Dr. Rebecca Van Valkenburgh, DPT

Dr. Rebecca Van Valkenburgh, 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 partners with patients in Temple Terrace, 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.

Dr. Rebecca DPT's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, emphasizing the importance of patient education and active participation in their health journey. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that proactive measures are key to preventing future issues. As a physical therapist in Temple Terrace, FL, Dr. Rebecca Van Valkenburgh, DPT is committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal physical function and overall well-being.

To confirm if Dr. Rebecca DPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (775) 367-6937. Dr. Rebecca DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Shoulder: Rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder can lead to severe stiffness and reduced mobility if left untreated. Regular physical therapy is crucial for preventing these complications and maintaining your independence.
• Distal Radius Fracture: Understanding your risk factors for distal radius fractures, such as osteoporosis, and taking steps to manage those risks through diet and exercise, contributes significantly to injury prevention.
• 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.
• Shoulder Osteophyte: Shoulder osteophytes can lead to stiffness and pain; addressing them proactively through physical therapy and lifestyle changes helps maintain shoulder function and prevent disability.
• Joint Reconstruction Recovery: Joint reconstruction recovery focuses on regaining movement and function after surgery, helping prevent future injuries and stiffness through targeted exercises and therapies.
• Excision of Tarsal or Metatarsal: Managing foot problems, like bunions or hammertoes, before they require excision, minimizes long-term pain and helps preserve mobility.
• Acute Postoperative Pain: Managing acute postoperative pain promptly helps prevent the development of chronic pain and promotes faster recovery, improving your long-term health.

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

• Joint Injection: As a proactive step, a joint injection can reduce pain and inflammation in your joints, improving mobility and preventing future complications.
• Percutaneous Tenotomy: Taking a proactive step towards better joint health, percutaneous tenotomy may help release tight tendons, improving your range of motion and reducing the risk of future injuries.
• 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.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Enhance your physical therapy outcomes by addressing any mental health concerns that may hinder your progress and overall rehabilitation.
• Botox® for Cervical Dystonia: Proactively address your cervical dystonia with Botox®; it's a treatment option that can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
• Work Reintegration: Work reintegration helps you safely return to your job after an injury or illness, focusing on gradually increasing your activity levels to prevent setbacks.
• Neuromuscular Rehabilitation: Protect yourself from injury and improve your overall physical performance with neuromuscular rehabilitation, a program designed to optimize muscle control and 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. Rebecca 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 engaging in a consistent physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing severe shoulder stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis, empowering them to maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors for distal radius fractures and incorporating strength training into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their likelihood of a future injury, gaining greater confidence in their daily activities.
• By strengthening hip muscles and improving posture, a patient significantly reduced their risk of hip dislocation, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an 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. Rebecca DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Rebecca DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve quality of life by providing 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. Rebecca DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This evaluation 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 the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Rebecca 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 problem from returning after therapy is complete.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Rebecca 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.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Rebecca DPT to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization, helping to restore joint motion and reduce pain, and preparing the body for therapeutic exercise.

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. Rebecca DPT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

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

12110 Morris Bridge Rd
Temple Terrace FL 33637
Phone: (775) 367-6937

Dr. Rebecca Van Valkenburgh, 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): 1487023982

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. Rebecca 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.