Dr. John Kauzlarich, DO

Dr. John Kauzlarich, DO is a Sports Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at MedExpress Urgent Care in Tampa, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your Sports Medicine physician is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating preventative screenings, and managing your overall wellness to keep you active and injury-free. He serves individuals of all ages, from youth to senior athletes, and active people, committed to helping you achieve and maintain peak physical performance. Please call (813) 877-8450 to confirm if Dr. Kauzlarich is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. John Kauzlarich, DO is a sports medicine specialist in Tampa, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1973 and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Kauzlarich is Board Certified in Family Practice/OMT by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health management. Dr. Kauzlarich provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Low Back Pain: Don't let low back pain sideline you! Early intervention, including physical therapy and lifestyle changes, can prevent it from becoming a chronic condition.
• Charcot Disease: Protecting your feet from the damaging effects of Charcot disease requires proactive management of your blood sugar levels and regular foot exams, especially if you have diabetes or nerve damage.
• Tibia and Fibula Fractures: Managing a tibia and fibula fracture effectively, including prompt medical attention and following a structured rehabilitation plan, is essential to prevent chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Congenital Foot Disorders: Congenital foot disorders, present from birth, can be better managed with early detection, minimizing long-term complications and improving foot health.
• Shoulder Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis: Addressing shoulder tendinitis and tenosynovitis promptly through rest, physical therapy, and other interventions can help avoid surgery and maintain your mobility.
• Arthritic Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) Joints: Protecting your metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, the knuckles in your hands, from arthritis through early detection and lifestyle adjustments can help prevent significant pain and disability later in life.
• Arthritis of the Foot: Regular foot check-ups and proactive lifestyle changes are crucial for preventing or delaying the onset of foot arthritis and preserving joint health.

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

• Arthroscopic Joint Surgery: Arthroscopic joint surgery allows your doctor to minimally invasively diagnose and treat joint problems, helping you return to your active lifestyle sooner.
• Joint Procedure: To maintain peak physical performance, consider a joint procedure; it helps diagnose and treat joint issues impacting athletes and active individuals.
• Spine Rehabilitation Exercises: Early intervention with spine rehabilitation exercises can improve spinal function and reduce the need for more invasive treatments.
• Electrical Stimulation: As a proactive step, electrical stimulation may help strengthen weakened muscles, reducing your risk of future injuries.
• Interventional Spine Procedure: An interventional spine procedure can offer a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat spine conditions, potentially avoiding more extensive surgery and getting you back to your activities sooner.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Address joint pain and limited mobility early with minimally invasive surgery, a procedure designed to improve functionality with smaller incisions and reduced trauma.
• Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) of Wrist Fracture: If you've suffered a severe wrist fracture that doesn't heal properly on its own, ORIF surgery is a proactive step to repair the fracture, restore wrist function, and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

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 Sports Medicine in Florida.

Dr. John Kauzlarich is dedicated to partnering with Coaches and Athletic Trainers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Athlete's life:

• By incorporating targeted exercises and postural improvements into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of recurring low back pain, enabling them to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
• By proactively managing blood sugar and undergoing regular foot exams, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Charcot disease, ensuring ongoing foot health and well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Sports Medicine care with Dr. John Kauzlarich:

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Sports Medicine Physicians, like Dr. Kauzlarich, often handle initial diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of sports injuries. If surgery is needed, they work closely with orthopedic surgeons to ensure the best possible care. Think of them as partners in your recovery.

How can I prevent common sports injuries like an ACL tear?

Preventing ACL tears and other sports injuries involves a dedicated program of neuromuscular training. Proper warm-ups, strength training (especially for hamstrings and glutes), and practicing correct landing and pivoting techniques are crucial. This proactive approach strengthens the supporting structures, reducing the risk of injury during activity.

When is a joint replacement surgery recommended?

Joint replacement surgery is considered when arthritis pain and stiffness significantly interfere with daily life, and other treatments are no longer helpful. This decision is made in partnership with your orthopedic surgeon to restore function and prevent pain from severely impacting your life.

Do I need an MRI for my joint pain?

An MRI isn't always necessary. A thorough exam and X-rays are often enough to diagnose joint pain. We'll only recommend an MRI if your examination or X-rays don't provide a clear diagnosis, particularly if a soft tissue injury is suspected.

What is the goal of physical therapy after an injury or surgery?

Physical therapy is a critical component of recovery, aiming to reduce pain, restore range of motion, improve strength and stability, and retrain the body for safe movement. This is essential to prevent re-injury and ensure a successful, long-lasting return to activity.

How is osteoarthritis treated non-surgically?

Non-surgical osteoarthritis treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preserving joint function. Key strategies include activity modification, physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles, weight management to reduce joint stress, and injections like cortisone or viscosupplementation. These powerful approaches can help manage symptoms and potentially prevent or delay the need for joint replacement surgery.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse. It differs from an acute fracture, which is caused by a single trauma. Proper diagnosis and rest are crucial to prevent the small crack from becoming a larger, more complicated break.

Can you help with back pain?

Yes. Sports medicine and orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat mechanical back pain, identifying the structural cause to create a plan that prevents chronic pain and restores function.

MedExpress Urgent Care
2810 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 877-8450

Dr. John Kauzlarich, DO 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): 1457300212

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. Sports Medicine like Dr. John Kauzlarich 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 sports medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.