Dr. Katherine Van Den Heuvel, DPT

Dr. Katherine Van Den Heuvel, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Lake Worth, FL. As a dedicated partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care, recognizing 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. Katherine DPT's 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 proactive strategies for maintaining optimal physical well-being, and she believes in creating individualized care plans that address the unique needs of each patient. She is accepting telehealth appointments. To confirm new patient acceptance, please call (561) 331-3636. Dr. Katherine Van Den Heuvel, DPT is a physical therapist in Lake Worth, FL. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Lumbar Sprain: Managing a lumbar sprain through early intervention, such as physical therapy, prevents the development of chronic pain and disability, allowing for quicker recovery and return to activities.
• Leg Pain: Leg pain can signal underlying issues, so addressing it early prevents more significant problems and keeps you active.
• Chondromalacia: Early detection of chondromalacia through regular checkups and paying attention to knee pain can help prevent the condition from worsening and preserve joint health.
• Arm Injuries: Managing arm injuries promptly through physical therapy helps restore movement and function, minimizing the chance of permanent disability.
• Tendon Disorders: Understanding your risk factors for tendon injuries, such as repetitive motions or inadequate warm-ups, is key to proactively protecting your tendons and preventing future issues.
• Degenerative Spine Disorders: Early detection of degenerative spine disorders is crucial for preventing disability and improving quality of life; regular checkups and attention to symptoms can make a significant difference.
• Pediatric Neurological Disorders: Early detection and intervention for pediatric neurological disorders are crucial for preventing long-term disabilities and maximizing a child's developmental potential.

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

• Core Muscle Endurance Testing: Proactively assess your core strength and stability with a core muscle endurance test to help avoid injuries.
• Sacroiliac Joint Injection: By precisely identifying the source of your lower back pain, a sacroiliac joint injection can help prevent prolonged suffering and guide you towards the most appropriate and effective treatment options.
• Ligament Reconstruction: By undergoing ligament reconstruction, you're investing in the future health of your joint, preventing instability and chronic pain.
• Nutritional Counseling: Prevent future injuries and enhance your recovery with a customized nutritional plan designed to support your body's natural healing process and improve your functional capacity.
• Somatic Nerve Block: To proactively manage chronic pain, a somatic nerve block can temporarily numb specific nerves, helping you identify pain triggers and potentially avoid surgery.
• Joint Fluid Therapy: As part of your preventative care plan, consider joint fluid therapy to assess the health of your joints and detect potential problems early, maintaining optimal function.
• Exercise Program: Invest in your long-term health by engaging in an exercise program that addresses your specific needs and helps restore full movement and function.

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. Katherine 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 addressing potential lumbar sprain triggers through targeted exercises and stretches, a patient significantly reduced their risk of injury and maintained a pain-free lifestyle. This proactive approach allowed the patient to quickly return to their desired activities without experiencing long-term pain.
• By addressing nagging leg pain early through targeted exercises and stretches, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing more serious conditions and maintained their active lifestyle.
• By attending regular physical therapy sessions and focusing on knee exercises, a patient successfully prevented the worsening of chondromalacia, maintaining a pain-free and active lifestyle. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently pursue their desired activities without knee discomfort.

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. Katherine DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They use 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. Katherine 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 just 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 have pain at my desk job. Can you provide ergonomic advice?

Yes, absolutely. Preventing workplace injuries is a key part of physical therapy. Dr. Katherine DPT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Katherine DPT and her team of physical therapists use specific exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself after a stroke. This targeted approach improves strength, balance, and walking ability, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls. Our goal is to help you regain lost function and achieve the best possible recovery.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Katherine 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. Katherine 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 prevent falls.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Katherine DPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes, not just treating the current pain. We'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 to empower you to manage your back health long-term.

9897 Lake Worth Rd Ste 203
Lake Worth FL 33467
Phone: (561) 331-3636

Dr. Katherine Van Den Heuvel, 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): 1407250186

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. Katherine 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.