Dr. Galen Harrigan, DPT

Dr. Galen Harrigan, DPT is a Physical Therapist 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 patients of all ages at her clinic in Palm Coast, FL. 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. Patients should call (386) 446-9935 to confirm if Dr. Galen DPT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Galen Harrigan, DPT is a physical therapist in Palm Coast, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their health journey. Her practice emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, recognizing that proactive care can significantly impact long-term well-being. Dr. Galen DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Compound Fracture: Preventing falls and practicing safe sports techniques can significantly reduce your risk of suffering a compound fracture, a severe bone break that increases the risk of infection if not treated promptly.
• Meniscus Tear: A meniscus tear, often caused by twisting or impact, highlights the importance of proactive exercises to strengthen knee joints and prevent future injuries.
• Lateral Epicondylitis: Protecting yourself from tennis elbow starts with understanding your risk factors, like overuse, and taking steps to modify activities or strengthen supporting muscles to prevent pain and dysfunction.
• Shoulder Blade Pain: Preventing future shoulder blade pain involves identifying and addressing risk factors like poor posture and repetitive movements, promoting long-term health.
• Loss of Balance: Preventing falls and injuries starts with recognizing and addressing balance issues early, as maintaining good balance is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
• Low Back Pain: Low back pain can significantly impact your daily life, but early detection and proactive management through physical therapy can prevent it from becoming a chronic problem.
• Metatarsal Fracture: Preventing metatarsal fractures involves being aware of risk factors like high-impact activities or ill-fitting shoes; managing the injury effectively prevents complications such as arthritis and persistent pain.

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

• Concussion Treatment: Our concussion treatment helps identify any neurological deficits and guides you through a personalized recovery plan to restore your brain health.
• Neuromuscular Rehabilitation: Neuromuscular rehabilitation helps you strengthen your muscles and improve your coordination to prevent future injuries and falls.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: Proactively address debilitating back pain with spinal cord stimulation, a treatment that can help restore function and mobility.
• Dry Needling: Dry needling can help you prevent chronic pain by identifying and treating muscle knots and trigger points, improving your overall physical function.
• Stretches to Prevent Injuries: Take charge of your physical health by learning stretches that target common injury areas, keeping you active and pain-free.
• Pain Rehabilitation and Management: Invest in your long-term well-being by seeking pain rehabilitation; we'll work with you to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future problems.
• Hydrotherapy: Prevent stiffness and improve joint mobility by choosing hydrotherapy; the water's support and resistance offer a gentle yet effective way to exercise and maintain healthy movement.

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. Galen 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 learning safe exercise techniques and fall prevention strategies, a family felt empowered to significantly lower their risk of a compound fracture, ensuring a more active and secure future.
• By incorporating proactive strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a meniscus tear, enjoying a renewed sense of freedom and confidence in their daily activities.
• By understanding overuse risks and strengthening supporting muscles, a patient proactively avoided the pain and discomfort of tennis elbow, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

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. Galen DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Galen DPT is a licensed physical therapist (PT) who is a movement expert. They help improve your quality of life by providing hands-on care, education, and exercises. They specialize in preventing injuries, managing pain, and restoring function after illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Galen DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We'll discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This 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, acting as a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Galen DPT can perform a functional movement screen to identify potential injury risks, such as muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to strengthen weak areas and improve movement, preventing future injuries.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Galen's physical therapy program focuses on restoring neurological function after a stroke. Through specific, repetitive exercises, we help retrain the brain to regain lost motor skills. Our goal is to improve walking, balance, and strength, enabling greater independence and reducing the risk of falls.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, offered by Dr. Galen 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 various conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

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 for your new joint. Dr. Galen DPT will work with you to create a personalized plan for both pre- and post-operative care.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Galen 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, helping to prevent falls.

4875 Palm Coast Pkwy NW Unit 2
Palm Coast FL 32137
Phone: (386) 446-9935

Dr. Galen Harrigan, 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): 1689926248

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. Galen 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.