Heather Gilchrist, MPT

Heather Gilchrist, MPT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Melbourne, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the 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. She serves all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm if Dr. Heather MPT is currently accepting new patients, please call (321) 255-6627.

Dr. Heather MPT, a physical therapist in Melbourne, FL, believes in the power of proactive health management. Her focus extends beyond treating existing conditions to include the crucial aspect of prevention. She recognizes that maintaining optimal physical function and overall wellness is a journey best undertaken collaboratively with the patient. This philosophy is reflected in her commitment to creating personalized care plans, incorporating preventative strategies, and fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to make informed choices about their health. Dr. Heather MPT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Degenerative Scoliosis: Degenerative scoliosis can cause chronic back pain and limited mobility, but consistent physical therapy and lifestyle modifications can help prevent these debilitating effects.
• Contracture: Early detection of contracture, often indicated by stiffness or limited range of motion, is key to preventing irreversible joint damage and maintaining mobility.
• Ankle Fracture Repair: Early detection and proper treatment of ankle fractures are crucial to prevent chronic pain, instability, and the need for more extensive interventions later.
• Spine Fractures, Traumatic: Managing your spine health proactively, including maintaining good posture and core strength, can help lower your chances of experiencing a traumatic fracture.
• Degenerative Diseases Affecting Musculoskeletal System: Managing degenerative musculoskeletal conditions through physical therapy and lifestyle changes can help preserve your mobility, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
• Oral and-or Facial Athletic Injury: Early detection and treatment of oral and facial athletic injuries are crucial for minimizing long-term effects and ensuring a full recovery.
• Prosthetic Joint Mechanical Failure: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and carefully following your physical therapist's recommendations significantly lowers your risk of experiencing prosthetic joint mechanical failure.

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

• Sports Physical Examination: Take charge of your athletic health! A sports physical exam allows early detection of injuries or conditions that could become major problems.
• Pediatric Rehabilitation Services: Proactively address your child's physical development with pediatric rehab; our expert team screens for delays, prevents future issues, and helps them reach their full potential.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation: Electrical muscle stimulation is a therapy that can help reduce muscle spasms and pain, enabling you to move more freely and participate in activities you enjoy.
• Spine Physical Therapy: Spine physical therapy provides a comprehensive evaluation of your back, identifying risk factors and promoting long-term spinal health and mobility.
• Kinesio® Taping: Boost your body's natural healing process and reduce discomfort by using Kinesio® Taping to improve joint stability and range of motion.
• Sacroiliac Joint Injection: As a proactive step towards better mobility, a sacroiliac joint injection can identify whether pain stems from this joint, leading to effective treatment and improved function.
• Post-Isometric Exercise Relaxation Technique: As part of your injury prevention plan, post-isometric relaxation helps increase your flexibility and decrease the chance of muscle strains.

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. Heather MPT 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:

• A patient, proactively addressing potential degenerative scoliosis through regular physical therapy sessions, experienced significant pain reduction and improved mobility, fostering a sense of control over their long-term well-being.
• By proactively addressing stiffness and limited range of motion, a patient significantly reduced the risk of contracture, ensuring continued mobility and independence. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and confidence in their future well-being.
• By proactively addressing ankle mobility issues through targeted exercises and strengthening, a patient significantly reduced their risk of an ankle fracture, maintaining a pain-free and active lifestyle.

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. Heather MPT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT), like Dr. Heather MPT, is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Heather MPT will be a comprehensive assessment. She will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform 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, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that often prevents the need for more invasive procedures.

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

Prehabilitation (prehab) exercises before your joint replacement surgery can strengthen muscles, improving your recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's function. We work closely with you to create a personalized plan for the best possible outcome.

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

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Heather MPT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics will be developed. This proactive approach aims for lasting pain relief and improved overall well-being.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Heather MPT 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, proactively preventing future injuries.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Heather, MPT, 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.

4450 W Eau Gallie Blvd Ste 180
Melbourne FL 32934
Phone: (321) 255-6627

Heather Gilchrist, MPT 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): 1467672501

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. Heather MPT 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.