Dr. Leslie Wakefield, DPT

Dr. Leslie Wakefield, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in North Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Leslie DPT 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Leslie Wakefield, DPT is a physical therapist in North Miami, FL. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2011 and approaches her practice with a holistic physical therapy philosophy. Her dedication to preventive care, coupled with her extensive training, makes her an invaluable resource for maintaining and improving overall well-being. She is accepting new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (561) 252-5295.

Dr. Leslie DPT provides consultations primarily in English. Her commitment to proactive healthcare extends beyond the physical, emphasizing the holistic nature of well-being. She is dedicated to supporting you in achieving your health goals and fostering a deeper understanding of your body's capabilities.

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

• Back Pain: Early detection of back pain and seeking physical therapy can stop it from becoming a chronic problem.
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Cervical radiculopathy, or nerve pain in your neck, can be prevented by maintaining good posture and practicing regular neck stretches to avoid strain and potential long-term nerve damage.
• Cervical Sprain: Protecting your neck from injury starts with understanding the risks of cervical sprains – early recognition and treatment are crucial for preventing chronic neck pain.
• Cervicogenic Headache: Managing stress and maintaining proper neck mechanics are crucial preventative measures against cervicogenic headaches, ensuring you stay active and pain-free.
• Lumbar Herniated Disc: Protecting your lower back through proper posture, lifting techniques, and regular exercise is crucial in preventing lumbar herniated discs, a common cause of lower back pain.
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Spasm: Understanding your risk factors for pelvic floor spasms and addressing them early with the help of a physical therapist can prevent pain, dysfunction, and potentially more invasive interventions later.
• Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia: Early intervention for pelvic floor tension myalgia is crucial to restoring normal function and preventing more severe problems.
• Scoliosis: Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, is best managed with early detection through regular checkups, helping prevent future back pain and breathing problems.

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

• Myofascial Release Therapy: Myofascial release therapy can be a valuable tool in preventing future injuries by addressing muscle imbalances and improving tissue health before pain develops.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Proactively address muscle pain and stiffness by targeting specific trigger points to restore normal movement and prevent future injuries.
• Pre-Operative Physical Therapy: By strengthening the muscles around your surgical site, pre-operative physical therapy helps minimize post-operative pain and allows for a faster recovery.
• Sports Physical Examination: Invest in your long-term athletic well-being through a comprehensive sports physical exam, ensuring you're physically prepared and reducing injury risk.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Empower yourself after a spinal cord injury with targeted rehabilitation; it's a proactive approach focusing on improving strength, regaining mobility, and enhancing your quality of life.
• Exercise Counseling: Exercise counseling helps you learn the right exercises to stay active, preventing injuries and keeping you moving freely.
• Trigger Point Acupuncture: Enhance your body's natural healing processes and improve function by utilizing trigger point acupuncture to resolve muscle trigger points and restore optimal movement.

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. Leslie 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 back pain early with a physical therapist's guidance, a patient significantly reduced their risk of chronic back problems, allowing them to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
• By incorporating regular neck stretches and posture exercises into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing cervical radiculopathy, promoting long-term neck health and preventing future discomfort.
• By learning proper posture and strengthening exercises, a patient proactively reduced their risk of a cervical sprain, 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. Leslie DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Leslie, 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 an illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Leslie DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform 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.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Leslie, DPT, can help prevent injuries by performing a functional movement screen to identify potential problems like muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they lead to an injury.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize the new joint's function. Dr. Leslie DPT will work with you to develop a personalized plan to achieve the best possible outcome.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Leslie DPT and our team of physical therapists use specific, repetitive exercises to help retrain the brain after a stroke. This process, known as neuroplasticity, helps the brain rewire itself and regain lost function. We focus on improving walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

Yes, physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. While physical therapy can't reverse arthritis, a targeted exercise program from Dr. Leslie DPT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active lifestyle.

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. Leslie DPT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

2106 NE 123rd St
North Miami FL 33181
Phone: (561) 252-5295

Dr. Leslie Wakefield, 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): 1053696583

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. Leslie 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.