Dr. Kara Sullivan, DPT

Dr. Kara Sullivan, DPT is a Physical Therapist 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 valued partner in preventive health, practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. 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. Kara DPT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. Her practice emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands that preventive care is crucial for maintaining optimal function and well-being throughout life. To confirm new patient acceptance, please call (904) 953-2000.

Dr. Kara DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: Prompt and effective treatment of a PCL tear is vital in preventing chronic knee pain and the need for extensive surgeries; timely physical therapy plays a critical role in restoring knee function.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Early detection of Achilles tendinitis is crucial; addressing pain and stiffness promptly with physical therapy can prevent it from becoming a chronic condition that limits your mobility.
• Spine Dislocation: Managing a spine dislocation promptly through physical therapy can prevent further complications like chronic pain, nerve damage, and limited mobility, restoring full functionality.
• Elbow Hyperextension: Early detection of excessive elbow extension can help prevent further injury and ensure timely intervention to maintain full range of motion.
• Contracture: Contractures can develop gradually, hindering your everyday movements, but proactively managing muscle tightness and flexibility can help you avoid this debilitating condition.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries: Proper training techniques and injury prevention strategies, including effective warm-ups and conditioning, are vital for safeguarding your ACL and maintaining active mobility.
• Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golf Elbow): Early detection of tennis or golf elbow is crucial to prevent long-term pain and disability, ensuring you can continue enjoying your favorite activities.

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

• Exposure Therapy: Boost your resilience to injury and enhance your physical confidence by methodically confronting movement-related anxieties, fostering long-term physical well-being.
• Educational Therapy: Educational therapy helps you learn how to move safely and effectively, reducing your risk of injury and improving your quality of life.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: To ease back pain and improve mobility, an epidural steroid injection can be a proactive step to reduce inflammation and potentially prevent the need for surgery.
• Concussion Treatment: Ensure a safe and effective return to daily activities and reduce the risk of future injuries with our comprehensive concussion treatment.
• Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection: To proactively manage neck pain and stiffness, a cervical epidural steroid injection may be considered to relieve pressure on nerves and improve mobility.
• Stellate Ganglion Block: To proactively manage nerve-related pain, a stellate ganglion block might be considered, offering a targeted approach to alleviate discomfort and restore function.
• Arthritic Rehabilitation: Arthritic rehabilitation helps you regain strength, flexibility, and independence by teaching you effective coping mechanisms and exercises, helping you stay active and healthy.

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. Kara 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 their risk factors and participating in a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced the potential for a PCL tear, ensuring a healthier and more active future.
• Recognizing early signs of Achilles tendinitis and promptly seeking physical therapy guidance helped a patient avoid chronic pain and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. The proactive approach ensured they could continue their favorite activities without limitations.
• By working closely with a physical therapist, a patient proactively managed their spine health, significantly reducing the risk of dislocation and ensuring long-term comfort and mobility.

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. Kara DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Kara DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to improve your quality of life, 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. Kara 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, making it a powerful, non-invasive first step that may prevent more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Kara, DPT, can help prevent injuries by performing a functional movement screen to identify potential problems like muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to address these issues and strengthen areas at risk, thus reducing your chance of future injury.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Kara and her team of physical therapists utilize specialized exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself after stroke. This leads to improved strength, balance, and walking ability, maximizing independence and reducing fall risk. The goal is to help patients regain lost function and achieve optimal recovery.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

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

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists, like Dr. Kara 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 to meet their milestones.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Kara, DPT, to address pain and movement issues. It involves techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to improve joint motion, reduce pain, and prepare the body for therapeutic exercise.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Dr. Kara Sullivan, 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): 1922852243

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. Kara 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.