Dr. Michelle Harmon, PT

Dr. Michelle Harmon, PT is a Physical Therapy provider 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 committed to partnering with patients in Venice, FL to create long-term health 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (941) 483-3400 to confirm if Dr. Michelle PT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Michelle Harmon, PT is a physical therapist in Venice, FL, offering comprehensive physical therapy services. Her practice emphasizes prevention, working closely with patients to identify and address potential health concerns early. She understands the importance of proactive healthcare and views her role as a crucial element in your journey towards optimal well-being. As a trusted partner, she guides you through evidence-based treatment plans, focusing on restoring movement and function, and providing the tools needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Michelle PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hemophilic Arthropathy: Hemophilic arthropathy, joint damage from hemophilia, can be significantly slowed with a combination of proper hemophilia care and a proactive approach with physical therapy.
• Ankle Sprain: Ignoring an ankle sprain can lead to persistent pain and instability, making it vital to seek early intervention and prevent future problems.
• 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.
• Congenital Deformity: Physical therapy plays a vital role in addressing congenital deformities by improving joint function, preventing pain, and adapting movements to promote healthy development.
• Hip Dislocation: A hip dislocation, where the thigh bone pops out of the hip socket, is a serious injury that can be prevented through proactive measures like strengthening hip muscles and maintaining good posture.
• Musculoskeletal Disorders in Women: Early detection of musculoskeletal disorders is crucial for women, as timely intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Preventive measures such as regular hand exercises and physical therapy can help slow the advancement of rheumatoid arthritis in your hands and maintain hand function for longer.

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

• Postural Assessment: A postural assessment helps identify imbalances that could lead to pain or injury down the road, allowing for proactive correction.
• Aquatic Therapy: Protect your body from future injury and enhance your physical performance by utilizing aquatic therapy to build strength, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
• Medical Branch Block: Take charge of your recovery with a medical branch block; this injection helps reduce pain and inflammation, enabling physical therapy to restore your movement.
• Facet Blocks: To proactively manage lower back pain, facet blocks can help identify the specific spinal facet joints causing discomfort, guiding your physical therapist in developing a personalized rehabilitation program.
• Strain-Counterstrain: As part of your wellness journey, strain-counterstrain helps pinpoint and resolve muscle strains before they lead to more significant problems, optimizing your movement and function.
• Cupping Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better health; cupping therapy may help to address muscle soreness and inflammation, potentially preventing chronic pain issues.
• Cell Based Therapy: To prevent future mobility issues, cell-based therapies may help regenerate damaged tissues to restore movement and function, enhancing the effectiveness of your physical therapy.

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. Michelle PT 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 consistently following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of hemophilic arthropathy, maintaining healthy joint function and enjoying a more active lifestyle.
• Following a physical therapist's guidance on ankle strengthening exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of ankle sprains, enjoying renewed confidence in their daily activities.
• By incorporating regular exercise and a healthy diet into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing painful joint disorders, enjoying a more active and 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. Michelle PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) 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. Michelle PT 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 can be as effective as surgery for conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Michelle PT and our team of therapists utilize specific, repetitive exercises to help your brain rewire itself after a stroke. This neuroplasticity helps regain lost function, improving walking, balance, and strength. Our goal is to maximize your independence and prevent falls.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Michelle PT to address pain and improve movement. Techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization help restore joint motion and alleviate muscle tension. This prepares the body for effective therapeutic exercise.

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. Michelle PT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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 feel dizzy and off-balance. Can a physical therapist help?

Yes, Dr. Michelle PT and many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation. They can treat common causes of dizziness, like BPPV, with specific head maneuvers, and improve balance through targeted exercises to prevent falls.

400 Tamiami Trl S Ste 210
Venice FL 34285
Phone: (941) 483-3400

Dr. Michelle Harmon, PT 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): 1467684381

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. Michelle PT 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.