Eva McAlister, LAT

Eva McAlister, LAT 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 serves as a trusted partner in preventive health at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. 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 is committed to evidence-based, collaborative medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Eva LAT serves all ages. Please call (904) 221-4046 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

As a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Eva LAT understands the crucial role proactive care plays in overall well-being. Her practice emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs and tailoring treatment plans to address the root causes of physical limitations. She prioritizes restoring function, improving mobility, and fostering long-term health through comprehensive strategies that incorporate lifestyle modifications and preventive measures. Dr. Eva LAT is a skilled professional committed to patient-centered care and creating positive outcomes that extend beyond the immediate treatment period. She is committed to creating a supportive and understanding environment for all patients. Dr. Eva LAT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Spine Fractures, Traumatic: Preventing spine fractures starts with understanding your risk factors, like osteoporosis, and taking steps to protect your bones through exercise and diet.
• Medial Epicondylitis: Early detection of medial epicondylitis is key to preventing long-term disability, as timely physical therapy can help manage pain and restore elbow function.
• Elbow Hyperextension: Early detection of excessive elbow extension can help prevent further injury and ensure timely intervention to maintain full range of motion.
• Claw Toe: Early detection of claw toe is crucial for preventing the development of painful calluses, hammertoe, and difficulty walking, all of which can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life.
• Foot and Ankle Injuries: Early detection of foot and ankle problems, even minor ones, is key to preventing more serious issues and ensuring you maintain your mobility.
• Arthritis of the Neck: Neck arthritis, if caught early, can be managed with proactive physical therapy to prevent further pain and stiffness, keeping you mobile and independent.
• Joint Clicking: Don't ignore clicking joints; proactive assessment and management can help preserve your joint health and prevent the need for more extensive interventions later.

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

• Tui Na Massage: Boost your body's natural healing capabilities and prevent pain flare-ups with Tui Na massage; its therapeutic touch addresses muscle imbalances and promotes relaxation.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: Epidural steroid injections can be part of a proactive strategy to reduce pain and inflammation, improving your function and making it easier to engage in rehabilitation.
• Soft Tissue Injections: Soft tissue injections can help pinpoint the source of your pain and inflammation, guiding your physical therapist in creating a targeted treatment plan.
• Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT): EPAT is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain, helping you proactively address muscle and soft tissue issues before they become major problems.
• Yoga Therapy: Enhance your balance and coordination with yoga therapy, reducing your risk of falls and improving functional mobility as you age.
• Kinesio Taping Method: Improve your body's natural healing process and prevent future injuries by using kinesio taping to reduce swelling and improve range of motion.
• High Velocity Low Amplitude Technique (HVLA): High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation is a gentle, hands-on technique used by physical therapists to restore proper joint movement and prevent future stiffness or pain.

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. Eva LAT 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 their osteoporosis risk and incorporating strength-training exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced the possibility of a spine fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
• Recognizing the early signs of medial epicondylitis and engaging in a proactive physical therapy program allowed a patient to significantly reduce pain and maintain full elbow function, preventing long-term disability.
• By proactively addressing potential elbow hyperextension through regular physical therapy, a patient avoided further injury and maintained a full range of motion, ensuring continued participation in their favorite activities.

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. Eva LAT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise to improve quality of life, 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. Eva LAT will be a comprehensive assessment. She will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This evaluation 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 feel dizzy and off-balance. Can a physical therapist help?

Yes, a physical therapist, like Dr. Eva LAT, can help. Many 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, preventing falls.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Physical therapy plays a vital role in stroke recovery by using specific exercises to retrain the brain and body. Our therapists guide you through repetitive movements to encourage neuroplasticity, helping rewire neural pathways and improve walking, balance, and strength. This ultimately maximizes independence and reduces the risk of falls.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles before surgery, which can speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. Dr. Eva LAT and our team will guide you through both phases.

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. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomy and physiology, and is a tool to accelerate your recovery.

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

13595 Atlantic Blvd Ste B
Jacksonville FL 32225
Phone: (904) 221-4046

Eva McAlister, LAT 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): 1962400424

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. Eva LAT 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.