Dr. Michael Tragas, DPT

Dr. Michael Tragas, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he 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. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He serves all ages.

Dr. Michael DPT's practice focuses on the prevention of injuries and the promotion of overall well-being. He works with patients to identify and address potential risk factors, develop personalized strategies for injury prevention, and help maintain optimal physical function. His approach prioritizes patient education and empowerment, guiding individuals towards healthy lifestyle choices that support long-term wellness. Dr. Michael Tragas, DPT is a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, and patients should call (813) 684-2663 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. 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:

• Complications of Joint Prosthesis: Taking steps to prevent complications after joint replacement, through proper physical therapy and adherence to post-operative instructions, improves your chances of a successful outcome.
• Lumbar Radiculopathy: Preventing future episodes of lumbar radiculopathy involves understanding your risk factors like poor lifting techniques and taking proactive steps to address them.
• Back Injuries: Managing back pain effectively through physical therapy can prevent long-term disability and improve your overall quality of life.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a joint injury, and early diagnosis with physical therapy can help prevent further damage and slow its progression, preserving joint function.
• Musculoskeletal Disorders in Women: Protecting your musculoskeletal system through regular checkups and lifestyle adjustments can help women avoid chronic pain and maintain mobility as they age.
• Hemophilic Arthropathy: Regular physical therapy and careful management of hemophilia are crucial for preventing the joint damage characteristic of hemophilic arthropathy.
• Dropfoot: Regular check-ups and proactive management of conditions that contribute to dropfoot—such as stroke or nerve compression—are key steps in preventing its debilitating effects.

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:

• Contemporary Cupping Therapy: Enhance your body's natural healing with contemporary cupping therapy; this technique helps improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, minimizing the chance of recurring pain.
• Spine and Sports Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: Protect your body from future pain and limitations with spine and sports musculoskeletal rehabilitation, which screens for musculoskeletal problems and addresses them early on.
• Lumbar Selective Nerve Root Block: To proactively manage lower back pain and avoid long-term issues, a lumbar selective nerve root block can help identify the specific nerve root causing discomfort.
• Nutritional Counseling: Proactively manage your health and optimize your physical therapy outcomes by uncovering nutritional deficiencies and addressing them with a personalized plan.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injection: As a proactive step in maintaining joint health, hyaluronic acid injections can help restore cushioning and improve mobility, potentially preventing the need for more invasive treatments.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation helps you recover and regain strength after a heart event, preventing future problems and improving your overall health.
• Cervical Medial Branch Block: As a preventive measure against long-term neck problems, this procedure helps determine if facet joint pain is the culprit, allowing for early intervention and preventing further damage.

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:

• Following a joint replacement, a patient diligently participated in physical therapy, significantly reducing the risk of complications and enabling a smoother recovery and return to daily activities. The proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered the patient to take control of their health journey.
• By learning proper lifting techniques and incorporating strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future lumbar radiculopathy episodes, enjoying a pain-free and active lifestyle.
• Following a personalized physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their back pain, preventing future injuries and enabling them to enjoy their favorite activities without limitations.

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 help improve your quality of life by providing hands-on care, education, and exercises 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. Michael 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 evaluation is the starting point for creating a personalized prevention and recovery plan.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

Yes, in many cases. For conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy can be just as effective as surgery, acting as a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, 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 based on Western anatomy and physiology, unlike acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

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

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in stroke recovery by using targeted exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity. These exercises help retrain the brain and body, improving walking, balance, and strength. This ultimately leads to greater independence and reduces the risk of falls.

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.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Michael 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 issue from returning after therapy ends. It empowers you to actively manage your condition and maintain your improved function.

10740 Palm River Rd Ste 310
Tampa FL 33619
Phone: (813) 684-2663

Dr. Michael Tragas, 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): 1619582814

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.