Dr. Kristin Kern, DPT

Dr. Kristin Kern, 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. 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. Kristin DPT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. Her focus is on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She believes in the power of proactive measures and works with patients to develop strategies for preventing future injuries and maintaining optimal physical function throughout their lives. To confirm if Dr. Kristin DPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (904) 858-7045.

Dr. Kristin DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Osteoarthritis of Ankle: Managing ankle osteoarthritis through regular physical therapy can help improve joint stability, strength, and flexibility, decreasing pain and preventing the need for more invasive treatments later on.
• Chest Wall Pain Syndrome: Chest wall pain syndrome can be prevented by maintaining good posture and practicing regular, gentle chest stretches to avoid muscle strain and stiffness.
• Hip Tendinitis: Hip tendinitis, or inflammation of the hip tendons, can be prevented through regular stretching and strengthening exercises to improve hip stability and reduce strain.
• Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): Understanding your risk factors for Reiter's syndrome, such as prior infections, and seeking early medical attention are critical steps in preventing serious joint damage and maintaining overall health.
• Ankle Arthroscopy: Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can help diagnose and treat ankle injuries early, preventing long-term damage and the need for more extensive surgery.
• Wrist Pain: Addressing wrist pain promptly through physical therapy helps avoid chronic conditions and persistent limitations.
• Arm Injuries: Proper posture, safe lifting techniques, and regular stretching can significantly reduce your risk of developing debilitating arm injuries.

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

• Joint Fluid Test: By analyzing your joint fluid, your physical therapist can identify the cause of joint pain or stiffness and create a personalized plan to restore your movement and function, preventing future limitations.
• Spine and Sports Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: Take a proactive step towards a healthier back and body by getting a spine and sports musculoskeletal rehabilitation assessment to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: As a proactive measure to improve your daily life, spinal cord stimulation helps lessen chronic back pain by disrupting pain signals in your spine.
• Hypnosis (Medical Hypnotherapy): Proactively address underlying psychological factors contributing to musculoskeletal pain and improve rehabilitation outcomes with medical hypnotherapy.
• Arthrocentesis: To proactively manage your joint health, arthrocentesis can be used to analyze the fluid within your joint, identifying potential infections or inflammatory conditions before they worsen.
• Chiropractic Subluxation Adjustments: Take a proactive step towards better posture and reduced back pain by undergoing chiropractic subluxation adjustments, which identify and correct vertebral subluxations.
• Core Stabilization Exercise: Core stabilization exercises help build a strong foundation for better body mechanics, reducing your risk of injury during everyday 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. Kristin 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 following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced pain and improved ankle mobility, effectively managing the risk of osteoarthritis and maintaining an active lifestyle. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently pursue their desired activities without the fear of worsening joint issues.
• By incorporating gentle chest stretches into her daily routine, a patient proactively managed potential muscle stiffness and avoided the discomfort of chest wall pain syndrome, enjoying a pain-free life.
• By incorporating a proactive stretching and strengthening program guided by a physical therapist, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hip tendinitis, enjoying a pain-free and active 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. Kristin DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Kristin, a licensed Physical Therapist (PT), is a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. She provides hands-on care, education, and exercises 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. Kristin DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical assessment 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 that provided by Dr. Kristin DPT, can be as effective as surgery for conditions such as 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'm having joint replacement surgery. When should I start PT?

Starting physical therapy both before and after joint replacement surgery is crucial. Prehab strengthens muscles, speeding recovery. Post-operative PT, beginning soon after surgery, is essential to restoring range of motion, building strength, and optimizing your new joint's function.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Kristin DPT's home exercise program is a personalized set of exercises designed to empower you to continue your progress between sessions and prevent your condition from returning after therapy is complete. It's the most important part of your recovery journey.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Kristin DPT, where she uses her hands to gently mobilize joints and address soft tissues. This helps reduce pain, improve movement, and prepare your body for more effective therapeutic exercises.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Kristin, 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. Kristin 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 various conditions including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

1325 San Marco Blvd Ste 102
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 858-7045

Dr. Kristin Kern, 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): 1013295369

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. Kristin 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.