Dr. Kathleen Galica, DPT

Dr. Kathleen Galica, DPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Venice, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Dr. Kathleen DPT serves all ages, and patients should call (941) 493-6449 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kathleen Galica, DPT is a physical therapist in Venice, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Her focus on preventive care ensures that patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, fostering a supportive environment where health goals are achievable. She emphasizes proactive strategies, working alongside patients to create personalized plans that address unique needs. While her primary language of consultation is English, her dedication to patient well-being extends to every interaction.

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:

• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that can cause inflammation in your spine, and early diagnosis through regular checkups with your doctor can help prevent significant spinal stiffness and disability.
• Vertebral Compression Fractures: Early detection of vertebral compression fractures is crucial for minimizing long-term disability and pain by enabling timely intervention and reducing the risk of further fractures.
• Spinal Stenosis: Managing spinal stenosis with physical therapy helps to strengthen supporting muscles, improve posture, and reduce nerve compression, thus preventing further injury and functional decline.
• Cervical Spine Myelopathy: Recognizing symptoms of cervical spine myelopathy early, such as weakness or numbness, is crucial for timely intervention and preventing severe complications.
• Degenerative Joint Disease in the Shoulder: Shoulder pain and stiffness could be early signs of degenerative joint disease, so seeking professional help early on can prevent further damage and maintain your mobility.
• Spina Bifida: Managing spina bifida effectively involves proactive physical therapy and other interventions to prevent further disabilities and maximize the child's mobility and independence.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing seronegative rheumatoid arthritis through proactive physical therapy and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent long-term complications like joint deformities.

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:

• Trigger Point Injection: Take a proactive approach to managing muscle pain and stiffness with trigger point injections; this procedure targets the source of pain, improving your range of motion and reducing discomfort.
• Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty: Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty is a procedure that can help prevent the progression of disc degeneration by reinforcing the annulus fibrosus, a critical structure in your spine, thus preserving your mobility.
• Trigger Point Acupuncture: Proactively address muscle pain and stiffness with trigger point acupuncture, a technique that targets specific points to relieve tension and improve movement.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: This evaluation identifies the most appropriate wheelchair to match your specific needs, enhancing your quality of life and preventing falls.
• Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: Myofascial trigger point injections are a proactive step to alleviate persistent muscle pain and stiffness, helping you regain full movement and function.
• Shoulder Injection: A shoulder injection can help pinpoint the source of your shoulder pain, allowing for targeted treatment and preventing long-term problems.
• Pelvic Floor Therapy: Pelvic floor therapy helps you identify and manage pelvic floor muscle dysfunction early, preventing potential problems with incontinence, pain, or organ prolapse.

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 proactively engaging in regular physical therapy, a patient successfully managed potential spinal stiffness, significantly reducing their risk of developing Ankylosing Spondylitis. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy greater comfort and mobility.
• By diligently following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of vertebral compression fractures, gaining peace of mind and the ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By strengthening core muscles and improving posture through physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced the risk of spinal stenosis progression, allowing for greater freedom of movement and peace of mind.

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 specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing 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 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.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled technique where a physical therapist inserts a thin needle into a muscle "trigger point" to release tension and relieve pain. It's based on Western anatomy and physiology, different from acupuncture. This tool can help accelerate your recovery.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Kathleen 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.

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 such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

Yes, physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. While it can't reverse arthritis, a targeted exercise program from Dr. Kathleen DPT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

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.

1232 Jacaranda Blvd
Venice FL 34292
Phone: (941) 493-6449

Dr. Kathleen Galica, 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): 1649304387

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.