Dr. Kristen Cicio, DPT

Dr. Kristen Cicio, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Kristen DPT understands the crucial role of preventative care in maintaining optimal health and well-being.

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. Kristen DPT serves all ages, recognizing that proactive care is vital at any stage of life. She emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based approach, focusing on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Patients should call (813) 229-6901 to confirm if Dr. Kristen DPT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kristen Cicio, DPT is a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive care. Her commitment to evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment ensures that each patient receives a tailored approach to their individual needs. She understands the importance of a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and actively participate in their recovery. Dr. Kristen DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tibial Fracture: A tibial fracture, or broken shinbone, highlights the importance of proactive bone health measures like regular exercise and sufficient calcium intake to reduce fracture risk.
• Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: Osteophytes in your feet and ankles can lead to significant discomfort and reduced mobility; regular assessment by a physical therapist can identify these issues early and guide preventive strategies.
• Joint Stiffness: Preventing future problems begins with recognizing and addressing joint stiffness; timely intervention can often reverse its effects before it progresses.
• Spinal Osteophyte: By focusing on good posture, strengthening core muscles, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can decrease your risk of developing painful spinal osteophytes.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Don't ignore jaw clicking – it could be a sign of developing TMJ disorder, making early intervention crucial for preventing chronic jaw pain.
• Spondylosis: By addressing risk factors like poor posture and inactivity, and engaging in regular preventive care, you can minimize your risk of developing painful spondylosis.
• Arthritis: Managing arthritis effectively through physical therapy helps prevent joint damage and improves quality of life, allowing you to stay active.

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

• High Velocity Low Amplitude Technique (HVLA): To enhance your body's natural healing and prevent future problems, your physical therapist may use HVLA to restore normal joint motion and reduce muscle tension.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Invest in your well-being by utilizing psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy to understand and manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns that can affect your physical function.
• Stress Management: Invest in your health by developing healthy coping mechanisms to prevent stress-related physical limitations.
• Nutritional Counseling: Fuel your body for optimal movement and recovery with personalized nutritional guidance to prevent injuries and enhance your physical therapy progress.
• Facet Blocks: To proactively manage lower back pain, facet blocks can help identify the specific spinal facet joints causing discomfort, guiding your physical therapist in developing a personalized rehabilitation program.
• Spirometry: Spirometry is a valuable tool to assess your lung capacity and identify any underlying issues that could limit your physical activity and overall well-being.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS therapy can help you prevent chronic pain by targeting nerve signals and reducing discomfort, allowing you to stay active and mobile.

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. Kristen 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 incorporating a tailored exercise program and increasing calcium intake, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a tibial fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
• By proactively working with a physical therapist, a patient was able to identify early signs of foot and ankle osteophytes, reducing the risk of future pain and mobility limitations. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered the patient to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By proactively addressing joint stiffness with regular physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future mobility limitations and maintained a fulfilling lifestyle. This early intervention allowed them to enjoy a higher quality of life and remain active.

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. Kristen DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Kristen DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise to improve quality of life, 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. Kristen 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 specialized care provided by Dr. Kristen 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Kristen DPT and our team of physical therapists are dedicated to helping stroke survivors regain lost function. We use specific, repetitive exercises to encourage neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself. This approach improves walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and preventing falls.

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

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Kristen, 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. Kristen, 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 prevent injuries?

Dr. Kristen DPT can perform a functional movement screen to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that could lead to injury. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they cause a problem, helping you prevent future injuries.

1203 E 22nd Ave
Tampa FL 33605
Phone: (813) 229-6901

Dr. Kristen Cicio, 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): 1972903292

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. Kristen 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.