Dr. Kathleen Carpenter, DPT

Dr. Kathleen Carpenter, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL. As a 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 dedicated 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. Kathleen DPT's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, she understands the importance of preventative measures in maintaining overall well-being. Her practice focuses on proactive interventions, helping patients understand their bodies and develop strategies for injury prevention and long-term health maintenance. To confirm if Dr. Kathleen DPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (813) 253-3092. Dr. Kathleen DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pediatric Spinal Disorders: Early detection and treatment of pediatric spinal disorders are crucial for preventing long-term disability and improving a child's quality of life.
• Closed Hip Fracture Treatment: Prompt and proper treatment of a closed hip fracture focuses on restoring mobility and function, preventing secondary health problems that often impact quality of life.
• Leukodystrophy: Leukodystrophy is a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the brain's white matter, and early diagnosis through genetic screening can help manage symptoms and prevent further neurological decline.
• Ankle Fracture: Managing an ankle fracture effectively through physical therapy helps restore ankle function and prevent future injuries by strengthening supporting muscles and improving balance and proprioception.
• Sprain: Proper conditioning and strengthening exercises minimize your risk of sprains, protecting your joints and keeping you active.
• Tendonitis: By understanding your risk factors for tendonitis, such as repetitive movements or overuse, you can take proactive steps like modifying your activities and strengthening supporting muscles to stay injury-free.
• Arthritis of the Toe: Addressing toe arthritis promptly with physical therapy and lifestyle changes helps maintain mobility, preventing further complications like bunions or hammertoes.

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

• Spirometry: Take a proactive step towards better lung health with spirometry—a quick test that helps detect and prevent serious conditions like asthma or COPD.
• Neurofeedback: Proactively optimize your brain's performance with neurofeedback; this advanced technique helps improve attention, mood, and sleep, preventing future issues.
• Pain Management: Prevent future pain and limitations by addressing your current discomfort; our comprehensive approach identifies pain triggers and develops strategies for long-term well-being.
• Craniosacral Therapy (CST): Boost your body's ability to self-heal and prevent future problems by experiencing craniosacral therapy, a gentle method that assesses the rhythmic motion of the craniosacral system, identifying potential areas of dysfunction before they become severe.
• Pelvic Floor Therapy: Take charge of your well-being with pelvic floor therapy; it's a proactive approach to screen for and address concerns that can impact bladder, bowel, and sexual health.
• Piriformis Injection: As part of your plan to improve your overall well-being and reduce pain, a piriformis injection can accurately diagnose and address inflammation affecting the sciatic nerve.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: Ensure optimal comfort and functionality by scheduling a wheelchair evaluation; it helps identify potential problems and promotes long-term well-being.

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. Kathleen 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 attending regular screenings and following a personalized physical therapy plan, a family gained valuable insights into their child's spinal development, reducing potential risks and ensuring a positive outlook for the future.
• Following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a closed hip fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an active lifestyle and prevent future complications.
• Knowing the family's genetic predisposition to leukodystrophy, proactive genetic screening allowed for early intervention, reducing the risk of further neurological decline and providing peace of mind. This proactive approach empowered the family to focus on strategies to maintain optimal 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. Kathleen DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Kathleen DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving your quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and targeted 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. Kathleen DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform 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.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Kathleen 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.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Kathleen DPT to treat musculoskeletal pain and improve movement. It involves techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and prepare the body for exercise.

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. Kathleen DPT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Kathleen DPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Kathleen DPT and our team of physical therapists work with patients to restore function after a stroke. We use specific exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself and regain lost abilities. Our goal is to improve walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls.

1220 S Dale Mabry Hwy Ste 101
Tampa FL 33629
Phone: (813) 253-3092

Dr. Kathleen Carpenter, 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): 1255976239

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. Kathleen 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.