Dr. Krystal Ward, DPT

Dr. Krystal Ward, DPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices at her clinic in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health, she understands that 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 (561) 844-5255 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Krystal Ward, DPT is a physical therapist in West Palm Beach, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that proactive care is key to maintaining well-being. Her focus on prevention, working alongside patients to establish and maintain optimal physical function, is a cornerstone of her practice. Dr. Krystal DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Excision of Radius or Ulna: Addressing overuse injuries and repetitive strain in the forearm with early physical therapy can help avoid the need for extensive procedures like excision of the radius or ulna.
• 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.
• Lumbar Spine Fracture: Early detection of a lumbar spine fracture is crucial for prompt treatment, minimizing long-term pain and disability and promoting a faster recovery; regular bone density scans can help.
• Upper Extremity Pain: Addressing upper extremity pain promptly helps prevent the condition from becoming chronic and impacting your daily activities and overall well-being.
• Knee Injuries: Understanding the risk factors for knee injuries, such as overuse or improper biomechanics, allows for preventative strategies and a healthier future.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Sprain: Understanding the risk factors for LCL sprains, such as improper athletic technique or muscle imbalances, helps you take proactive steps to prevent this injury and maintain joint health.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing ankylosing spondylitis through physical therapy and medication can help prevent long-term complications like spinal fusion and significant mobility limitations.

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

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Before pain takes over your life, consider CBT as a preventative measure to build resilience, manage stress, and improve your ability to move freely and function effectively.
• Bursa Injection: To ease joint pain and stiffness, a bursa injection can be a preventative measure, allowing you to stay active and avoid more serious issues.
• Peripheral Nerve Block: As a preventative measure against long-term nerve damage, a peripheral nerve block can be used to identify the root cause of your pain early and guide your physical therapy interventions.
• Medical Branch Block: Take charge of your recovery with a medical branch block; this injection helps reduce pain and inflammation, enabling physical therapy to restore your movement.
• Strength & Conditioning Coaching: Take charge of your health with strength and conditioning; it's a personalized program designed to identify weaknesses and build strength to avoid future problems.
• Supartz® Injection: Supartz injections offer a proactive approach to managing osteoarthritis symptoms, potentially helping you maintain an active lifestyle.
• Post-Isometric Exercise Relaxation Technique: Take a proactive step towards better flexibility and pain management by utilizing post-isometric relaxation techniques to ease muscle tension.

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. Krystal 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 repetitive strain early with physical therapy, a patient avoided the need for a more invasive procedure like excision of the radius or ulna, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind and prevented future complications.
• By understanding the importance of posture and incorporating regular exercise into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing intervertebral disc disease, gaining confidence in their ability to protect their spinal health.
• By proactively scheduling regular bone density scans, a patient was able to identify and address potential risks for lumbar spine fracture, ensuring a healthier and more secure future. This proactive approach allowed the patient to feel empowered and confident in 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. Krystal DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Krystal, a licensed physical therapist (PT), is a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. She uses hands-on care, education, and prescribed 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. Krystal DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We'll 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 may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and prepare you for surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome for your new joint. It typically begins soon after surgery.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled physical therapy technique where a thin needle is inserted into a muscle trigger point to release tension and relieve pain. It's based on Western anatomy and physiology, unlike acupuncture, and can be a helpful tool to accelerate your recovery.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Krystal, DPT, to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This helps reduce pain and prepare the body for more effective therapeutic exercise.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Krystal 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, proactively preventing future injuries.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Krystal DPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program, including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics, will be created to help you manage your pain and improve your overall well-being.

5325 Greenwood Ave Ste 101
West Palm Beach FL 33407
Phone: (561) 844-5255

Dr. Krystal Ward, 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): 1861131880

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. Krystal 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.