Dr. Erica Gagne, DPT

Dr. Erica Gagne, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Hollywood, 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 is a vital partner in preventive health, recognizing that general physical therapists are your primary partners in preventive care. This collaboration involves creating 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. Erica DPT's focus is firmly rooted in the principles of preventive medicine. As a physical therapist in Hollywood, FL, she emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her commitment to proactive health extends to coordinating care, helping patients understand their bodies and develop strategies for injury prevention and ongoing wellness. She believes in working with patients to develop personalized plans that promote healthy movement and function. Patients should call (954) 981-0584 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Erica DPT provides consultations primarily in English. Her practice philosophy centers on the power of partnership, recognizing that a patient's active participation in their health journey is critical to long-term success. She understands the importance of restoring and maintaining optimal function and wellness, promoting proactive health habits. Her commitment to evidence-based practice and collaborative care makes her a valuable resource for individuals seeking to improve their overall well-being through physical therapy.

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

• Spinal Cord Injury: Managing existing spinal cord injuries through physical therapy and lifestyle changes can significantly slow disease progression, reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Pediatric Ankle Fractures: Proper treatment and rehabilitation of pediatric ankle fractures help prevent chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility later in life, promoting healthy active lifestyles.
• Arthritis: Managing arthritis effectively through physical therapy helps prevent joint damage and improves quality of life, allowing you to stay active.
• Ankle Fusion: Ankle fusion surgery is a last resort for severe ankle arthritis, highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive management of ankle pain to prevent the need for this major procedure.
• Jaw Sprain: Jaw sprains, while often minor, can develop into chronic issues if not addressed promptly; proactive protective measures and early treatment reduce long-term risks.
• Lumbar Spine Fracture: Protecting your lower back from fractures involves understanding risk factors like osteoporosis and maintaining good posture, enabling early intervention and preventing debilitating complications.
• Tibia Fracture: Preventing falls through balance exercises and home modifications is essential in minimizing the risk of tibia fractures, especially among older adults with weakened bones.

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

• Strength & Conditioning Coaching: Boost your fitness and reduce your risk of injury through personalized strength and conditioning coaching; it identifies movement limitations before they cause problems.
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Invest in your future mobility! Peripheral nerve stimulation helps diagnose nerve-related issues affecting your movement, enabling early intervention and preventing long-term complications.
• Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback is a non-invasive way to assess brainwave activity, allowing for early detection of potential neurological concerns and promoting optimal brain function.
• Balance Testing: Protect yourself from injuries by getting your balance checked; early detection of issues can prevent falls and improve your mobility.
• Spine Rehabilitation Exercises: Take proactive steps to protect your back health; spine rehabilitation exercises help identify and address weaknesses before they lead to injury.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: Epidural steroid injections can be part of a proactive strategy to reduce pain and inflammation, improving your function and making it easier to engage in rehabilitation.
• Corrective-Exercise Program: A corrective-exercise program helps you identify movement weaknesses and teaches you exercises to strengthen your body and 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. Erica 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 understanding their spinal cord injury risk factors and working closely with a physical therapist, a patient implemented preventative strategies that significantly reduced their pain and improved their mobility. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy a higher quality of life.
• Following a physical therapy program, a young athlete significantly reduced the risk of future ankle problems, ensuring a healthy and active future. This proactive approach gave the family peace of mind and confidence in their child's long-term well-being.
• By incorporating a tailored physical therapy program into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of arthritis-related joint pain and maintained a fulfilling, active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured they could enjoy their favorite activities 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. Erica DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Erica, a licensed Physical Therapist (PT), is a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. She provides 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. Erica 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 a powerful, non-invasive first step to potentially avoid more invasive procedures.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Erica 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.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery, which speeds recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical to restoring range of motion, building strength, and ensuring the best possible outcome from your new joint. We encourage you to start physical therapy soon after your surgery.

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. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomy and physiology, and is a tool to accelerate your recovery.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, offered by Dr. Erica DPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing 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.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Erica 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 before they cause a problem, proactively preventing future injuries.

2480 N Park Rd
Hollywood FL 33021
Phone: (954) 981-0584

Dr. Erica Gagne, 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): 1376853820

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. Erica 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.