Dr. Erica Patel, DPT

Dr. Erica Patel, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Largo, FL, and 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 serves as a crucial partner in preventive health. 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 works with all ages.

Dr. Erica DPT is a physical therapist in Largo, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. Her focus is on helping patients understand and implement strategies for maintaining optimal function and preventing future issues. Please call (727) 541-5304 to confirm if Dr. Erica DPT is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Erica DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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:

• Degenerative Scoliosis: Degenerative scoliosis can cause chronic back pain and limited mobility, but consistent physical therapy and lifestyle modifications can help prevent these debilitating effects.
• Facet Joint Synovial Cysts: Regular physical therapy, including exercises to strengthen your core and improve spinal flexibility, can help prevent the formation of facet joint synovial cysts and reduce your risk of developing back pain.
• Charcot Disease: Protecting your feet from Charcot disease starts with managing underlying conditions like diabetes and regularly inspecting your feet for any signs of damage – early detection is key to preventing severe foot problems.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have long-lasting effects, but early intervention and rehabilitation significantly improve recovery and prevent further complications.
• Numbness: Numbness in your body can be a sign of a developing health issue, so seeking early assessment from a physical therapist can help prevent lasting complications.
• Neck Strain (incl. Whiplash Injury): Protecting your neck from injury involves understanding risk factors like poor posture and repetitive movements and taking steps to mitigate them.
• Central Vestibular Vertigo: Understanding your risk factors for central vestibular vertigo, like certain neurological conditions, allows for proactive steps to minimize its impact and maintain your mobility.

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:

• Thoracic Facet Joint Injection: A thoracic facet joint injection is a proactive step to pinpoint the source of your upper back pain and potentially avoid more invasive treatments.
• Strain-Counterstrain: Take a proactive approach to pain management with strain-counterstrain, a therapy that gently releases muscle tension, reducing the risk of recurring injuries.
• Chronic Pain Management: Proactively manage your chronic pain through physical therapy, improving your mobility and quality of life.
• Ultrasound-Guided Injection: By using ultrasound imaging to guide injections, your physical therapist ensures accurate medication delivery, minimizing side effects and maximizing the effectiveness of your treatment for faster recovery.
• Cold Laser Therapy: Take a proactive step towards faster recovery by exploring cold laser therapy; it stimulates tissue repair, reducing inflammation and improving mobility after an injury.
• Integrated Yoga Therapy: Integrated Yoga Therapy can help identify muscle imbalances and postural problems early on, preventing them from developing into significant limitations and pain.
• Muscle Energy Technique: Muscle Energy Technique can help you identify and correct underlying muscle issues that may be contributing to pain or limited movement, before they become bigger problems.

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:

• Recognizing early warning signs and working with a physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise program, a patient proactively reduced the risk of developing degenerative scoliosis, maintaining a pain-free and mobile lifestyle.
• By incorporating regular core strengthening and spinal flexibility exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing facet joint synovial cysts and related back pain, promoting long-term spinal health.
• By diligently inspecting their feet and managing their diabetes, a patient proactively reduced their risk of Charcot disease, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.

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?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Erica 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 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. For conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy can be as effective as surgery. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and prepare you for surgery, accelerating recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after your procedure, to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's function. Working with Dr. Erica DPT, your physical therapist, will ensure the best possible outcome.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Erica DPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics will be created. This approach promotes long-term pain management and well-being.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Erica's home exercise program is a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue your progress between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete. It's the most important part of your recovery, empowering you to actively participate in your healing.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Erica DPT, 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Erica and our team of physical therapists specialize in helping stroke survivors regain lost function. We use targeted exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to rewire itself and improve strength, balance, and walking. Our goal is to maximize your independence and minimize the risk of falls.

8254 118th Ave Ste 100
Largo FL 33773
Phone: (727) 541-5304

Dr. Erica Patel, 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): 1508309154

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.