Dr. Kathryn Dewey, DPT

Dr. Kathryn Dewey, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, 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 featured on weprevent.org, 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. Kathryn DPT's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She fosters 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 prioritizes creating comprehensive plans that address not only immediate needs but also future prevention. Patients should call (813) 972-2000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kathryn DPT provides consultations primarily in English. She is committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal physical health through a personalized and proactive approach to physical therapy. Her dedication to preventative care and her collaborative style of practice make her a trusted partner in your journey towards a healthier, more active lifestyle.

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

• AC Joint Injury: Early detection of an AC joint injury is key to minimizing long-term problems and ensuring you regain full shoulder function.
• Shoulder Diseases: Protecting your shoulders through proactive physical therapy can prevent many painful conditions and keep you moving freely for years to come.
• Hip Socket Injuries: Early detection of hip socket problems is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain mobility; regular checkups and awareness of potential risk factors are key.
• Lateral Epicondylitis: Tennis elbow can be managed effectively with preventative measures such as ergonomic adjustments at work and regular stretching exercises, minimizing the need for extensive treatment later.
• Dislocated Jaw: Protecting your jaw from injury through proper mouthguard use during sports and managing stress to prevent clenching or grinding can significantly reduce your risk of a dislocated jaw.
• Heel Spur: A heel spur, a bony growth on the heel bone, can be prevented through proper footwear, stretching exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet.
• Lumbar Radiculopathy: By strengthening your back and core muscles and maintaining a healthy weight, you can lessen your risk of developing lumbar radiculopathy, a source of significant lower back pain.

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

• Heat Therapy: Using heat therapy proactively can ease tension and promote relaxation, reducing your risk of musculoskeletal pain.
• Yoga Therapy: Yoga therapy can help you identify and address postural imbalances, reducing your risk of musculoskeletal pain and improving your overall well-being.
• Bursa Injection: To ease joint pain and stiffness, a bursa injection can be a preventative measure, allowing you to stay active and avoid more serious issues.
• Chiropractic Subluxation Adjustments: Proactively address potential spinal misalignments with chiropractic subluxation adjustments to help maintain optimal spinal health and prevent future pain.
• Joint Fluid Test: For early detection of joint conditions, a joint fluid test is a valuable tool. It helps your physical therapist accurately diagnose the source of your pain and develop a personalized recovery program.
• Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for Lymphedema: Invest in your well-being by choosing Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), a comprehensive approach to lymphedema management that helps improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
• Radiofrequency Denervation: To proactively manage your joint pain and prevent further deterioration, radiofrequency denervation offers a targeted approach to deactivating pain-causing nerves.

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. Kathryn 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 addressing potential AC joint injury risks through tailored exercises and guidance, a patient felt confident in maintaining a pain-free and fully functional shoulder, preventing future problems.
• By proactively addressing potential shoulder issues through targeted exercises and stretches, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future pain and maintained a pain-free range of motion. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently pursue their favorite activities without limitations.
• By proactively managing potential risk factors and attending regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of developing hip socket injuries, ensuring continued mobility and a pain-free lifestyle.

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. Kathryn DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing hands-on care, education, and 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. Kathryn 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 the care provided by Dr. Kathryn DPT, can be as effective as surgery for conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

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. Kathryn DPT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Kathryn DPT 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.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Kathryn DPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics will be created. This approach aims for long-term pain management, not just temporary relief.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Kathryn's physical therapy program focuses on restoring neurological function after a stroke. Through specific, repetitive exercises, we help retrain the brain (neuroplasticity) to regain lost skills. Our goal is to improve walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and preventing falls.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Kathryn, DPT, to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and improve muscle function. This prepares the body for therapeutic exercise, ultimately reducing pain and improving overall movement.

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Dr. Kathryn Dewey, 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): 1790516383

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. Kathryn 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.