Dr. Kristen Gerking, DPT

Dr. Kristen Gerking, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to fostering long-term wellness. 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. Kristen DPT's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, emphasizing a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, she understands the importance of preventative measures and proactive strategies for maintaining overall well-being. Dr. Kristen DPT strives to provide personalized care tailored to each individual's needs, guiding patients through each step of their journey towards optimal health and function. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (904) 345-7324.

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:

• Dropfoot: Regular check-ups and proactive management of conditions that contribute to dropfoot—such as stroke or nerve compression—are key steps in preventing its debilitating effects.
• Toe Injuries: Understanding your risk factors for toe injuries, such as ill-fitting shoes or high-impact activities, enables you to take proactive steps to avoid them.
• Ventral Hernia: Maintaining core strength and proper posture are effective preventative measures for ventral hernias, reducing the strain on abdominal muscles and minimizing the risk of organ protrusion.
• Snapping Hip: A snapping hip, often caused by muscle imbalances or tendon irritation, can be prevented with regular stretching and strengthening exercises to maintain hip joint health.
• Arthropathy of Spinal Facet Joint: Arthropathy of the spinal facet joint means wear and tear in the small joints of your spine, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent long-term pain and disability.
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: Understanding activities that increase your risk of a PCL tear, such as high-impact sports, allows for proactive injury prevention strategies like modifying activities or using supportive braces.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease: Protecting your spine's health involves understanding the risks of intervertebral disc disease and taking preventive steps like regular exercise and ergonomic adjustments at work to avoid issues.

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:

• Tendon and Bursa Injection: As a preventative measure, a tendon and bursa injection helps diagnose and treat the underlying cause of joint pain, potentially avoiding more invasive treatments.
• Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback helps train your brain to function better, proactively improving focus and potentially preventing future cognitive issues.
• Epidural Cortisone Injection: Consider an epidural cortisone injection as a proactive way to address nerve compression, relieving pain and improving your quality of life.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave: Prioritize your musculoskeletal health and explore extracorporeal shockwave therapy to address chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or tennis elbow, promoting faster healing and preventing long-term complications.
• Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Begin your journey to pain relief and improved movement with non-surgical arthritis treatment; this comprehensive approach emphasizes functional restoration and quality of life improvements.
• Epidural Implants: For individuals experiencing persistent nerve pain, epidural implants are a proactive approach offering targeted pain relief and helping restore the function lost due to the condition.
• EMG (Electromyography): Take a proactive step towards better movement by getting an EMG; this painless test helps identify nerve or muscle problems before they significantly impact your daily activities.

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 proactively managing potential nerve compression, a patient was able to significantly reduce the risk of developing dropfoot, ensuring a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors for toe injuries, a patient proactively adjusted their footwear and activity levels, preventing future pain and discomfort. This proactive approach gave them confidence in their ability to maintain foot health and enjoy their daily activities without worry.
• By strengthening core muscles and improving posture through physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a ventral hernia, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy 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. Kristen DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Kristen DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation assessing 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 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 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. Kristen DPT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Kristen's physical therapy focuses on using specific, repetitive exercises to help the brain rewire itself after a stroke. This neuroplasticity helps regain lost function, improving walking, balance, and strength. The goal is to maximize independence and prevent falls.

I'm having joint replacement surgery. When should I start PT?

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and improve your overall fitness before surgery, helping speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical to restoring range of motion, building strength, and ensuring the best possible outcome from your new joint. We recommend discussing a personalized plan with Dr. Kristen DPT soon after your surgery.

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.

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.

3599 University Blvd S
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 345-7324

Dr. Kristen Gerking, 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): 1972742971

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.