Dr. Michelle Richman, DPT

Dr. Michelle Richman, DPT is a Physical Therapist 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), she is a vital partner in preventive health at her Saint Petersburg, FL clinic. 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (727) 579-7974 to schedule.

Dr. Michelle DPT, specializing in outpatient orthopedic conditions such as musculoskeletal injury, post-operation, spine, geriatric balance/weakness, vestibular disorders, sports, and TMJ dysfunction, is also the Clinic Manager of Ekren Physical Therapy's Seminole location. Earning her medical degree from Emory University School Of Medicine in 2014, Dr. Richman treats on a one-on-one basis, utilizing evidence-based practice through manual skills, mobilizations, soft tissue massage and release, exercise/stretches, and thorough patient education to improve and speed up patient outcomes. Her commitment to proactive care, combined with her extensive experience and advanced training, makes her a valuable resource for achieving and maintaining optimal physical health. Dr. Michelle DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Balance Disorders: Proactive management of balance disorders helps maintain your mobility, independence, and quality of life, preventing further decline and improving overall well-being.
• Osteoarthritis: Don't let osteoarthritis limit your life. Proactive measures such as regular exercise, weight management and physical therapy can help you prevent severe joint damage and maintain independence.
• Back Injuries: Understanding your back injury risk factors – like lifting techniques and ergonomics – empowers you to take preventative steps.
• Sports Injuries: Proper warm-up, stretching, and technique are essential for injury prevention in sports, helping you stay active and enjoy your chosen activities without pain or limitations.
• Scoliosis: Maintaining good posture and seeking professional assessment if you suspect scoliosis can help prevent more severe curves and associated health issues.
• Hip Pain: Addressing hip pain promptly through physical therapy can help restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries.
• Knee Injuries: By incorporating regular exercises that improve knee stability and strength, you can actively work towards preventing future knee injuries and maintaining an active lifestyle.
• Neck Pain: Simple lifestyle changes and regular neck stretches can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic neck pain, keeping you active and pain-free.
• Back Sprain: Early detection of a back sprain is crucial; seeking timely physical therapy can minimize lasting pain and disability, keeping you active and healthy.
• Sprain: Managing a sprain effectively, including following your physical therapist's recommendations, minimizes the chances of it becoming a chronic problem.
• Back Disorders: Protecting your back through proactive posture and exercise prevents many back disorders before they even start.
• Ankle Injury: Protecting your ankles through preventative measures, like strengthening exercises and appropriate footwear, reduces the risk of injury and helps you maintain your active life without limitations.

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

• Balance Testing: Take a proactive step towards fall prevention with a simple balance assessment; it helps detect potential issues early.
• Electrical Stimulation: As a proactive measure to manage chronic pain, electrical stimulation can help reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life by stimulating nerves and muscles.
• Exercise Counseling: Exercise counseling assesses your current fitness level and creates a personalized plan to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing fall risk.
• Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Take charge of your joint health: Orthopedic rehabilitation helps identify potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing long-term damage.
• Pain Management Through Physical Therapy: Proactively address pain and prevent future problems by seeking physical therapy; it helps identify the root cause and guides you toward lasting relief.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy empowers you to regain and maintain your mobility by assessing your current physical function and developing strategies to address any weaknesses or imbalances before they cause problems.
• Rehabilitation After Stroke or Trauma: Take proactive steps to regain strength and mobility after a stroke or trauma through specialized rehabilitation programs.
• Therapeutic Massage: Invest in your well-being with therapeutic massage—a proactive way to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance your body's natural healing processes.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Prevent chronic pain and limited movement by utilizing trigger point therapy, a targeted approach that addresses muscle knots and improves 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. Michelle 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 proactively working with a physical therapist on balance exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of falls, maintaining their independence and enjoying a more active lifestyle.
• By working with a physical therapist on a tailored exercise program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing osteoarthritis, maintaining their active lifestyle and preventing future joint pain.
• By learning proper lifting techniques and ergonomic adjustments, a patient significantly reduced their risk of back injuries, allowing them to maintain a healthy and active 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 DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing 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. Michelle DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation assessing your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This 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.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Michelle, DPT, to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue massage to restore joint motion and improve muscle function. This prepares the body for more effective therapeutic exercises.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Michelle DPT can perform a functional movement screen to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that could lead to injury. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues, proactively preventing future problems.

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

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Michelle, DPT, can help. Many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation and can treat common causes of dizziness, such as BPPV, with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises to prevent falls.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. Dr. Michelle DPT will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan for both pre- and post-operative care.

9355 4th St N
Saint Petersburg FL 33702
Phone: (727) 579-7974

Dr. Michelle Richman, 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): 1770982555

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 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.