Dr. Jessica Ford, DPT

Dr. Jessica Ford, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Palm Bay, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health, she understands that 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. Jessica DPT is a physical therapist in Palm Bay, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Her goal is to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She focuses on preventive strategies, working alongside patients to develop personalized plans to promote and maintain optimal physical function. Patients should call (321) 802-9645 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Jessica DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Cervical Sprain: Protecting your neck from injury starts with understanding the risks of cervical sprains – early recognition and treatment are crucial for preventing chronic neck pain.
• Hand and Wrist Fracture Treatment, Closed: Preventing future hand and wrist fractures involves understanding proper hand mechanics and safety measures. Effective treatment following a fracture helps in a smoother recovery and reduces the chance of re-injury.
• Knee and Lower Leg Fracture Treatment, Closed: Understanding your risk factors for fractures and seeking timely treatment when a fracture occurs can prevent lasting damage and ensure a faster return to normal movement.
• Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia: Pelvic floor tension myalgia is muscle pain in the pelvic floor, and addressing it early can prevent chronic pain and incontinence.
• Hemiplegia: Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of stroke and the subsequent development of hemiplegia, demonstrating the role of preventive care in preserving mobility.
• Stress Fracture: Preventing stress fractures involves understanding your risk factors and modifying activities to avoid excessive repetitive stress on your bones, thereby maintaining your overall bone health.
• Congenital Hand Anomaly: Congenital hand anomalies are birth defects affecting hand structure, and early diagnosis allows for timely interventions that prevent functional limitations later in life.

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

• Cortisone Injection: To proactively address persistent joint pain and stiffness limiting your activity, a cortisone injection may help reduce inflammation and improve your range of motion.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Improve your joint health proactively with viscosupplementation using hyaluronate, a treatment that injects a lubricating fluid to reduce friction and pain, making movement easier.
• Interventional Pain Management: Interventional pain management helps prevent chronic pain by offering minimally invasive procedures that pinpoint and treat the source of your pain, restoring your function.
• Spine and Back Procedures: Empower yourself with knowledge about your spine and back's condition. Schedule a comprehensive assessment to detect any problems early and make informed decisions about your care.
• Sports Physical Examination: Ensure you're ready for peak performance by getting a sports physical exam; it identifies existing issues and prevents future injuries.
• Stretches to Prevent Injuries: Take charge of your physical health by learning stretches that target common injury areas, keeping you active and pain-free.
• Fascial Counterstrain: Fascial Counterstrain is a gentle hands-on technique that helps identify and release muscle tension to prevent future injuries and improve overall 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. Jessica 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 the risk factors for cervical sprains and implementing a proactive exercise program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future neck pain, allowing them to enjoy a more active and pain-free lifestyle.
• Following a physical therapy program focused on hand and wrist strengthening, a patient felt confident in their ability to prevent future fractures, reducing the risk of re-injury and allowing them to enjoy their favorite activities.
• By understanding their risk factors for fractures and proactively managing their bone health, a patient was able to avoid a fracture and maintain their 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. Jessica DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Jessica 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. Jessica DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and personal goals, followed by a physical assessment of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This assessment is the foundation 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 often a powerful, non-invasive first step, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

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. It's based on Western anatomy and physiology, unlike acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Jessica DPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes, not just treating the current pain. She will identify the root cause, creating a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility, and education on posture and body mechanics. This empowers you to manage your back health long-term.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Jessica DPT's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent the issue from returning after therapy is complete.

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

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Jessica 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, proactively preventing future problems.

470 Malabar Rd SE Unit 102
Palm Bay FL 32907
Phone: (321) 802-9645

Dr. Jessica Ford, 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): 1871073759

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. Jessica 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.