Dr. Kristine Jankowski, DPT

Dr. Kristine Jankowski, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Stuart, FL, 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), she is a vital 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, and patients should call (772) 288-2400 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kristine DPT is a physical therapist in Stuart, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that proactive measures are key to a healthier life. Her dedication to patient well-being extends beyond immediate treatment, focusing on the prevention of future issues and promoting long-term wellness. Dr. Kristine DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tempormandibular Joint Pain: Understanding TMJ pain risk factors, such as teeth grinding, helps you take proactive steps to manage them and avoid future pain and limited jaw movement.
• Cauda Equina Syndrome: By being aware of the warning signs of cauda equina syndrome, such as bowel or bladder problems and severe back pain, you can take steps to ensure timely intervention and better outcomes.
• Abdominal Injuries: Regular check-ups with a physical therapist can help identify potential abdominal issues early on, enabling early intervention and minimizing the likelihood of severe complications or chronic conditions.
• Upper Extremity Trauma: Preventing long-term disability from upper extremity injuries starts with understanding the causes, taking preventive measures and receiving appropriate treatment after injury, allowing for a successful return to daily activities.
• Spine Dislocation: Proper lifting techniques and maintaining good posture are essential in preventing spine dislocations, reducing the risk of serious injury and promoting healthy spine function.
• Turf Toe: Protecting your big toe joint from hyperextension, a common cause of turf toe, through supportive footwear and appropriate exercise, is key to preventing this debilitating injury.
• Tendonitis: By understanding your risk factors for tendonitis, such as repetitive movements or overuse, you can take proactive steps like modifying your activities and strengthening supporting muscles to stay injury-free.

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

• Injection Therapy: This proactive treatment option can accurately pinpoint the source of your discomfort, leading to more effective treatment and preventing long-term issues.
• Exercise Program: Invest in your long-term health by engaging in an exercise program that addresses your specific needs and helps restore full movement and function.
• Sacroiliac Joint Injection: A sacroiliac joint injection is a procedure that can help pinpoint the source of lower back pain, allowing for targeted treatment and preventing unnecessary interventions.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being with a spinal and postural screening – a simple check-up that can reveal hidden issues affecting your spine and help prevent serious problems.
• Post-Operative Physical Therapy: Prevent long-term limitations and maximize your recovery potential by starting post-operative physical therapy – it helps identify and address any movement restrictions early on.
• Supportive Counseling: To improve your recovery from injury or surgery, supportive counseling provides tools to manage pain, improve sleep, and boost your overall motivation to participate actively in therapy.
• Cognitive Assessment: By assessing your cognitive function, we can detect early signs of cognitive decline, allowing for timely intervention and potentially preventing future 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. Kristine 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 understanding teeth grinding as a potential TMJ pain risk factor, a patient proactively implemented stress-reducing techniques, significantly decreasing their likelihood of future jaw pain and limited movement.
• By recognizing the early warning signs of cauda equina syndrome, like bladder problems and severe back pain, a patient proactively sought physical therapy, significantly reducing their risk. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• By proactively scheduling regular physical therapy check-ups, a patient identified potential abdominal issues early, enabling timely intervention and significantly reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered the patient to confidently manage their overall well-being.

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. Kristine DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Kristine DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to improve your quality of life, 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. Kristine 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 just as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function, making it a powerful, non-invasive first step to potentially avoid more invasive procedures.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Kristine's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent your condition from returning after therapy is complete.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Kristine 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.

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, unlike acupuncture, and is a tool to accelerate your recovery.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles, preparing you for surgery and speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, beginning soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome for your new joint. Dr. Kristine DPT will work with you to create a personalized plan for both pre and post-operative care.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Kristine and our team of physical therapists use specific, repetitive exercises to help your brain rewire itself after a stroke. This neuroplasticity helps regain lost function, improving walking, balance, and strength. Our goal is to maximize your independence and prevent falls.

1050 SE Monterey Rd Ste 304
Stuart FL 34994
Phone: (772) 288-2400

Dr. Kristine Jankowski, 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): 1972783264

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. Kristine 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.