Dr. Melissa McVicker, DPT

Dr. Melissa McVicker, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Saint Augustine, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the 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 featured on weprevent.org, she 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 DPT is a physical therapist in Saint Augustine, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her focus on prevention extends beyond injury rehabilitation, encompassing comprehensive strategies for maintaining optimal function and wellness throughout life. Patients should call (904) 679-3449 to confirm if she 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:

• Finger Injuries: Preventing further injury to your fingers involves recognizing early warning signs, seeking timely treatment, and following your physical therapist's recommendations for a full recovery.
• Ankle Arthroscopy: Preventing future ankle problems starts with early intervention. Ankle arthroscopy provides a less-invasive way to diagnose and treat underlying issues before they worsen.
• Stiffness: Don't let stiffness sideline you; proactive physical therapy can help restore your range of motion and prevent future problems.
• Torn Cartilage: Managing a torn cartilage effectively through physical therapy helps prevent further injury and the need for surgery, promoting a faster recovery and return to your normal activities.
• Fall: Falls are a significant health concern, especially for older adults, but with proactive physical therapy, we can improve your balance and strength to reduce your risk of falling.
• Prostatitis: Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, can be managed with proactive lifestyle choices like regular exercise and hydration to reduce symptoms and prevent future complications.
• Ankle Instability: Ankle instability, often caused by a previous injury, can lead to recurring sprains and chronic pain if not addressed proactively through strengthening exercises and proper footwear.

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:

• Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique: Proactively protect your spine's health with Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, a precise assessment and adjustment method aiming to detect and correct vertebral misalignments before they cause significant problems.
• Stress Management: Proactively manage stress to prevent future injuries caused by muscle tension and poor posture.
• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: Proactively address potential issues with chewing, swallowing, or breathing by scheduling an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy assessment; it helps detect and correct underlying muscle imbalances.
• Concussion Treatment: Protect your brain's function and prevent lasting effects by seeking timely concussion treatment and rehabilitation.
• Rossitor System for Pain Relief: Take a proactive step towards pain relief and improved mobility by exploring the Rossitor System, a comprehensive approach to identifying the root cause of your discomfort and developing a personalized treatment plan.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be hindering your recovery from injury or preventing you from achieving your fitness goals.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: Spinal cord stimulation is a proactive step to manage chronic pain by using mild electrical impulses to reduce pain signals to the brain.

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:

• Recognizing early signs of finger strain, a patient proactively sought physical therapy, reducing the risk of further injury and regaining full function. Following the therapist's guidance, the patient felt confident in their ability to prevent future issues and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• By proactively addressing ankle pain with physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of needing ankle arthroscopy, ensuring a healthier and more active future. Early intervention helped them avoid more invasive procedures and maintain a high quality of life.
• Following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient regained lost range of motion and significantly reduced stiffness, allowing them to return to their favorite activities 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. Melissa DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They provide hands-on care, education, and exercises 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. 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 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 different from acupuncture, as its basis is in Western anatomy and physiology, not traditional Chinese medicine. Dry needling can be a valuable tool to accelerate your 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.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Melissa DPT's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

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, which help restore joint motion and improve muscle function. This helps reduce pain and prepare the body for more effective therapeutic exercises.

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

Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, strengthens muscles before your joint replacement, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint, starting soon after surgery.

4299 A1A S
Saint Augustine FL 32080
Phone: (904) 679-3449

Dr. Melissa McVicker, 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): 1821753385

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.