Erik Bleeker, PT

Erik Bleeker, PT is a Physical Therapist registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Erik PT understands 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. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (954) 610-2253 to schedule. Dr. Erik PT, who founded Clear Choice Physical Therapy in 2014, brings over 12 years of experience in both New York City and South Florida, having completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions and earning a Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida. His passion for physical therapy stemmed from a personal experience while in high school athletics, and his goal is to help every patient realize their maximum potential in functional recovery and pain relief by spending quality one-on-one time and using current, comprehensive plans of care that meet their specific needs. He specializes in outpatient orthopedic conditions and looks forward to helping patients achieve a better quality of life. Dr. Erik PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hip Pain: Understanding the risk factors for hip pain, like poor posture or overuse, allows you to take proactive steps to avoid it.
• Arthritis: Arthritis, a joint disease, can be better managed with early detection and proactive physical therapy, preventing further pain and disability.
• Hip Arthritis: Hip arthritis pain and stiffness can be significantly reduced and even prevented from worsening with a focus on maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening supporting muscles, and using appropriate mobility aids, thus preserving independence.
• Sports Injuries of the Knee: Preventing knee sports injuries starts with understanding your risk factors and taking proactive steps to strengthen the muscles supporting your knee joint.
• Back Injuries: Managing back pain effectively through physical therapy can prevent long-term disability and improve your overall quality of life.
• Back Disorders: Strengthening core muscles and improving flexibility significantly reduces your risk of developing debilitating back disorders later in life.
• Sprain: Proper conditioning and strengthening exercises minimize your risk of sprains, protecting your joints and keeping you active.
• Ankle Injury: Proper rehabilitation after an ankle injury is essential to prevent recurrent sprains and maintain joint stability, thereby protecting your mobility and preventing chronic pain.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, a common joint disease, can be better managed with early detection and proactive strategies to protect your joints, reducing pain and preserving mobility.
• Knee Injuries: Early detection of knee problems, even minor ones, is key to preventing long-term damage and ensuring your knees stay healthy for years to come.
• Knee Sprain: Early detection and proper management of a knee sprain are crucial to avoid long-term instability and chronic pain, emphasizing the value of seeking professional help.
• Ankle Laxity: Preventing long-term ankle issues begins with identifying and addressing ankle laxity. Early intervention with physical therapy can improve stability and reduce the chance of recurring sprains.

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

• Balance Testing: This quick balance assessment helps identify areas for improvement, allowing us to create a personalized plan to enhance your stability and reduce your fall risk.
• Chronic Pain Management: Proactively manage your chronic pain through physical therapy, improving your mobility and quality of life.
• Electrical Stimulation: Take a proactive step towards better mobility and reduce muscle spasms by using electrical stimulation as part of your recovery plan.
• Exercise Counseling: Take control of your health with exercise counseling; it tailors a fitness plan to your specific needs, helping you avoid musculoskeletal issues.
• Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Protect your body's ability to move freely: Orthopedic rehabilitation addresses injuries and movement disorders to help you prevent future complications and improve overall well-being.
• Pain Management: Don't let pain limit you; proactive pain management helps diagnose the cause of your discomfort and create a roadmap toward lasting relief and improved quality of life.
• Pain Management Through Physical Therapy: Don't let pain limit you—physical therapy can help pinpoint the source of your discomfort and create a personalized plan to restore your function and prevent recurrence.
• Physical Therapy: Proactively address pain and stiffness through physical therapy; it helps detect potential issues early and prevents them from becoming chronic conditions.
• Therapeutic Massage: As a proactive measure to maintain your health, therapeutic massage can help identify and treat muscle imbalances, promoting better posture and reducing injury risk.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Improve your overall health and wellness by using trigger point therapy to identify and treat muscle pain early, preventing it from becoming a long-term problem.

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. Erik 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 understanding posture-related hip pain risks and implementing a tailored exercise program, a patient significantly reduced their likelihood of future hip discomfort, enjoying a more active lifestyle.
• By proactively engaging in a tailored physical therapy program, a patient successfully reduced their risk of developing arthritis, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• By focusing on maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening hip muscles, a patient significantly reduced hip pain and stiffness, preserving their active lifestyle and independence. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently enjoy their daily activities without the fear of worsening arthritis.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Erik PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve quality of life by providing hands-on care, education, and targeted exercises 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. Erik 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 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.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Erik PT can perform a functional movement screen to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that could lead to injury. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they cause a problem, helping you prevent future injuries.

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, different from acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, offered by Dr. Erik PT, is a specialized area 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.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Erik PT and our team utilize specialized physical therapy techniques to help stroke survivors regain lost function. We focus on exercises that stimulate neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to rewire and improve motor skills. This leads to better walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing fall risk.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Erik PT 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 to meet their milestones.

5975 N Federal Hwy Ste 244
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Phone: (954) 610-2253

Erik Bleeker, 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): 1043246606

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. Erik 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.