Dr. Joanna Frantz, DPT

Dr. Joanna Frantz, DPT is a Physical Therapist at In Motion Physical Therapy 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, 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 and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Joanna Frantz, DPT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, accepting new patients. She earned her medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in 2002. Her approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands the importance of a holistic approach to well-being, emphasizing the critical role of movement and function in overall health. Dr. Joanna DPT provides consultations primarily in English. Contact her office at (904) 223-2363 to schedule an appointment.

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

• Ankle Injury: Early intervention after an ankle injury is crucial to minimize long-term complications, ensuring proper healing and the restoration of full ankle function, preventing future issues.
• Scoliosis: Don't let scoliosis limit your movement – early diagnosis and tailored exercises can help manage the condition and improve your quality of life by preventing further spinal curvature.
• Back Sprain: Early detection of a back sprain is crucial; seeking timely physical therapy can minimize lasting pain and disability, keeping you active and healthy.
• Back Injuries: Regular back care, including strengthening and stretching exercises, significantly reduces your chances of experiencing a debilitating injury.
• Sprain: Sprains often result from sudden movements or falls, therefore incorporating balance and proprioception training into your routine can significantly reduce your risk.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, a common joint disease, can be better managed with early detection and proactive strategies to protect your joints, reducing pain and preserving mobility.
• Back Disorders: Understanding and addressing the root causes of back pain, such as poor ergonomics or muscle imbalances, is key to preventing future episodes.
• Hip Pain: Addressing hip pain promptly through physical therapy can help restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries.
• Balance Disorders: Regular balance exercises and assessments can strengthen your core and improve your stability, keeping you active and preventing future falls.
• Knee Injuries: Early detection of knee problems, even minor ones, is key to preventing long-term damage and ensuring your knees stay healthy for years to come.
• Arthritis: Don't let arthritis limit you – proactive physical therapy and lifestyle changes can help prevent the worsening of symptoms and maintain independence.
• Fibromyalgia: Managing fibromyalgia proactively through lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise and stress reduction can significantly prevent its progression and reduce pain intensity.

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

• Aquatic Therapy: Experience the restorative power of aquatic therapy to ease arthritis pain, improve balance, and regain mobility – a proactive approach to better health.
• Balance Testing: Balance testing helps us identify your risk of falls and develop a plan to keep you steady on your feet.
• Chronic Pain Management: Discover a path to lasting relief from chronic pain through physical therapy; restore your movement and reclaim your life.
• Electrical Stimulation: Take a proactive step towards better mobility and reduce muscle spasms by using electrical stimulation as part of your recovery plan.
• Exercise Counseling: Exercise counseling helps you learn the right exercises to stay active, preventing injuries and keeping you moving freely.
• Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Protect your body's ability to move freely: Orthopedic rehabilitation addresses injuries and movement disorders to help you prevent future complications and improve overall well-being.
• Pain Management Through Physical Therapy: Take control of your pain and improve your mobility with physical therapy, a proactive step towards a healthier, more active life.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy empowers you to regain and maintain your mobility by assessing your current physical function and developing strategies to address any weaknesses or imbalances before they cause problems.
• Therapeutic Massage: Therapeutic massage helps proactively address muscle tightness and pain, preventing future injuries and improving your overall mobility.
• Trigger Point Therapy: As a preventative measure, trigger point therapy helps relieve muscle tension, improving posture and reducing the risk of future injuries from overuse or strain.

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. Joanna 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:

• Following a physical therapy program, a patient successfully prevented a recurring ankle injury, regaining full mobility and confidence in their daily activities. Early intervention minimized long-term complications, ensuring a pain-free, active lifestyle.
• A young patient, through regular physical therapy sessions, learned tailored exercises to strengthen their back muscles, significantly reducing the risk of worsening scoliosis and improving their overall posture. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Recognizing early warning signs of potential back strain, a patient proactively engaged in physical therapy, significantly reducing their risk of a more severe back sprain and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and empowered the patient to confidently manage their overall well-being.

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. Joanna DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Joanna 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. Joanna 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.

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

Prehab exercises before joint replacement surgery can strengthen muscles, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy, starting soon after surgery, is crucial to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's function.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Joanna DPT's physical therapy helps stroke survivors regain lost function by using targeted exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, rewiring the brain for improved walking, balance, and strength. This personalized approach maximizes independence and reduces the risk of falls.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Joanna DPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and creating a personalized program. This includes core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes, empowering you to manage your pain effectively.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Joanna 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 to help prevent falls.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Joanna DPT, is a specialized type 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.

In Motion Physical Therapy, Jacksonville, FL
4776 Hodges Blvd Ste 101
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 223-2363

Dr. Joanna Frantz, 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): 1528077807

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. Joanna 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.