Dr. Jennifer Nuce, DPT

Dr. Jennifer Nuce, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her Largo, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she serves as a vital 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 serves all ages.

Dr. Jennifer DPT, a physical therapist in Largo, FL, is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands that proactive health management is key to a fulfilling life, and her goal is to provide patients with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve and maintain their optimal physical well-being. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (727) 586-1701 to confirm. Dr. Jennifer DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Osteochondritis Dissecans: Early detection of osteochondritis dissecans, where part of the bone and cartilage loosens in a joint, is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing the need for more extensive treatments like surgery.
• Ankle Fusion: Protecting your ankle joints through regular exercise, proper footwear, and early attention to injuries can significantly reduce your risk of needing an ankle fusion later in life.
• Herniated Disc: A herniated disc, often preventable with proper posture and lifting techniques, occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer, causing pain and potentially leading to long-term disability if not addressed early.
• Degenerative Joint Disease in the Shoulder: Protecting your shoulder joints through proper posture, exercise, and weight management can significantly reduce your risk of developing degenerative joint disease.
• Compound Fracture: A compound fracture, where the broken bone pierces the skin, needs immediate medical attention to prevent infection and ensure proper healing, highlighting the importance of seeking care for severe injuries to avoid long-term complications.
• Back Injuries: Protecting your back through proactive posture and exercise helps prevent painful injuries and keeps you moving freely.
• Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: Regular check-ups and proactive physical therapy interventions for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia can help prevent falls, maintain independence, and improve quality of life by addressing muscle weakness and spasticity.

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

• Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation: As a proactive step towards better mobility, radiofrequency nerve ablation can help alleviate persistent nerve pain that limits your ability to participate in activities you enjoy.
• Nutritional Counseling: Fuel your body for optimal movement and recovery with personalized nutritional guidance to prevent injuries and enhance your physical therapy progress.
• Epidural Block: To help prevent long-term disability, an epidural block can be used to manage severe pain, enabling earlier and more effective rehabilitation.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation with hyaluronate is a proactive step to ease joint pain and stiffness by lubricating the joint, improving its function, and potentially delaying the need for more invasive treatments.
• Counseling Services: Take proactive steps towards a healthier you with counseling services that help you understand and manage pain, improving your movement and reducing injury risk.
• Lumbar Selective Nerve Root Block: As a preventative measure against chronic lower back pain, a lumbar selective nerve root block can help diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and guide treatment decisions.
• Pediatric Developmental Therapy: Give your child the best start with pediatric developmental therapy—a proactive approach to identifying and addressing any challenges impacting their physical development and reducing the risk of long-term 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. Jennifer 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 working closely with a physical therapist, a patient proactively managed potential knee issues, successfully reducing the risk of osteochondritis dissecans and enjoying continued athletic participation.
• By consistently strengthening their ankles and prioritizing proper footwear, a patient significantly reduced their risk of needing an ankle fusion, fostering a greater sense of confidence and freedom in their daily activities.
• By implementing the physical therapist's recommendations for proper lifting and posture, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a herniated disc, achieving a proactive approach to spinal health. This proactive plan provided them with peace of mind and confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy spine.

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. Jennifer DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

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

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Jennifer DPT and our team of physical therapists are skilled in helping stroke survivors regain lost function. We use specific, repetitive exercises to encourage neuroplasticity, rewiring the brain to improve walking, balance, and strength. Our goal is to maximize your independence and prevent falls.

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

Yes, a physical therapist, like Dr. Jennifer 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.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Jennifer 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, helping prevent future injuries.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and improve your body's readiness for 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 from your new joint. Working closely with Dr. Jennifer DPT will help you achieve your goals.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Jennifer DPT'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 crucial part of your recovery, empowering you to actively participate in your healing journey.

1150 8th Ave SW Apt 708
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 586-1701

Dr. Jennifer Nuce, 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): 1235860099

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. Jennifer 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.