Dr. Marissa Littman, DPT

Dr. Marissa Littman, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Lake Mary, FL, and a valued partner in preventive health on weprevent.org. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a dedicated physical therapist, 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (407) 732-6926 to schedule.

Dr. Marissa DPT completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, earning her Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida (UCF) with a Minor in Health Services Administration, followed by her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from UCF. Licensed since 2016, she initially specialized in neurologic outpatient physical therapy, achieving certification in LSVT BIG for Parkinson's patients. Furthering her expertise, she earned a Graduate Certificate in Anatomical Sciences and has since taught in the Human Gross Anatomy lab at UCF. Dr. Marissa DPT's six years of experience at Saylor PT have focused on hypermobility syndromes, including EDS and SI joint dysfunction, but she also has extensive experience treating various orthopedic and neurologic conditions. She prioritizes building strong therapist-patient relationships and achieving positive patient outcomes, and her approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and empowering, encouraging patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being. Dr. Marissa DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Ankle Injury: Proper rehabilitation after an ankle injury is essential to prevent recurrent sprains and maintain joint stability, thereby protecting your mobility and preventing chronic pain.
• Cervical Spine Disorders: Addressing neck pain promptly and seeking physical therapy intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into chronic cervical spine disorders.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Understanding risk factors for CRPS, such as nerve injuries or certain types of surgery, is a vital aspect of preventive care, allowing for timely treatment and reducing chronic pain.
• Hand Pain: Prevent future hand pain and limitations by seeking professional help for current discomfort and implementing preventive strategies.
• Hip Pain: Understanding the risk factors for hip pain, like poor posture or overuse, allows you to take proactive steps to avoid it.
• Low Back Pain: Low back pain can significantly impact your daily life, but early detection and proactive management through physical therapy can prevent it from becoming a chronic problem.
• Lumbar Disc Degeneration: Protecting your lower back through consistent exercise and mindful movement helps prevent lumbar disc degeneration and reduces your risk of developing debilitating pain and disability.
• Lumbar Sprain: Catching a lumbar sprain early with proper self-care and seeking professional help is key to preventing it from becoming a chronic issue impacting your daily life and mobility.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Managing MS effectively relies on a proactive approach, where physical therapy plays a crucial role in slowing disease progression, improving functional abilities, and reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
• Neck Pain: Ignoring neck pain can lead to chronic stiffness and reduced function, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or SI joint pain, can be prevented by maintaining good posture and core strength, reducing the risk of this painful condition affecting your lower back.
• Shoulder Instability: Early detection of shoulder instability is crucial, as it helps prevent further damage and the need for extensive treatment down the line.

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

• 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.
• Muscle Energy Technique: Take a proactive step towards better joint health by trying Muscle Energy Technique; it's a gentle, hands-on approach that addresses muscle tightness and improves movement efficiency.
• Myofascial Release Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better mobility by trying myofascial release therapy; it helps identify and treat restrictions in your fascia, improving flexibility and reducing pain.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: Proactively assess your mobility needs with a wheelchair evaluation to ensure you maintain independence and avoid future complications.
• Neuromuscular Rehabilitation: Protect yourself from injury and improve your overall physical performance with neuromuscular rehabilitation, a program designed to optimize muscle control and function.
• Mobility Exercise: Prevent future pain and discomfort by participating in regular mobility exercises; they strengthen muscles and enhance joint function.
• Kinesio Taping Method: Take a proactive step towards injury prevention with kinesio taping; it gently lifts the skin, improving circulation and reducing pain.
• Post-Isometric Exercise Relaxation Technique: As part of your injury prevention plan, post-isometric relaxation helps increase your flexibility and decrease the chance of muscle strains.
• Manual Therapy: Prevent future pain and restricted movement by scheduling a manual therapy assessment; this technique helps identify and address underlying musculoskeletal problems early on.
• Postural Assessment: Investing in a postural assessment is an investment in your long-term well-being; it helps pinpoint muscle imbalances before they become major problems.
• Soft Tissue Massage: As a preventive measure, soft tissue massage can help detect early signs of muscle injury, promoting faster healing and reducing recovery time.
• Cupping Therapy: Cupping therapy is a complementary treatment that can be used to address musculoskeletal pain and improve flexibility, helping you maintain active mobility and preventing discomfort.

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. Marissa 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:

• Following a physical therapy program, a patient felt significantly improved ankle stability, reducing the risk of future sprains and ensuring continued mobility without pain. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently return to their favorite activities.
• Recognizing the early signs of neck discomfort and seeking physical therapy guidance, a patient proactively managed their cervical spine health, reducing the risk of future complications and maintaining a pain-free lifestyle. This proactive approach fostered a sense of confidence and control over their overall well-being.
• By understanding the risk factors for CRPS, a patient proactively managed their health, reducing the possibility of chronic pain and gaining peace of mind. This proactive approach allowed for early intervention and timely treatment, minimizing potential long-term effects.

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. Marissa DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Marissa, 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. Marissa 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 evaluation 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, providing a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Marissa DPT, focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. 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.

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, different from acupuncture, and can be a helpful tool to accelerate your recovery.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Marissa 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 posture education will be developed to manage your pain and improve your overall well-being.

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

Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, strengthens muscles to prepare for the surgery and speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy, starting soon after surgery, is critical for restoring range of motion, building strength, and optimizing your new joint's function.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Marissa 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.

925 Williston Park Pt Ste 1001
Lake Mary FL 32746
Phone: (407) 732-6926

Dr. Marissa Littman, 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): 1689196214

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. Marissa 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.