Dr. Persis Puello, MD

Dr. Persis Puello, MD is a Sports Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating preventative screenings, and managing your overall wellness to keep you active and injury-free. She serves individuals of all ages, from youth to senior athletes, and active people, recognizing that preventative care is crucial at every stage of life. Dr. Puello is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (813) 229-2225 to schedule.

Dr. Puello, a dedicated primary care sports medicine physician specializing in non-operative solutions for musculoskeletal conditions, brings over five years of experience to her practice. Her passion lies in helping individuals maintain their active lifestyles through comprehensive care, listening attentively to her patients and utilizing a collaborative approach with other healthcare professionals. With a strong foundation in Sports Medicine, she earned her medical degree from Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University in 2019, completed an internship at Mount Sinai South Nassau Oceanside NY, and completed a residency and fellowship in Sports Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau Oceanside NY and USF, Tampa, respectively. She is Board Certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Her comprehensive approach to care, emphasizing evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment, creates a supportive environment for long-term health. Dr. Puello offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Protecting your knees from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking proactive steps like maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly to reduce joint stress.
• Knee Ligament Injuries: Early detection of knee ligament tears is crucial for effective treatment and minimizing long-term damage, enabling you to get back to your activities sooner.
• Hand Pain: Ignoring hand pain can lead to more serious conditions, so early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term problems.
• Hip Pain: Don't ignore hip pain; early diagnosis and treatment can help you maintain mobility and prevent long-term disability.
• Lower Back Injuries: Regular checkups and proactive management of your lower back health ensures early intervention, preventing chronic pain and limitations.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Addressing PFPS symptoms promptly, rather than ignoring them, prevents the pain from becoming disabling and helps maintain your ability to enjoy your favorite activities.
• Knee Pain: Proper warm-up and cool-down exercises, and the use of appropriate protective gear during sports, can significantly reduce your risk of developing knee pain.
• Lower Back Sprain: To avoid the debilitating effects of a lower back sprain, focus on preventive strategies such as maintaining a healthy weight, improving your posture, and engaging in regular low-impact exercise.
• Elbow Pain: Don't let elbow pain sideline you: early detection and treatment can prevent chronic issues and keep you active.
• Trochanteric Bursitis: Managing trochanteric bursitis effectively, often with rest and physical therapy, prevents the condition from becoming chronic and debilitating.
• Wrist Sprain: Protecting your wrists from sprains involves understanding your risk factors, like repetitive movements or poor posture, and taking proactive steps such as using supportive braces or modifying activities to minimize strain.
• Sprain: Sprains can be avoided by focusing on improving balance, flexibility, and body mechanics to reduce the risk of twisting or overextending joints.

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

• Carpal Tunnel Injection: Take control of your wrist discomfort; a carpal tunnel injection can help diagnose the source of your pain and potentially prevent the need for surgery.
• Concussion Treatment: Concussion treatment is a proactive step to manage brain injuries, facilitating comprehensive recovery and a safe return to your regular activities.
• Cortisone Injection: If you're experiencing significant joint pain limiting your mobility, a cortisone injection can offer temporary relief while you explore long-term management strategies.
• Fracture and-or Dislocation Treatment: Protect your active lifestyle: Early intervention for fractures and dislocations ensures proper alignment and reduces the risk of chronic pain or limited mobility.
• Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: To prevent chronic muscle pain from impacting your activities, consider myofascial trigger point injections as a targeted treatment option.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP): Protect your active lifestyle with PRP injections, a regenerative treatment that stimulates tissue regeneration and reduces reliance on pain medication for musculoskeletal conditions.
• Prolotherapy Injections: Prolotherapy injections strengthen weakened ligaments and tendons, helping you proactively avoid future injuries and stay active.
• Sports Medicine Related Procedures: Take a proactive step towards a healthier, more active life by getting screened for sports-related injuries and conditions that could impact your performance and well-being.
• Sports Rehabilitation: Take a proactive step towards preventing future injuries with sports rehabilitation; it strengthens your muscles and improves your movement patterns.
• Trigger Finger Release: Don't let trigger finger sideline you: Early intervention with this surgery can restore hand mobility and get you back to your activities faster.
• Trigger Point Injection: Take a proactive step towards pain relief by exploring trigger point injections, which can pinpoint and treat the source of your muscle knots and spasms.

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 Sports Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Persis Puello is dedicated to partnering with Coaches and Athletic Trainers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Athlete's life:

• By understanding their risk factors and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient proactively managed their knee health, gaining confidence in their ability to prevent osteoarthritis.
• By proactively addressing potential knee ligament issues with a personalized prevention plan, a young athlete was able to maintain peak performance and avoid a significant injury, ensuring a smooth return to their favorite activities.

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 Sports Medicine care with Dr. Persis Puello:

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

A Sports Medicine Physician, often a non-surgical doctor, focuses on diagnosing and treating sports injuries, frequently with non-operative care. If surgery is needed, they work closely with orthopedic surgeons to ensure the best possible outcome. They are partners in providing comprehensive care for athletes.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone, often from repetitive use or overuse. It's different from a fracture caused by a single impact. Proper diagnosis and rest are essential to prevent the crack from worsening.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Early intervention with bracing and therapy can often prevent the need for surgery.

How is osteoarthritis treated non-surgically?

Non-surgical osteoarthritis management focuses on symptom relief and preventing further joint damage. Key strategies include modifying activities that exacerbate pain, physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles, weight management to reduce joint stress, and potentially injections like cortisone or viscosupplementation. These powerful approaches can effectively manage symptoms and often delay or prevent the need for joint replacement surgery.

How do custom orthotics help prevent foot and ankle problems?

Custom orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that support and align the foot and ankle. By correcting biomechanical issues like flat feet, they reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and knees, helping prevent problems like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.

What's the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain involves ligaments (bone to bone), while a strain involves muscles or tendons (muscle to bone). Think "ligaments = bone to bone, strains = muscle to bone". Our team can help you determine the specific injury and recommend the best course of action.

What is the goal of physical therapy after an injury or surgery?

Physical therapy is a critical part of your recovery, aiming to reduce pain, restore range of motion, improve strength and stability, and retrain your body for safe movement. This essential step prevents re-injury and ensures a successful, long-lasting return to activity.

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is damage to one or more of the four tendons and muscles that stabilize your shoulder. This often happens due to overuse or a sudden injury. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and restoring function to prevent long-term shoulder weakness and arthritis.

101 N Franklin St Ste A
Tampa FL 33602
Phone: (813) 229-2225

Dr. Persis Puello, MD 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): 1740742766

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. Sports Medicine like Dr. Persis Puello 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 sports medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.