your spinal health.
• Chest Wall Pain Syndrome: Addressing chest wall pain promptly with physical therapy can help prevent further complications, such as chronic pain or limited mobility.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Preventing spinal cord injuries starts with understanding and managing risk factors like falls and sports-related accidents to minimize the chances of this life-altering event.
• Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury: Prompt medical attention and rehabilitation after a lumbar spinal cord injury can help minimize long-term complications and restore movement and function, improving your quality of life.
• Spine Dislocation: Understanding your individual risk factors for spine dislocation, such as previous injuries or underlying conditions, allows for targeted preventative measures and early intervention.
• Pellegrini-Stieda Syndrome: Managing Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome, characterized by knee pain and stiffness due to calcium buildup, is crucial to prevent further limitations in movement and maintain your knee's overall health.

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

• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy helps proactively identify and correct oral habits that could lead to jaw pain, sleep apnea, or speech problems.
• Diversified Technique: Our physical therapists use a range of techniques to address your specific issues, helping you prevent future injuries and improve your overall movement quality.
• Knee Injection: To proactively manage knee pain and avoid long-term problems, a knee injection can help diagnose the underlying issue and guide your treatment plan.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Protect your spine and improve your posture by getting a screening; it can uncover issues like scoliosis, muscle weakness, or alignment problems that may need attention.
• Dry Needling: Take a proactive role in your health by using dry needling to address muscle imbalances and pain, helping you to restore normal movement patterns and preventing recurring issues.
• Cell Based Therapy: As a preventive measure, exploring cell-based therapies can help you proactively address tissue degeneration and maintain your mobility and function as you age.
• Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation: By reducing nerve pain that interferes with your daily life, radiofrequency nerve ablation can be a proactive approach to improve mobility and function, restoring activities you may have given up due to discomfort.

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. Eric 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 regular stretching and strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their back pain and enjoyed a more active, pain-free lifestyle.
• By understanding the importance of proper lifting techniques and posture, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a herniated disc, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain spinal health.
• By proactively addressing chest wall pain with physical therapy, a patient avoided the potential for chronic pain and maintained full range of motion, leading to improved quality of life.

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. Eric DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Eric DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They provide hands-on care, education, and exercise programs 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. Eric DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a thorough physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This evaluation 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.

What is 'manual therapy'?

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

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

Yes, Dr. Eric DPT's pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. They 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.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Eric 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.

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

Yes, a physical therapist, like Dr. Eric 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 can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Eric and our physical therapists work with patients after stroke to help re-establish neurological pathways. We use specific, repetitive exercises to encourage the brain to rewire itself and regain lost function. This helps improve walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and preventing falls.

96279 Brady Point Rd # B
Fernandina Beach FL 32034
Phone: (904) 261-7878

Dr. Eric Wheeler, 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): 1841835089

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. Eric 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.