Dr. Jessica MacRae, DPT

Dr. Jessica MacRae, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville Beach, FL, 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 is a trusted partner in preventive health, featured on weprevent.org. 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, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Jessica DPT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville Beach, FL, accepting telehealth appointments. Her focus is on preventative strategies, working closely with patients to understand their individual needs and goals, and creating personalized plans to promote long-term health. She recognizes that physical therapy is not just about treating injuries, but also about building strength and resilience to prevent future problems. She strives to equip patients with the knowledge and tools to maintain optimal well-being throughout their lives. For inquiries regarding new patient acceptance, please call (724) 458-9473. 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:

• Vertebral Compression Fractures: Vertebral compression fractures, weakened bones that can cause pain and deformity, are best prevented through proactive bone health measures like regular exercise and sufficient calcium intake.
• Wear and Tear Arthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a common joint problem that can be managed effectively through preventive measures like maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular, low-impact exercise to protect your joints and delay its progression.
• Spondylolysis: Early diagnosis of spondylolysis, a fracture in the bony part of your spine, is crucial to prevent it from worsening and causing chronic pain, potentially requiring surgery; proactive steps like core strengthening can significantly reduce risk.
• Thoracic Spine Myelopathy: Understanding the risk factors for thoracic spine myelopathy, such as spinal stenosis, and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce your chances of developing this debilitating condition.
• Whiplash: Preventing secondary complications from whiplash, such as chronic headaches or limited neck motion, is possible with prompt physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• Temporomandibular Ankylosis: Managing jaw injuries promptly and comprehensively is vital to prevent temporomandibular ankylosis and the resulting chronic pain and functional limitations.
• Elbow Hyperextension: Managing elbow hyperextension, often through targeted exercises and stretches, is key to preventing chronic pain and stiffness in the elbow joint.

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:

• Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: This procedure helps identify and treat specific muscle trigger points, preventing further pain and injury, and allowing you to participate fully in activities you enjoy.
• Kinesio Taping Method: Kinesio taping offers a proactive approach to pain management by providing support and reducing strain on muscles and joints.
• Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection: To proactively address persistent upper back pain, a thoracic epidural steroid injection may be used to reduce inflammation and improve your range of motion, promoting a more active lifestyle.
• Range of Motion Testing: Protecting your joints and muscles is key – range of motion testing is a proactive step to identify stiffness and improve your overall function.
• Bursa Injection: As a proactive approach to joint health, a bursa injection targets inflammation to help restore movement and prevent limitations in your daily activities.
• Cox Flexion-Distraction Technique: To proactively address lower back pain, Cox Flexion-Distraction helps restore normal spinal mechanics, potentially preventing further injury and improving your overall mobility.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: An independent educational evaluation provides an objective assessment of your child's learning abilities to identify any learning disabilities that might impact their physical development and participation in physical activities.

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 incorporating regular weight-bearing exercise and a calcium-rich diet into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing vertebral compression fractures, fostering a feeling of proactive well-being.
• By following a personalized exercise program and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing wear-and-tear arthritis, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Recognizing the early signs of spondylolysis and implementing a core strengthening program guided by a physical therapist, a patient significantly reduced their risk of chronic pain and the need for future surgery. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy, 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 use hands-on care, education, and exercises to improve 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. Jessica 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 as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Jessica 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 posture education will be developed. This approach aims to provide lasting relief and improve your overall well-being.

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

Prehabilitation, or pre-op physical therapy, can strengthen muscles and improve your body's readiness for surgery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and maximize your new joint's function. Early intervention is key to a successful recovery.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Jessica DPT can perform a functional movement screen to identify potential injury risks like muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to address these issues proactively, preventing future problems.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Jessica DPT to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion, release muscle tension, and prepare the body for exercise. This approach helps reduce pain and improve overall function.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Jessica 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.

350 13th Ave S
Jacksonville Beach FL 32250
Phone: (724) 458-9473

Dr. Jessica MacRae, 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): 1376930529

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.