Dr. Melissa Aversa, DPT

Dr. Melissa Aversa, DPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices at her clinic in Tamarac, 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. Melissa 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.

Dr. Melissa Aversa, DPT is a physical therapist in Tamarac, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. Her focus on preventive medicine emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, working closely with them to develop and maintain optimal well-being. She is dedicated to providing a comprehensive approach to physical therapy, focusing on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall wellness. To confirm if Dr. Melissa DPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (954) 722-9992. Dr. Melissa DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hand and Wrist Fracture Treatment, Closed: Seeking prompt medical attention for a closed hand or wrist fracture allows for effective treatment to reduce the risk of malunion or nonunion, ultimately improving your quality of life and preventing long-term disability.
• Foot and Ankle Disorders: Understanding your risk factors for foot and ankle problems, such as diabetes or arthritis, and taking preventative measures, ensures you stay active and mobile.
• Spinal Compression Fracture: Early diagnosis of a spinal compression fracture is crucial; timely treatment can significantly reduce pain, prevent further bone loss, and restore mobility, improving your quality of life.
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) highlights the importance of comprehensive pre-surgical planning and choosing the right surgical approach to minimize the risk of needing further interventions.
• Dislocated Jaw: Understanding the risk factors for a dislocated jaw, such as trauma or existing TMJ conditions, allows for proactive steps to protect your jaw and prevent dislocations.
• Pediatric Fractures: Managing pediatric fractures effectively minimizes the risk of delayed healing, malunion, or future injuries by ensuring proper healing and promoting healthy bone growth.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Wrist: Rheumatoid arthritis in your wrist can be managed effectively through early detection and proactive physical therapy, preventing long-term disability and preserving hand function.

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

• Auricular Acupuncture: Proactively manage your health by using auricular acupuncture to potentially improve your body's self-regulatory mechanisms and prevent imbalances that cause discomfort.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Protect your spine and improve your posture by getting a screening; it can uncover issues like scoliosis, muscle weakness, or alignment problems that may need attention.
• Dry Needling: Dry needling can help you prevent chronic pain by identifying and treating muscle knots and trigger points, improving your overall physical function.
• Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection: A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a proactive measure to reduce inflammation and pain in your lower back, helping you regain mobility and prevent further injury.
• Stretches to Prevent Injuries: Invest in your long-term well-being through a personalized stretching program designed to reduce your risk of future injuries.
• Range of Motion Testing: Range of motion testing helps us identify limitations in your movement to prevent future injuries and keep you active.
• Balance Training: Proactive balance training helps you maintain stability and reduce your risk of falls, keeping you active and independent.

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. Melissa 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 fall, a patient sought prompt medical attention for a closed hand fracture, ensuring proper alignment and minimizing the risk of long-term complications. This proactive approach allowed the patient to regain full hand function and enjoy a rapid return to daily activities.
• By understanding their risk factors for foot and ankle problems, a patient implemented proactive strategies, reducing the likelihood of future pain and maintaining their active lifestyle.
• By proactively addressing potential risk factors and engaging in regular physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of spinal compression fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy, 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. Melissa DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Melissa DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving your quality of life. They use 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. Melissa 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 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, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Melissa 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 various conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and improve your overall fitness before surgery, speeding up your 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.

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

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Melissa DPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes, not just treating the current pain. She will identify the root cause, create a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics, empowering you to manage your pain long-term.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Melissa, DPT, to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and improve muscle function. This helps reduce pain and prepare the body for effective therapeutic exercise.

7171 N University Dr Ste 111
Tamarac FL 33321
Phone: (954) 722-9992

Dr. Melissa Aversa, 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): 1316221476

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. Melissa 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.