Dr. Melissa Caywood, DPT

Dr. Melissa Caywood, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health, committed to creating long-term wellness plans. 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 dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Melissa DPT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to proactive, comprehensive care. Her focus is on prevention, recognizing the importance of early intervention and education in maintaining optimal health. She understands that physical therapy is not just about treating injuries, but also about fostering long-term well-being. This approach is reflected in her dedication to creating personalized plans for each patient, coordinating screenings, and guiding patients through the rehabilitation process. To confirm if Dr. Melissa DPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (904) 953-2500. 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:

• Sports Injuries of the Foot: Managing sports-related foot injuries effectively and promptly means a lower chance of developing chronic pain or requiring major interventions, letting you enjoy your sport safely.
• Elbow Bursitis: Elbow bursitis, a painful inflammation of the elbow's fluid-filled sac, can be prevented by practicing proper arm mechanics and avoiding repetitive movements to reduce the risk of irritation and inflammation.
• Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: Managing posterior tibial tendonitis effectively, with early intervention from a physical therapist, minimizes the risk of developing flat feet, chronic pain, and restricted mobility.
• Lateral Epicondylitis: Early diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is key; prompt physical therapy can address the underlying causes and prevent the condition from becoming chronic and significantly limiting your daily activities.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that doesn't show up on standard blood tests, making early detection crucial for preventing irreversible joint damage and disability.
• Joint Disorders: Protecting your joints through regular exercise and healthy weight management can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint disorders later in life.
• 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.

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:

• Botox® for Cervical Dystonia: Proactively address your cervical dystonia with Botox®; it's a treatment option that can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): As a preventive measure, OMT helps assess your musculoskeletal system for imbalances, allowing for early correction and reducing your risk of developing chronic pain or functional limitations.
• Neurological Rehabilitation: Neurological rehabilitation is a proactive approach to recovery that helps improve strength, coordination, and balance after a neurological event, reducing the risk of falls and further injury.
• Bursa Injection: To ease joint pain and stiffness, a bursa injection can be a preventative measure, allowing you to stay active and avoid more serious issues.
• Pain Management: Take control of your pain by seeking early intervention; our pain management services pinpoint the source and create a personalized plan for relief and improved function.
• Dorsal Column Stimulation: As a way to proactively manage chronic pain conditions and enhance your quality of life, dorsal column stimulation may offer pain relief and improved mobility by carefully stimulating specific areas of your spinal cord.
• NormaTec Compression Treatment: NormaTec Compression Therapy uses pneumatic compression to improve blood flow and reduce muscle soreness, helping you recover faster from workouts and preventing future injuries.

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:

• By working with a physical therapist to strengthen foot muscles and improve flexibility, a runner significantly reduced their risk of sports-related foot injuries, allowing them to confidently train and compete without worry.
• Knowing the proper techniques for using tools and avoiding repetitive motions, a patient proactively reduced their risk of elbow bursitis, ensuring they could continue their favorite activities without pain.
• By proactively addressing posterior tibial tendonitis with a physical therapist's guidance, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing long-term foot problems, ensuring continued mobility and comfort.

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) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life through hands-on care, education, and exercises. PTs 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. Melissa DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This assessment 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 may prevent 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. Melissa 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 and improve your overall fitness to help speed recovery after joint replacement surgery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical to restoring range of motion, building strength, and maximizing the benefits of your new joint. Starting soon after surgery is ideal.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled technique where a physical therapist inserts a thin needle into a muscle "trigger point" to release tension and relieve pain. It's based on Western anatomy and physiology, unlike acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate recovery.

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

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Melissa, DPT 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 to meet their milestones.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2500

Dr. Melissa Caywood, 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): 1386744100

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.