Dr. Stephanie Mannikko, DPT

Dr. Stephanie Mannikko, DPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she partners with patients in Hollywood, 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. Stephanie DPT is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. She is a physical therapist in Hollywood, FL, having graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2008. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to providing the highest quality care and helping patients achieve their wellness goals. Please call (954) 986-2299 to schedule your appointment. Dr. Stephanie DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: ACL and PCL tears often stem from sudden twists or impacts; understanding and mitigating these risks through proper conditioning and training can help you avoid this injury.
• Rotator Cuff Tendinosis: Rotator cuff tendinosis is a gradual wearing down of the tendons in your shoulder, and proactive exercises and posture awareness can prevent it from becoming a major problem.
• Peripheral Nerve Disorders: Understanding your risk factors for peripheral nerve damage, such as diabetes or repetitive movements, allows for proactive steps to maintain nerve health and function.
• Lumbar Spine Fracture: Early detection of a lumbar spine fracture is crucial for prompt treatment, minimizing long-term pain and disability and promoting a faster recovery; regular bone density scans can help.
• Joint Disorders: Protecting your joints through regular exercise and healthy weight management can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint disorders later in life.
• Inguinal Hernia: Understanding your risk factors for inguinal hernias, such as family history or strenuous activities, allows for proactive measures to minimize your chances of developing one.
• Shoulder Instability: Protecting your shoulders from instability starts with understanding your risk factors and taking preventive measures like strengthening exercises to support joint stability.

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

• Arthritic Rehabilitation: Take a proactive step toward better joint health with arthritic rehabilitation; it's designed to slow disease progression, reduce pain, and improve your overall function.
• Fascial Counterstrain: Fascial Counterstrain is a preventative measure; it helps pinpoint areas of fascial tightness that might eventually cause pain or restricted movement, promoting long-term mobility and health.
• Botox® for Upper Limb Spasticity: Proactively address upper limb spasticity and improve your quality of life by exploring Botox® as a treatment option to reduce pain and improve movement.
• Range of Motion Testing: This simple assessment checks your joint flexibility and helps us tailor a plan to improve your movement and reduce pain.
• Spasticity Rehabilitation: Proactive spasticity rehabilitation helps restore movement and reduce stiffness, improving your overall quality of life.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Proactively address muscle pain and stiffness by targeting specific trigger points to restore normal movement and prevent future injuries.
• Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique: As a proactive step toward better posture and reduced back pain, Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique involves a precise assessment and gentle spinal adjustments to optimize your body's mechanics.

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. Stephanie 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 focusing on strengthening exercises and proper warm-up routines, a young athlete significantly reduced their risk of an ACL or PCL tear, allowing them to confidently participate in their favorite sports.
• By incorporating proactive exercises and posture adjustments into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing rotator cuff tendinosis, ensuring a pain-free and active lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors for peripheral nerve damage, a patient proactively adjusted their daily activities and improved their blood sugar control, significantly reducing their risk of future nerve problems. This proactive approach gave them peace of mind and empowered them to maintain a healthy 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. Stephanie DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Stephanie DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Stephanie DPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This 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 as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function, often serving as a powerful, non-invasive first step to potentially avoid more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Stephanie DPT's physical therapy approach focuses on preventing future back pain episodes by identifying the root cause. A personalized program will include core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics. This empowers patients to manage their pain long-term.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Stephanie DPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

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

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Stephanie and our team of physical therapists use specific exercises to help retrain the brain after a stroke. These repetitive movements promote neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire and regain lost function. Our goal is to improve walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and preventing falls.

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 is a tool to accelerate your recovery.

3325 Hollywood Blvd Ste 200
Hollywood FL 33021
Phone: (954) 986-2299

Dr. Stephanie Mannikko, 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): 1518118611

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. Stephanie 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.