Dr. Melissa Franco, DPT

Dr. Melissa Franco, DPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices at her clinic in Orlando, 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 recognizes 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 DPT is a physical therapist in Orlando, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her focus on prevention extends beyond immediate injury or ailment, encompassing a holistic understanding of movement and function. Patients should call (407) 965-4114 to confirm if Dr. Melissa DPT is currently accepting new patients. 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:

• Ligament Sprain: Understanding your risk factors for ligament sprains, like improper body mechanics or insufficient conditioning, is key to implementing preventive strategies.
• Complex Fractures: Complex fractures, if not properly addressed, can lead to long-term mobility issues, highlighting the importance of preventive measures like bone density checks and fall prevention strategies.
• Osteoarthritis of Wrist: Prevent disability from wrist osteoarthritis by prioritizing regular hand exercises and seeking professional guidance from a physical therapist to reduce joint stress and improve function.
• Ankle Sprains and Strains: Managing an ankle sprain or strain effectively, including prompt rehabilitation, minimizes the chance of recurring injuries and long-term functional limitations.
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Early intervention for back pain, including physical therapy and lifestyle changes, can help prevent the need for surgery and significantly reduce the risk of developing FBSS.
• Arthritis of the Midfoot: Protecting your midfoot joints through regular exercise and appropriate footwear choices can significantly reduce your risk of developing arthritis later in life.
• Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: Foot and ankle osteophytes, or bone spurs, can develop silently, but early detection through regular checkups with your doctor or physical therapist can help prevent pain and limited mobility later.

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:

• High Velocity Low Amplitude Technique (HVLA): HVLA is a specialized technique to identify and address minor joint misalignments before they cause significant pain or limit your function, helping you stay active and healthy.
• Pediatric Developmental Therapy: Ensure your child's physical development is on track with pediatric developmental therapy. It's a valuable assessment tool that helps detect and treat delays early, optimizing their movement and function.
• Lymphedema Therapy: Protect yourself from the limitations of lymphedema; this therapy helps identify and manage fluid retention, ensuring you maintain mobility and function.
• Epidural Injection: As a proactive step in managing chronic back pain, an epidural injection may provide relief and help you avoid long-term reliance on pain medications.
• Alternative Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better health by considering alternative therapies; these methods can help you address underlying issues contributing to your pain or limited mobility.
• Ischial Bursa Injection: To ease persistent buttock pain and improve mobility, an ischial bursa injection can help pinpoint the source of discomfort and promote healing.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation: Electrical muscle stimulation helps strengthen weakened muscles to prevent future injuries and improve overall function.

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:

• Understanding their risk factors for ligament sprains, like improper form during exercise, helped a patient develop a proactive exercise routine, reducing their likelihood of injury and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
• By proactively addressing potential fall risks and undergoing regular bone density screenings, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing complex fractures, fostering a sense of well-being and confidence in their future mobility.
• By incorporating regular hand exercises and seeking guidance from a physical therapist, a patient significantly reduced wrist joint stress, effectively preventing the onset of osteoarthritis and maintaining a pain-free 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. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise to improve your quality of life, 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 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 in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Melissa and our skilled physical therapists utilize specific exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself after a stroke. This targeted approach improves walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and preventing future falls. We focus on restoring function and empowering you to regain control over your daily life.

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 your recovery.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Melissa DPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. We identify the root cause and create a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes and empower you to manage your pain effectively.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Melissa DPT 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.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles to speed recovery after your joint replacement surgery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's function. Starting soon after surgery is key to achieving the best possible outcome.

6775 Chopra Ter
Orlando FL 32827
Phone: (407) 965-4114

Dr. Melissa Franco, 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): 1255040457

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.