Dr. Heather Gosselin, DPT

Dr. Heather Gosselin, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, 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 trusted partner in preventive health, specializing in helping individuals of all ages. 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. Heather DPT is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, she understands the importance of proactive health management and strives to provide personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Patients should call (904) 864-3853 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Heather DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Arthritis: Protecting your joints through regular exercise and healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing arthritis later in life.
• Spine Fractures, Traumatic: Protecting your spine from traumatic fracture involves addressing underlying conditions like osteoporosis, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding risky activities.
• Wrist Sprain: Early detection of a wrist sprain is crucial; prompt treatment helps prevent long-term stiffness and limitations in hand function, allowing you to maintain daily activities.
• Chondromalacia: Chondromalacia, or cartilage softening in your knee, can be managed with preventative exercises to avoid further damage and potential joint replacement.
• Traumatic Injuries: By addressing risk factors and practicing preventive measures, you can significantly decrease your chance of experiencing a traumatic injury and the associated need for physical therapy.
• Infections of Joints: Protecting your joints from infection starts with practicing good hygiene and seeking prompt medical attention for any signs of joint pain or swelling to prevent lasting damage.
• Complex Spine Disorders: Don't wait until back pain cripples you: understanding and managing complex spine disorders through preventative care and early intervention with physical therapy can help you maintain your independence and 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. Heather DPT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment: Take a proactive step towards pain relief and improved function by exploring cooled radiofrequency treatment, a minimally invasive option for managing nerve-related pain.
• Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique: Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique is a gentle, hands-on approach to spinal alignment that can help prevent future back pain and improve overall joint mobility.
• Cox Flexion-Distraction Technique: Take a proactive step towards better back health: Cox Flexion-Distraction can help relieve pain and improve spinal function, reducing your risk of future back injuries.
• Joint Fluid Therapy: Joint fluid therapy helps proactively identify early signs of joint degeneration, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more significant problems down the line.
• Pain Medication Management: Proactive pain medication management helps you understand your pain and develop a plan to reduce reliance on medication, focusing on long-term wellness.
• Auricular Acupuncture: Proactively manage your health by using auricular acupuncture to potentially improve your body's self-regulatory mechanisms and prevent imbalances that cause discomfort.
• Chronic Pain Management: Invest in your long-term well-being by addressing chronic pain early with physical therapy, preventing further disability.

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. Heather 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 exercise and a healthy diet into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing arthritis later in life, gaining confidence in their long-term joint health.
• By proactively addressing underlying osteoporosis and modifying risky activities, a patient significantly reduced their risk of spine fractures, achieving a greater sense of safety and security in their daily life.
• By understanding the early warning signs of a potential wrist sprain and implementing a proactive stretching routine, a patient avoided a painful injury and maintained full use of their hand for daily tasks.

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. Heather DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Heather DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing 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. Heather 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 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 that often prevents the need for more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Heather DPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. We identify the root cause and create a personalized program focusing on core strengthening, flexibility, and education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes. This empowers you to manage your pain effectively and maintain long-term back health.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Heather DPT 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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Heather 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.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physical therapists like Dr. Heather DPT to address pain and movement limitations. Techniques include joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion, reduce pain, improve movement, and prepare the body for therapeutic exercise.

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

3901 University Blvd S
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 864-3853

Dr. Heather Gosselin, 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): 1376886226

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. Heather 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.