Dr. Samantha Herrick, DPT

Dr. Samantha Herrick, 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 serves as a vital partner in preventive health at her Lutz, 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 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. She serves all ages. Please call (813) 279-6234 to confirm if Dr. Samantha DPT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Samantha Herrick, DPT is a physical therapist in Lutz, FL, dedicated to providing comprehensive physical therapy services. Her approach emphasizes a proactive, preventative model, working closely with patients to create personalized strategies for maintaining optimal physical function and preventing future injuries. This personalized care extends to a wide range of conditions and addresses the unique needs of individuals at all life stages. She understands that a strong partnership between patient and provider is key to long-term success, and she is passionate about empowering her patients to become active participants in their health journey. Dr. Samantha DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Shoulder Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis: Shoulder tendinitis and tenosynovitis are painful conditions affecting shoulder tendons and their sheaths, and early detection through proactive health checks can prevent long-term disability.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Managing an enlarged prostate effectively reduces your risk of urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney damage, all of which are important for maintaining overall well-being.
• Rib Fracture: Protecting your ribs through proactive measures like proper posture and injury prevention techniques can significantly reduce your risk of fractures and the need for extensive rehabilitation.
• Pelvic Floor Tension Myalgia: Don't let pelvic floor tension myalgia limit your activities; proactive management helps maintain your mobility and well-being.
• Spine Dislocation: Proper lifting techniques and maintaining good posture are essential in preventing spine dislocations, reducing the risk of serious injury and promoting healthy spine function.
• Jaw Fracture: Early detection of jaw pain and swelling following trauma is crucial to ensure prompt treatment of a potential jaw fracture and prevent lasting problems with chewing or speaking.
• Forearm Fracture: Early detection of a forearm fracture is crucial for prompt treatment, minimizing the risk of complications like stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion, ensuring a swift return to normal function.

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

• Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP): PRP injection therapy is a preventative measure against persistent pain and limitations in movement by jump-starting the healing process in damaged tissues, helping you regain full function.
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Peripheral nerve stimulation is a proactive way to identify and address nerve-related issues that might be impacting your movement and function before they become major problems.
• Rehabilitation After Stroke or Trauma: Invest in your recovery journey by undergoing rehabilitation to restore movement and function lost due to stroke or trauma.
• Dorsal Column Stimulation: Take a proactive step towards managing chronic pain by exploring dorsal column stimulation, a therapy that may help reduce pain signals traveling to your brain, enabling increased mobility and participation in daily activities.
• Cancer Rehabilitation: Prevent long-term disability and improve your overall well-being by participating in cancer rehabilitation, which targets the physical limitations caused by cancer.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): Improve your body's mechanics and prevent future problems by choosing OMT, which helps improve joint mobility, reduce muscle strain, and enhance overall physical performance.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave: Take a proactive step towards pain relief and improved mobility by exploring extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that can help reduce pain and inflammation in muscles and joints.

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. Samantha 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 addressing potential shoulder issues through regular physical therapy sessions, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing painful shoulder tendinitis and tenosynovitis, ensuring continued enjoyment of daily activities.
• By following a proactive physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of enlarged prostate complications, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their future health.
• By focusing on proper posture and fall prevention exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of rib fractures, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured a healthier future free from the need for extensive rehabilitation.

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. Samantha DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Samantha DPT is a licensed physical therapist (PT), a healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. We help patients prevent injuries, manage pain, and restore function after illness or surgery through hands-on care, education, and prescribed exercises.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Samantha 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. For conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy can be as effective as surgery, offering 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. Samantha DPT and our team of physical therapists are skilled in helping stroke survivors regain lost function. We use targeted exercises to encourage neuroplasticity, which helps the brain rewire itself. This leads to improved walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing fall risk.

What is 'manual therapy'?

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

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 based on Western anatomy and physiology, differing from acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Samantha 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.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles crucial for a faster recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome for your new joint. Dr. DPT will work with you throughout the entire process.

21756 State Road 54 Ste 102
Lutz FL 33549
Phone: (813) 279-6234

Dr. Samantha Herrick, 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): 1336455906

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. Samantha 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.