Dr. Kristen Hanacek, DPT

Dr. Kristen Hanacek, DPT is a Physical Therapist 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 valued partner in preventive health at her Riverview, FL clinic. 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, and patients should call (419) 349-0159 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kristen DPT is a physical therapist in Riverview, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands the importance of proactive measures in achieving and maintaining optimal well-being. This approach is vital in preventing future health issues and promoting healthy aging. 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:

• Rupture of Achilles Tendon: Managing risk factors like tight calf muscles and improper footwear can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a debilitating Achilles tendon rupture.
• Wrist Sprain or Strain: Managing a wrist sprain or strain effectively through early intervention with physical therapy reduces the risk of long-term pain, weakness, and loss of wrist function.
• Cartilage Damage: Managing your weight and engaging in low-impact exercises can help protect your cartilage and prevent the pain and stiffness associated with cartilage damage.
• Shoulder Labral Tear: Early detection of a shoulder labral tear through regular check-ups and self-assessment is critical; prompt treatment and preventive measures are essential for preventing chronic pain and functional limitations.
• Distal Radius Fracture: A broken wrist bone (distal radius fracture) can be prevented by taking precautions like wearing protective gear during sports and falls, thus minimizing the risk of future fractures.
• Enthesopathy of Hip (incl. Trochanteric Bursitis): Hip pain, potentially caused by inflammation where tendons attach to bone, can be prevented with regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain.
• Claw Toe: Claw toe, a deformity where your toes curl downwards, can be prevented by wearing properly fitting shoes and addressing underlying conditions like muscle imbalances, protecting you from pain and further complications.

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:

• Functional Movement Screening: Ensure your body moves efficiently and safely by scheduling a functional movement screen. This helps identify movement imbalances which may cause pain or limitations before they become major issues.
• Balance Testing: Protect yourself from injuries by getting your balance checked; early detection of issues can prevent falls and improve your mobility.
• Shock Wave Therapy: Protect your joints and tissues with shock wave therapy, a proven method to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing, helping you stay active and maintain your independence.
• 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.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: An independent educational evaluation provides an objective assessment of your child's learning abilities to identify any learning disabilities that might impact their physical development and participation in physical activities.
• Spinal Manipulation Under Anesthesia: To prevent further spinal complications and improve your overall function, spinal manipulation under anesthesia may be recommended to safely address underlying spinal issues and restore proper movement.
• Thermotherapy: Thermotherapy is a proactive approach to managing muscle soreness, reducing the risk of injuries developing into chronic problems.

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 addressing tight calf muscles and improving footwear choices, a patient proactively reduced their risk of an Achilles tendon rupture, empowering them to maintain an active lifestyle.
• A young athlete, recognizing the risk of wrist sprains during practice, proactively sought physical therapy guidance. This early intervention helped prevent a future injury, allowing them to fully participate in their favorite activities without pain or limitations.
• By managing her weight and incorporating low-impact exercises into her routine, a patient proactively reduced her risk of cartilage damage and enjoyed renewed mobility and freedom from pain.

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 and restoring function. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise to improve quality of life, prevent injuries, and manage pain 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 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 often prevents the need for more invasive procedures.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Kristen DPT, involving techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization. It helps reduce pain, improve movement, and prepare your body for therapeutic exercises.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Kristen DPT's home exercise program is crucial for continued progress and preventing future problems. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you improve and maintain your recovery between sessions. The program empowers you to actively participate in your own healing journey.

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 help prevent falls.

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, not traditional Chinese medicine, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Kristen 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 to meet their milestones.

11158 Golden Silence Dr
Riverview FL 33579
Phone: (419) 349-0159

Dr. Kristen Hanacek, 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): 1821534256

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.