Dr. Sara Andreson, DPT

Dr. Sara Anderson, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, 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, working to create long-term health plans, coordinate screenings, and restore movement and function. General physical therapists are your primary partners in preventive care, collaborating to guide you through injury rehabilitation and empowering you to maintain optimal wellness for life, serving all ages. She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Patients should call (813) 879-8046 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Sara DPT is a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, specializing in preventive care. Her practice prioritizes comprehensive physical therapy, addressing not just immediate concerns but also focusing on long-term well-being. She believes in empowering patients to take control of their health through proactive strategies and collaborative care plans. This includes coordinating screenings, restoring function, and guiding patients through injury rehabilitation. She understands that preventive care is crucial for overall health and works with patients of all ages to achieve optimal wellness. Dr. Sara DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dystonia: Regular physical therapy can help manage dystonia symptoms, preventing stiffness and improving your range of motion, thus lessening the impact on daily life.
• Tibia or Fibula Stress Fracture: Addressing the underlying causes of your tibia or fibula stress fracture, like improper running form, is key to preventing future injuries and protecting your bone health.
• Balance Disorders: Regular balance exercises and assessments can strengthen your core and improve your stability, keeping you active and preventing future falls.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Protecting your ankle and foot from the damaging effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the condition and taking steps to manage it through regular physical therapy and exercise to maintain mobility and prevent further joint damage.
• Hip Osteophyte: Don't let hip pain become debilitating. Early identification and treatment of hip osteophytes, often through physical therapy, can prevent severe limitations in mobility and improve your overall quality of life.
• Tenosynovitis: By understanding your risk factors for tenosynovitis and practicing preventive measures like proper stretching, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.
• Claw Toe: Early detection of claw toe is crucial for preventing the development of painful calluses, hammertoe, and difficulty walking, all of which can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life.

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

• Soft Tissue Injections: Proactively address persistent muscle or joint pain with soft tissue injections; they can reduce inflammation and speed your recovery.
• Cox Flexion-Distraction Technique: Cox Flexion-Distraction is a gentle spinal manipulation technique that can help prevent future back pain by improving joint movement and reducing pressure on your spine.
• Trigger Point Acupuncture: Enhance your body's natural healing processes and improve function by utilizing trigger point acupuncture to resolve muscle trigger points and restore optimal movement.
• Bursa Injection: To prevent long-term joint problems, a bursa injection may be recommended as a proactive step to reduce pain, inflammation, and improve range of motion.
• Botulinum Toxin Injection: To prevent chronic pain and stiffness, botulinum toxin injections can target specific muscles, improving your range of motion and overall function.
• Sports Physical Examination: Invest in your long-term athletic well-being through a comprehensive sports physical exam, ensuring you're physically prepared and reducing injury risk.
• Acupuncture: Take a proactive step towards better movement and function by exploring acupuncture; it's a holistic approach to pain management that can reduce reliance on medication.

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. Sara 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 diligently following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced dystonia symptoms, improving their range of motion and allowing them to maintain a more active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured a greater quality of life and peace of mind.
• By addressing improper running form with a physical therapist's guidance, a runner significantly reduced their risk of tibia or fibula stress fractures, allowing them to continue their passion for running without fear of injury.
• By incorporating regular balance exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of falls and maintained their independence, enjoying a more active and confident 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. Sara DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Sara DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to improve your quality of life, 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. Sara 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 personalized prevention and recovery plan.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

Yes, in many cases. Physical therapy can be as effective as surgery for conditions like chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step to reduce pain and improve function, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

My child seems clumsy or behind in motor skills. Can PT help?

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Sara DPT are experts in child development. She can perform a developmental screening to identify any delays and create a fun, play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Sara DPT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics will be developed. This approach aims for long-term pain management and improved well-being.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Sara, DPT, that includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization. These techniques help reduce pain, improve movement, and prepare your body for exercise.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Sara, 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, helping to prevent falls.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Sara and our team of physical therapists use specific, repetitive exercises to help your brain rewire itself after a stroke. This neuroplasticity process helps regain lost function, improving walking, balance, and strength. The goal is to maximize your independence and prevent falls.

7433 Monika Manor Dr
Tampa FL 33625
Phone: (813) 879-8046

Dr. Sara Andreson, 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): 1861966236

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. Sara 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.