Dr. Verlencia Walker-Goner, DPT

Dr. Verlencia Walker-Goner, 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 is a vital partner in preventive health at her Tampa, FL clinic. She recognizes that 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, and patients should call (813) 970-7879 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Verlencia DPT is a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. She prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her practice emphasizes prevention and proactive care, working with individuals to develop strategies for injury avoidance, functional improvement, and overall well-being. She is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Verlencia DPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): Catching Reiter's syndrome early can significantly reduce the risk of permanent joint damage and improve your long-term mobility and quality of life, emphasizing the value of preventive health measures.
• Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: Preventing further complications from foot and ankle osteophytes requires understanding your risk factors, like age and certain activities, and taking steps to protect your joints through targeted exercises and proper footwear.
• Patellar Chondromalacia: Addressing patellar chondromalacia early, through physical therapy and targeted exercises, minimizes the need for invasive treatments and helps restore full knee function and mobility.
• Back Sprain: Understanding your individual risk factors for back sprains – like weak core muscles or poor posture – allows for targeted preventative strategies to avoid future episodes.
• Rotator Cuff Tendinosis: Early detection of rotator cuff tendinosis through regular self-checks and professional assessments can help minimize pain and maintain shoulder function, preventing long-term limitations.
• Complete Spinal Cord Injury: Managing a complete spinal cord injury focuses on preserving existing function and preventing secondary complications, highlighting the importance of regular physical therapy and adaptive strategies.
• Metatarsal Fracture: Proper footwear and safe exercise techniques are key to preventing metatarsal fractures; early identification and prompt medical attention prevent further damage and speed up recovery.

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

• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: Viscosupplementation using hyaluronate is a preventative step that involves injecting a substance to replenish the joint's natural fluid, reducing friction and pain for improved mobility.
• Non-Cosmetic Botox® Injection: Take a proactive step towards pain relief and improved mobility by exploring the benefits of non-cosmetic Botox® injections for muscle-related conditions.
• Facet Blocks: To proactively manage lower back pain, facet blocks can help identify the specific spinal facet joints causing discomfort, guiding your physical therapist in developing a personalized rehabilitation program.
• Shock Wave Therapy: Prevent persistent pain and maintain peak physical function: shock wave therapy is a non-surgical option to revitalize damaged tissues and restore optimal movement.
• Botox® for Upper Limb Spasticity: Take proactive steps to manage upper limb spasticity with Botox® injections, improving your range of motion and daily function.
• NeuroKinetic Therapy®: NeuroKinetic Therapy® is a screening process that helps uncover hidden muscle imbalances, allowing for early intervention and preventing future pain and dysfunction.
• Post-Operative Physical Therapy: Ensure a smoother recovery journey with post-operative physical therapy; it's designed to minimize scarring, improve range of motion, and help you return to your normal activities.

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. Verlencia 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 managing potential triggers and maintaining a consistent exercise routine, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing Reiter's Syndrome, ensuring greater long-term joint health and well-being.
• By understanding their risk factors and engaging in a tailored exercise program, a patient proactively managed their foot and ankle health, reducing the likelihood of future complications from osteophytes. This proactive approach gave them confidence in maintaining their active lifestyle.
• Recognizing early signs of patellar chondromalacia and engaging in a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of needing invasive treatments and regained full knee function. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain an active lifestyle without pain or limitations.

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. Verlencia DPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Verlencia DPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life by providing hands-on care, education, and exercises to 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. Verlencia DPT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical assessment of 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 can potentially prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Verlencia, DPT, can help prevent injuries by identifying muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns through a functional movement screen. A personalized exercise program is then created to correct these issues, strengthening your body and reducing your risk of future problems.

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

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists like Dr. Verlencia 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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Verlencia DPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses 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.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Verlencia DPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. We'll identify the root cause of your pain and create a personalized program that includes core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes. This empowers you to manage your pain effectively and maintain a healthy back long-term.

17419 Bridge Hill Ct
Tampa FL 33647
Phone: (813) 970-7879

Dr. Verlencia Walker-Goner, 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): 1497148654

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. Verlencia 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.