Dr. Kaitlyn Smith, DPT

Dr. Kaitlyn DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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. Kaitlyn DPT is a physical therapist in Fort Myers, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey. Her focus on prevention extends beyond immediate injury management, encompassing the crucial role of proactive measures to maintain optimal physical function and overall well-being. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (239) 936-4404. Dr. Kaitlyn DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Kaitlyn 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. Kaitlyn 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. Kaitlyn 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 Fusion: Ankle fusion surgery is a last resort for severe ankle arthritis, highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive management of ankle pain to prevent the need for this major procedure.
• Wrist Sprain or Strain: A wrist sprain or strain, often caused by overuse or sudden injury, can be prevented with proper warm-up exercises and ergonomic adjustments at work or home, minimizing long-term complications.
• Runner's Injury: Understanding your risk factors for runner's injuries, such as improper running form or overtraining, is crucial for preventing them and maintaining your running fitness.
• Lumbar Sprain: Strengthening your back and core muscles proactively reduces your likelihood of experiencing a lumbar sprain, a common injury leading to significant pain and limited movement.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Spinal cord injury rehabilitation focuses on restoring lost function, preventing secondary complications, and improving overall well-being; early intervention is critical for success.
• Tricep Injuries: Early detection of tricep pain can significantly reduce the severity and recovery time, getting you back to your active lifestyle faster.
• Numbness: Experiencing unexpected numbness? Early detection and physical therapy can help identify the underlying cause and create a treatment plan that prevents further issues.

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

• Supportive Counseling: To improve your recovery from injury or surgery, supportive counseling provides tools to manage pain, improve sleep, and boost your overall motivation to participate actively in therapy.
• Epidural Block: By temporarily numbing the area, an epidural block can facilitate better participation in physical therapy exercises and reduce pain, ensuring effective rehabilitation.
• Trigger Point Acupuncture: As a preventative measure, consider trigger point acupuncture to detect and alleviate muscle imbalances before they cause pain or limit your activity.
• Cortisone Injection: For individuals experiencing significant joint pain that hinders daily activities, a cortisone injection can be a proactive step toward pain reduction and improved function, paving the way for targeted physical therapy.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Take a proactive step towards a full recovery: post-surgical rehabilitation helps restore your movement and function after an operation.
• Functional Movement Screening: Take charge of your health by undergoing a functional movement screen; it's a simple assessment revealing potential risks for injury, allowing for early intervention and improved well-being.
• NeuroKinetic Therapy®: NeuroKinetic Therapy® helps determine if subtle muscle imbalances are contributing to your pain or limiting your mobility, facilitating early diagnosis and targeted treatment.

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. Kaitlyn 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 diligently following a physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their ankle pain, avoiding the need for ankle fusion surgery and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured a positive outcome and peace of mind.
• By incorporating proactive warm-up routines and ergonomic adjustments into their daily life, a patient significantly reduced their risk of wrist sprains or strains, maintaining a pain-free lifestyle.
• By understanding their running form and training load, a runner proactively addressed potential injury risks, maintaining their passion for running injury-free.

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. Kaitlyn DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Kaitlyn, a licensed Physical Therapist (PT), is a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. She provides hands-on care, education, and exercises to 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. Kaitlyn 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 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 often prevents the need for more invasive procedures.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Kaitlyn 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 problem from returning after therapy is complete.

My child seems clumsy or behind in motor skills. Can PT help?

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Kaitlyn DPT are experts in child development. She can perform a developmental screening to identify any delays and create a fun, play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Kaitlyn 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Kaitlyn DPT and our team utilize specialized physical therapy techniques, including repetitive exercises, to stimulate neuroplasticity. This helps the brain rewire itself, improving strength, balance, and walking ability. The goal is to maximize independence and reduce the risk of falls.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Kaitlyn DPT, focuses on the muscles supporting the pelvic organs. 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.

6900 Daniels Pkwy Ste 36
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 936-4404

Dr. Kaitlyn Smith, 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): 1912440124

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. Kaitlyn 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.