Dr. Maria Machado, DPT

Dr. Maria Machado, DPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices at her clinic in South Miami, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Maria DPT recognizes 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 committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Maria DPT's practice focuses on a comprehensive approach to physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of prevention and proactive health management. She believes in the power of education and collaboration, working closely with patients to develop personalized plans that address individual needs and goals. She strives to create a supportive and understanding environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and actively participating in their care. Patients should call (305) 854-2471 to confirm if Dr. Maria DPT is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Maria Machado, DPT is a physical therapist in South Miami, FL, providing consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dislocated Joint: A dislocated joint, where bones are out of place, highlights the importance of proactive injury prevention strategies like proper warm-up and technique to avoid future dislocations and their long-term effects.
• Hip Flexor Strain: Managing a hip flexor strain through physical therapy can prevent it from becoming a chronic issue, enabling you to return to your normal activities without lasting limitations.
• Shoulder Injuries: Preventing shoulder injuries starts with understanding your risk factors and practicing good posture and body mechanics to avoid strain and pain.
• Pediatric Neurological Disorders: Early detection and intervention for pediatric neurological disorders are crucial for preventing long-term disabilities and maximizing a child's developmental potential.
• Wrist Injuries: Preventing wrist injuries through strength training and flexibility exercises safeguards your hand's dexterity and overall well-being.
• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain disease caused by repeated head injuries, and understanding the risks and seeking early medical attention can help prevent further damage and slow its progression.
• Ligament Sprain: Early detection of a ligament sprain is crucial for minimizing long-term damage and ensuring a faster recovery, emphasizing the role of preventive physical therapy.

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

• Kinesio® Taping: Boost your body's natural healing process and reduce discomfort by using Kinesio® Taping to improve joint stability and range of motion.
• Cold Laser Therapy: Cold laser therapy can help you prevent chronic pain by targeting injured tissues and reducing inflammation, keeping you active and healthy.
• Rapid Release Therapy: Rapid Release Therapy is a proactive approach to addressing muscle tightness and pain, helping you move freely and prevent future injuries.
• EMG (Electromyography): Protecting your future mobility starts with understanding your muscles. An EMG helps detect subtle issues that might lead to injury or dysfunction, enabling prompt intervention.
• Dorsal Column Stimulation: Take a proactive step towards managing chronic pain by exploring dorsal column stimulation, a therapy that may help reduce pain signals traveling to your brain, enabling increased mobility and participation in daily activities.
• Chronic Pain Management: Invest in your long-term well-being by addressing chronic pain early with physical therapy, preventing further disability.
• Neurofeedback: Take a proactive step towards better brain health with neurofeedback; it helps identify and address imbalances that could lead to neurological 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. Maria 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 implementing a personalized warm-up routine and practicing proper technique during physical activities, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a dislocated joint, fostering confidence and peace of mind in their daily activities.
• A patient, proactively managing hip flexor strain with physical therapy, avoided a chronic condition and returned to their normal activities without lasting limitations. Early intervention and a tailored plan enabled them to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
• By understanding their shoulder injury risk factors and practicing proper posture, a patient proactively managed their shoulder health, preventing future pain and discomfort.

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. Maria DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Maria, a licensed Physical Therapist (PT), is a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. She provides hands-on care, education, and prescribed exercise 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. Maria DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform a thorough 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. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that often prevents the need for more invasive procedures.

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

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery to speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. We work closely with your surgeon to create a personalized plan for your successful recovery.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy with Dr. Maria, DPT, focuses on the muscles supporting the pelvic organs. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Maria 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, proactively preventing future problems.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Maria 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.

7800 SW 57th Ave Ste 205
South Miami FL 33143
Phone: (305) 854-2471

Dr. Maria Machado, 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): 1215230529

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. Maria 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.