Emma Fernandez, PT

Emma Fernandez, PT 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. Dr. Emma PT serves all ages. Please call (904) 381-9205 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

As a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Emma PT is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding their unique needs and goals. Her practice emphasizes preventative strategies to maintain optimal function and well-being. Dr. Emma PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Arthritic Conditions of the Upper Extremity: Maintaining the health of your shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints is crucial; proactive strategies like strengthening exercises and proper posture can help prevent or delay the onset of arthritis.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: Protecting your knees through exercises and preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk of tearing your ACL or PCL, crucial ligaments that stabilize the knee joint.
• Turf Toe: Protecting your big toe joint from hyperextension, a common cause of turf toe, through supportive footwear and appropriate exercise, is key to preventing this debilitating injury.
• Knock Knees: Preventing the progression of knock knees is important to avoid excessive strain on your knees and potentially serious complications; early intervention can prevent long-term damage.
• Excision of Metacarpal and Carpal: If you experience wrist or hand pain, seeking early physical therapy intervention may prevent progression to a point requiring metacarpal and carpal excision.
• Meniscus Tear: Understanding your risk factors for a meniscus tear—like age, activity level, and previous knee injuries—can empower you to make lifestyle choices to protect your joints.
• Benign Positional Vertigo: Understanding BPV's triggers, like quick head movements, allows for proactive avoidance and prevents falls and injuries associated with this inner ear condition.

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

• Electrical Nerve Stimulation: Electrical nerve stimulation can help reduce pain and inflammation, promoting faster healing and preventing long-term mobility issues after an injury.
• Chronic Pain Management: Proactively manage your chronic pain through physical therapy, improving your mobility and quality of life.
• Atlas Orthogonal Technique: The Atlas Orthogonal Technique, a precise chiropractic method, helps screen for upper cervical spine misalignments that can cause headaches, neck pain, and even posture problems, allowing for early intervention and prevention.
• Muscle-Testing With Torque Curves During Isometric and Isokinetic Exercise: Prevent future injuries by having your physical therapist assess your muscle strength using advanced techniques that pinpoint areas of imbalance and weakness.
• Lymphatic Massage: Boost your immune system and reduce inflammation by incorporating lymphatic massage into your wellness routine—a simple way to support your body's natural defenses.
• Neurostimulation: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, neurostimulation can help improve your body’s natural ability to heal, leading to quicker recovery from injuries and better overall movement.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Enhance your physical therapy outcomes by addressing any mental health concerns that may hinder your progress and overall rehabilitation.

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. Emma PT 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 incorporating strengthening exercises and posture adjustments into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing arthritic conditions in their upper extremities, leading to increased confidence and mobility.
• By incorporating a proactive physical therapy program, a young athlete significantly reduced their risk of an ACL or PCL tear, allowing them to confidently pursue their athletic goals without fear of injury.
• By focusing on supportive footwear and appropriate exercises, a young athlete successfully prevented turf toe, allowing them to fully participate in their favorite sports without pain or injury.

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. Emma PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercises to help 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. Emma PT 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 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 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.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and prepare you for surgery, speeding up recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Emma PT can perform a functional movement screen to identify potential injury risks, such as muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. A personalized exercise program can then be created to strengthen these areas and prevent future injuries.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy 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 like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Emma PT 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Emma PT and our team utilize specific, repetitive exercises to encourage neuroplasticity, helping your brain rewire itself after a stroke. This targeted approach improves walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing your independence and reducing the risk of falls.

1717 Blanding Blvd Ste 104
Jacksonville FL 32210
Phone: (904) 381-9205

Emma Fernandez, PT 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): 1891897666

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. Emma PT 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.