Dr. Nkem Nkele, DPT

Dr. Nkem Nkele, 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 Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a valued partner in preventive health at her clinic in West Palm Beach, FL. 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. Nkem DPT is a physical therapist in West Palm Beach, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, focusing on the prevention of future issues, rather than just treating existing conditions. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (561) 881-0066. Dr. Nkem DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Excision of Radius or Ulna: Preventing fractures and injuries to the forearm through proper exercise, ergonomics, and safety measures reduces the likelihood of needing a radius or ulna excision.
• AC Joint Injury: Addressing AC joint issues promptly with physical therapy can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing long-term shoulder dysfunction and limitations.
• Hand Injury: Protecting your hands through preventative measures like proper workplace ergonomics and safety gear can significantly reduce the risk of injury and the need for extensive rehabilitation.
• Wrist Injuries: Preventing wrist injuries through strength training and flexibility exercises safeguards your hand's dexterity and overall well-being.
• Wrist Sprain or Strain: Protecting your wrists through strengthening exercises and mindful movements helps prevent sprains and strains, keeping your hands and arms functioning optimally.
• Hemiplegia: Hemiplegia, or weakness on one side of the body, often resulting from stroke, highlights the importance of managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent this debilitating condition.
• Bone Replacement Recovery: By actively participating in physical therapy, you can expedite your recovery from bone replacement surgery and reduce the chance of needing further interventions.

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

• Chiropractic Technique: Protect yourself from potential long-term joint problems by seeking a chiropractic evaluation. This can help detect and address subtle spinal issues early on, promoting a healthy spine and active lifestyle.
• Musculoskeletal Function Test: Ensure you're moving as efficiently as possible; a musculoskeletal function test can pinpoint areas needing improvement to maintain healthy movement and avoid injury.
• Muscle-Testing With Torque Curves During Isometric and Isokinetic Exercise: Take a proactive step towards injury prevention by undergoing muscle testing that measures your strength and identifies potential weaknesses before they lead to problems.
• Intersegmental Traction: By using intersegmental traction, we can identify areas of spinal restriction and address them proactively, reducing your risk of injury.
• Concussion Treatment: Our concussion treatment helps identify any neurological deficits and guides you through a personalized recovery plan to restore your brain health.
• Thermotherapy: To prevent long-term problems, thermotherapy can help reduce pain and improve range of motion, allowing for early intervention and faster recovery.
• Rapid Release Therapy: Rapid Release Therapy helps restore optimal movement and function by quickly releasing tension in your muscles and joints, helping you stay active and healthy.

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. Nkem 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 physical therapist's guidance on strengthening exercises and proper posture, a patient significantly reduced their risk of needing a radius or ulna excision, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
• By implementing a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing AC joint injuries, empowering them to enjoy a pain-free and active lifestyle.
• By implementing recommended ergonomic adjustments at work, a patient significantly reduced the risk of hand injury, ensuring continued participation in their favorite hobbies.

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. Nkem DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Nkem, a licensed Physical Therapist (PT), is a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. She provides 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. Nkem 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 that may prevent 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 it's based on Western anatomy and physiology, not traditional Chinese medicine. This can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Nkem DPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

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

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

Prehabilitation (prehab) strengthens muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy, starting soon after surgery, is critical to restoring range of motion, building strength, and optimizing your new joint's function. Our team at Dr. Nkem DPT is here to guide you through every step of the process.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Nkem 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.

4455 Medical Center Way
West Palm Beach FL 33407
Phone: (561) 881-0066

Dr. Nkem Nkele, 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): 1306324223

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. Nkem 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.