Dr. Sarah Duffy-Smith, DPT

Dr. Sarah Duffy-Smith, DPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, 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 trusted partner in preventive health. 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. Sarah DPT is a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Her focus is on preventative care, working with patients to understand their unique needs and develop personalized strategies to maintain and improve their overall well-being. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that proactive measures are crucial for maintaining optimal function throughout life. To confirm Dr. Sarah DPT's availability for new patients, please call (727) 420-8106.

Dr. Sarah DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Elbow Fracture: Protecting your elbows from fractures starts with understanding your risk factors, like participation in high-impact sports or a history of falls; prompt medical attention ensures proper healing and prevents complications.
• Jaw Fracture: Proper management of a jaw fracture, including adhering to the prescribed treatment plan, minimizes the likelihood of long-term jaw dysfunction.
• Oral and-or Facial Athletic Injury: Understanding the risks of oral and facial trauma in sports and taking preventative measures, like wearing a helmet or mouthguard, can safeguard your oral health and overall well-being.
• Elbow Osteophyte: Preventing elbow pain and stiffness linked to osteophytes starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking early intervention with physical therapy to maintain elbow joint health.
• Hip Disorders: Regular physical therapy and hip-focused exercises can help you identify and address potential hip problems before they become serious.
• Joint Disorders: Addressing joint stiffness or pain promptly with a physical therapist can help prevent further damage and improve your overall quality of life.
• Back Sprain: Early detection of a back sprain is crucial; seeking timely physical therapy can minimize lasting pain and disability, keeping you active and healthy.

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

• Reflexology: Reflexology is a therapeutic massage technique that can help improve circulation and reduce stress, proactively supporting your overall well-being and potentially preventing future health issues.
• Functional Movement Screening: A functional movement screening helps identify potential movement limitations that could lead to injuries before they happen, empowering you to take proactive steps for long-term health.
• Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT): Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) is a gentle, whole-body approach to assess your spinal alignment and nervous system function, helping prevent future health problems.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS therapy can help you prevent chronic pain by targeting nerve signals and reducing discomfort, allowing you to stay active and mobile.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Protect your future by engaging in stroke rehabilitation; it's a crucial step in regaining movement and reducing the risk of future disability.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): Take a proactive step towards better health with OMT—a gentle yet effective treatment that can help prevent injuries by restoring proper joint movement and reducing muscle tension.
• Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for Lymphedema: Proactively address fluid buildup in your limbs with Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), a therapy that helps prevent the long-term complications of lymphedema.

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. Sarah 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 understanding her risk factors for elbow fractures and following a proactive physical therapy plan, a woman significantly reduced the chance of injury, gaining confidence in her daily activities.
• Following a comprehensive physical therapy plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of jaw fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to proactively manage their oral health. This proactive approach ensured a healthier, more functional future.
• Knowing the risks of oral and facial trauma in sports, a young athlete proactively equipped themselves with a mouthguard, significantly reducing their risk of injury during training and competition. This proactive measure brought peace of mind to the athlete and their family.

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. Sarah DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Sarah DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Sarah DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation assessing 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 based on Western anatomy and physiology, unlike acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Sarah 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 your condition from returning after therapy is complete.

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

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

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

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Sarah, 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.

6900 Southpoint Dr N
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (727) 420-8106

Dr. Sarah Duffy-Smith, 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): 1114217874

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. Sarah 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.