Dr. Megan McFarland, DPT

Dr. Megan McFarland, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Sarasota, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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, Dr. Megan 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. Please call (941) 355-5565 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Megan McFarland, DPT is a physical therapist in Sarasota, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Understanding that preventive care is crucial, she focuses on restoring and maintaining optimal function, working with patients to develop personalized plans to prevent future injuries and maintain overall well-being. Her practice prioritizes creating long-term strategies for wellness, considering each patient's unique needs and goals. Dr. Megan DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Coccyx Fracture: Protecting your coccyx from injury through preventative measures like proper lifting techniques and fall prevention can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a painful and debilitating fracture.
• Ankle Fusion: Ankle fusion is a significant surgery often necessitated by untreated ankle injuries or conditions. Preventive care, including physical therapy, may help avoid this invasive procedure.
• Spina Bifida Occulta: While often asymptomatic, understanding spina bifida occulta allows for proactive monitoring to catch any associated issues before they become significant health concerns.
• Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): Addressing sprains and strains promptly can prevent the development of chronic pain and long-term mobility issues, safeguarding your active lifestyle.
• Pain in Extremities: Managing pain in your arms or legs early on can help you avoid more serious injuries and maintain your mobility as you age.
• Spondylolisthesis: Understanding your risk factors for spondylolisthesis, such as genetics and sports participation, and taking preventive measures through tailored exercise programs and lifestyle changes, can reduce its impact on your life.
• Loss of Balance: Improving your balance through regular exercise and physical therapy can significantly reduce your risk of falls and fractures, especially as you age.

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

• Intercostal Nerve Block: As a preventative measure against chronic chest pain, an intercostal nerve block can provide temporary pain relief and allow for a more accurate diagnosis of underlying conditions affecting movement and function.
• Medical Acupuncture: Medical acupuncture helps improve circulation and reduce inflammation, proactively addressing potential sources of injury and promoting overall wellness.
• Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Protect your joints and maintain your active lifestyle by exploring non-surgical arthritis treatment options; early intervention can significantly slow disease progression.
• Intersegmental Traction: By using intersegmental traction, we can identify areas of spinal restriction and address them proactively, reducing your risk of injury.
• Neurostimulation: Proactively address nerve-related pain and dysfunction with neurostimulation; it can help restore movement and reduce reliance on medications.
• Injection Therapy: As a proactive measure, injection therapy can address the root cause of your pain, reducing the need for more extensive treatments and promoting faster healing.
• Carpal Tunnel Injection: Proactively address potential carpal tunnel syndrome with a carpal tunnel injection; this procedure can help confirm a diagnosis and alleviate symptoms before they worsen.

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. Megan 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 learning proper lifting techniques and fall prevention strategies, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a painful coccyx fracture, gaining confidence in their daily activities.
• By consistently attending physical therapy sessions and diligently following the prescribed exercises, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of needing an ankle fusion, maintaining their active lifestyle and preventing future surgery.
• By proactively monitoring for potential issues with spina bifida occulta, a family gained valuable peace of mind, allowing them to focus on a healthy future with confidence.

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. Megan DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Megan DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing 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. Megan 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 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 can potentially prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Megan 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 rewire the brain to regain lost function, improving walking, balance, and strength. Our goal is to maximize your independence and prevent falls.

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

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. Megan DPT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Megan DPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Megan DPT's physical therapy approach 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. This approach is designed for lasting relief and improved well-being.

8331 Lockwood Ridge Rd
Sarasota FL 34243
Phone: (941) 355-5565

Dr. Megan McFarland, 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): 1679966691

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. Megan 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.