Dr. Matthew Zerah, DPT

Dr. Matthew Zerah, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, 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), he understands the importance of preventive health strategies. 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. He serves all ages and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Matthew DPT, a physical therapist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, understands that proactive health management is key to long-term well-being. His approach emphasizes a deep understanding of each patient's unique needs, working collaboratively to develop personalized strategies that address both immediate concerns and future preventative measures. He is committed to providing the highest quality care, working with patients to understand their goals and develop a comprehensive plan for achieving and maintaining optimal physical health. Patients should call (954) 909-0899 to confirm if Dr. Matthew DPT is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Matthew DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hip Fracture: Early detection of hip fracture risk factors, like osteoporosis, allows for timely intervention and can reduce the likelihood of a fall and subsequent fracture.
• Femoral Neck Fracture: Falls are a major cause of femoral neck fractures; strengthening exercises and fall prevention strategies are key to protecting yourself from this debilitating injury.
• Elbow Fracture Repair: Early detection of elbow fractures is crucial to prevent long-term stiffness and limited movement, ensuring a quicker and more complete recovery.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear: Protecting your knees from ACL tears starts with understanding your risk factors and actively participating in preventative exercises to maintain knee stability and strength.
• Autonomic Neuropathy: Early detection of autonomic neuropathy is key to minimizing its impact; proactive health screenings help identify this condition early, enabling timely intervention to manage symptoms and slow progression.
• Cervical Spondylitis: Cervical spondylitis, or arthritis of the neck, can be managed effectively through proactive measures like posture improvement and regular exercise to prevent stiffness and pain.
• Arthritis of the Ankle: Early detection of ankle arthritis is key to slowing its progression; regular checkups and addressing any ankle pain promptly can significantly improve your long-term mobility and quality of life.

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

• Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique: Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique is a gentle, hands-on approach to spinal alignment that can help prevent future back pain and improve overall joint mobility.
• Pediatric Developmental Therapy: Pediatric developmental therapy provides early detection and intervention for developmental delays, helping children achieve their developmental milestones and preventing potential future limitations.
• Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Orthopedic rehabilitation helps you proactively address musculoskeletal issues, preventing future problems and improving your quality of life.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Invest in your well-being with post-surgical rehabilitation; it guides you through exercises and therapies to minimize pain and maximize healing.
• Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, potentially easing headaches and promoting overall well-being.
• Intersegmental Traction: Intersegmental traction can be a key part of your proactive approach to spine health, allowing us to detect potential issues before they become major problems.
• Thermotherapy: Thermotherapy is a proactive approach to managing muscle soreness, reducing the risk of injuries developing into chronic 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. Matthew 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 their hip fracture risk factors through physical therapy guidance, a patient proactively implemented lifestyle changes to strengthen bones and balance, significantly reducing their risk of falls and fracture. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and allowed them to confidently maintain an active lifestyle.
• By focusing on strengthening exercises and fall prevention strategies, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a femoral neck fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
• By actively participating in a tailored physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of an elbow fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured a quicker recovery should a fracture occur, minimizing long-term complications.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Matthew DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and 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. Matthew DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical assessment of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This evaluation is the starting point for creating a 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 often prevents the need for more invasive procedures.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles and prepares you for surgery, speeding 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. Dr. Matthew DPT will work closely with you to create a personalized plan.

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

I feel dizzy and off-balance. Can a physical therapist help?

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Matthew DPT can help. Many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation and can treat common causes of dizziness, such as BPPV, with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises to prevent falls.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

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

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Matthew 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.

1925 Cordova Rd
Fort Lauderdale FL 33316
Phone: (954) 909-0899

Dr. Matthew Zerah, 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): 1700379575

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. Matthew 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.