Dr. Michael Flores, DPT

Dr. Michael Flores, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at a clinic in Tampa, 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), he understands the crucial role physical therapists play in preventive health. 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. He serves all ages.

Dr. Michael DPT is a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His practice focuses on the proactive management of physical well-being, recognizing the importance of preventive strategies in achieving and sustaining optimal function. He emphasizes the importance of patient education and shared decision-making to ensure that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.

To confirm if Dr. Michael DPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (618) 795-3418. Dr. Michael DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Spine Disorders: Managing spine disorders effectively, often with physical therapy, helps prevent chronic pain, disability, and the need for more invasive treatments.
• Post-Traumatic Knee Range of Motion Problems: Protecting your knees from further damage after an injury requires addressing any range-of-motion issues promptly through targeted exercises and therapies.
• Compound Fracture: Compound fractures, characterized by bone protruding through the skin, underscore the importance of protective gear and proactive injury management to reduce the risk and severity of bone injuries.
• Discogenic Pain: Don't wait for severe pain: proactively addressing discogenic pain risk factors through healthy lifestyle choices helps prevent long-term disability and maintain spinal health.
• Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: Osteophytes in your feet and ankles can lead to significant discomfort and reduced mobility; regular assessment by a physical therapist can identify these issues early and guide preventive strategies.
• Disuse Osteoporosis: Disuse osteoporosis is bone loss caused by inactivity, and preventing it starts with regular movement to keep your bones strong and healthy.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Managing existing spinal cord injuries through physical therapy and lifestyle changes can significantly slow disease progression, reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.

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

• Balance Training: Regular balance training helps identify and address any underlying weaknesses that could lead to falls or mobility issues, promoting long-term health.
• Shoulder Injection: To proactively manage shoulder pain and stiffness, a shoulder injection can help diagnose the underlying cause and guide your treatment plan.
• Sports Physical Examination: A sports physical exam helps identify potential health risks that could sideline you before they impact your athletic performance.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Soft tissue injections can help pinpoint the source of your pain and inflammation, guiding your physical therapist in creating a targeted treatment plan.
• Educational Therapy: Proactively address potential movement limitations through educational therapy, empowering you to understand and manage your body's needs.
• Non-Cosmetic Botox® Injection: Take a proactive step towards pain relief and improved mobility by exploring the benefits of non-cosmetic Botox® injections for muscle-related conditions.
• Rossitor System for Pain Relief: The Rossitor System offers a proactive approach to pain management by assessing your body's movement patterns, identifying potential issues, and guiding you towards lasting pain relief and improved 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. Michael 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 their core and improve posture, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future spine-related pain, and gained confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy spine.
• Following a knee injury, a patient benefited from targeted physical therapy exercises, restoring range of motion and significantly reducing the risk of further complications. Early intervention ensured the patient could confidently maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Knowing the risk factors for compound fractures and implementing protective measures, a patient felt empowered to proactively manage their bone health, significantly reducing the chance of future injury. This proactive approach brought the patient peace of mind and confidence in their ability to prevent future complications.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Michael DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Michael DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to improve your quality of life, 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. Michael DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. 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 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.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Michael DPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. We focus on identifying the root cause and creating a personalized program that includes core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes. This empowers you to manage your back pain effectively long-term.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Michael DPT to address pain and improve movement. Techniques include joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization, helping to restore joint motion and reduce pain. This prepares the body for more effective therapeutic exercise.

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

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding up recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome for your new joint. We'll work closely with you to develop a personalized plan.

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

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

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (618) 795-3418

Dr. Michael Flores, 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): 1154802916

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. Michael 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.