Fernando Sta-Maria, RPT

Fernando Sta-Maria, RPT is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Saint Johns, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Fernando RPT is committed to fostering long-term health and wellness through evidence-based, collaborative physical therapy. 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.

Dr. Fernando RPT's approach to care is rooted in a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. His practice prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Saint Johns, FL, Dr. Fernando RPT understands the importance of proactive strategies to maintain and improve physical function and overall well-being. Patients should call (904) 287-7540 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Fernando RPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Managing musculoskeletal injuries promptly with physical therapy helps to restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent chronic conditions like arthritis, promoting overall well-being.
• Hip Pain: Regular exercise and strengthening exercises can significantly reduce your risk of developing hip pain and maintain hip health.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease: Protecting your spine's health involves understanding the risks of intervertebral disc disease and taking preventive steps like regular exercise and ergonomic adjustments at work to avoid issues.
• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Developmental dysplasia of the hip, if left untreated, can lead to significant hip problems as your child grows; early intervention and appropriate physical therapy are key to managing it.
• Achilles Tendon Reconstruction: Preventing Achilles tendon rupture through proactive measures like stretching and strengthening exercises minimizes the risk of needing reconstructive surgery and ensures long-term foot and ankle health.
• Rib Fracture: Protecting your ribs through proactive measures like proper posture and injury prevention techniques can significantly reduce your risk of fractures and the need for extensive rehabilitation.
• Foot Pain: Don't let foot pain sideline you – preventative care, including assessment and treatment by a physical therapist, can help maintain your foot health and mobility.

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

• Myofascial Release Therapy: Prevent chronic pain and stiffness by utilizing myofascial release; this therapy targets the connective tissue to restore optimal muscle function and range of motion.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: Take a proactive step towards understanding your nerve health with nerve conduction studies, helping detect potential problems before they significantly impact your movement and daily life.
• Disability Evaluation: By assessing your current abilities, a disability evaluation can pinpoint areas needing attention, optimizing your recovery and preventing further decline.
• Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Don't let arthritis limit you! Non-surgical arthritis treatment helps identify and manage the root causes of your pain and discomfort before surgery becomes necessary.
• Chiropractic Subluxation Adjustments: Take a proactive step towards better posture and reduced back pain by undergoing chiropractic subluxation adjustments, which identify and correct vertebral subluxations.
• Pediatric Developmental Therapy: Proactively safeguard your child's development by seeking pediatric developmental therapy; it screens for developmental delays and helps ensure they reach their full motor potential.
• Cranial Release Technique (CRT): Cranial Release Technique (CRT) is a gentle approach that may help identify subtle restrictions in the skull's bones and connective tissues, potentially improving overall well-being and preventing future headaches or neck 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. Fernando RPT 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 addressing potential musculoskeletal issues with regular physical therapy, a patient experienced reduced pain and improved mobility, preventing future complications and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
• By incorporating regular strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hip pain, and enjoyed improved mobility and confidence in their daily activities.
• By understanding the importance of posture and incorporating regular exercise into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing intervertebral disc disease, promoting a healthier spine and a more active lifestyle.

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. Fernando RPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Fernando RPT, 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. Fernando RPT will be a comprehensive assessment. We'll 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.

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, it's based on Western anatomy and physiology, not traditional Chinese medicine, and is a tool to help accelerate your recovery.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Fernando RPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain goes beyond temporary relief. We focus on identifying the root cause and creating a personalized program that includes core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes. This empowers you to manage your pain long-term.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Fernando RPT 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, helping prevent future problems.

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

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Fernando RPT 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.

1097 Flora Parke Dr
Saint Johns FL 32259
Phone: (904) 287-7540

Fernando Sta-Maria, RPT 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): 1134387491

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. Fernando RPT 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.