Heather Peterson

Heather Peterson is a Physical Therapist registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing at her clinic in Port Orange, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. She practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and 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.

Dr. Heather Peterson serves all ages, focusing on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to prevent future health concerns. She believes in a holistic approach to health, recognizing that each individual's needs and goals are unique. Patients should call (888) 265-2680 to confirm if Dr. Peterson is currently accepting new patients. As a physical therapist in Port Orange, FL, Dr. Peterson strives to provide the highest quality care, and she is passionate about helping patients achieve their individual wellness goals. Dr. Heather Peterson provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pediatric Spine Deformities: Preventing the progression of pediatric spine deformities minimizes the need for extensive future treatment and improves the child's quality of life.
• Jaw Fracture: Understanding your risk factors for jaw fractures, such as osteoporosis, can help you proactively implement preventative strategies to maintain bone health and reduce injury risk.
• Cervical Stenosis: Cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal in your neck, can be managed with proactive physical therapy to prevent debilitating pain and loss of function later in life.
• Knee Tendinitis: Knee tendinitis, or inflammation of the knee tendons, can be prevented by strengthening your leg muscles and maintaining proper flexibility to reduce strain and risk of injury.
• Glenoid Labrum Tear: Understanding your risk factors for glenoid labrum tears, such as repetitive overhead movements, allows for proactive steps to prevent this shoulder injury.
• Shoulder Injuries: Proactive management of shoulder injuries, including targeted strengthening and flexibility exercises, helps restore full function and prevents recurrence.
• Complex Fractures of the Periarticular Region: Complex fractures near a joint can severely limit movement, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures like bone-density screenings and fall prevention strategies to reduce fracture risk.

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

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: As part of your wellness journey, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy can help reduce swelling and improve fluid circulation, assisting your body's healing processes.
• Reflexology: By addressing energy flow imbalances, reflexology may enhance your body's natural healing processes, serving as a proactive measure for improving overall health and well-being.
• Child Injury Prevention: Proactively safeguard your child's future mobility by learning about injury prevention strategies tailored to their age and activity level.
• Lumbar Transforaminal Injection: Consider a lumbar transforaminal injection as an early step in your lower back pain journey; it's used to pinpoint the specific cause, potentially reducing the need for extensive treatment in the future.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave: Protect your body's ability to move freely by learning about extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a treatment option that stimulates tissue repair and reduces chronic pain, helping you stay active longer.
• Myofascial Release Therapy: Myofascial release therapy helps proactively address muscle tightness and pain by gently releasing tension in the connective tissues, preventing future injuries and improving movement.
• Exercise Counseling: Exercise counseling assesses your current fitness level and creates a personalized plan to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing fall risk.

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 Peterson 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 diligently following the proactive physical therapy plan, the family significantly reduced the risk of their child developing a spinal deformity, fostering peace of mind and a healthier future.
• Understanding their risk factors for jaw fractures, a patient proactively implemented preventative strategies to maintain bone health and reduce injury risk, gaining peace of mind about their oral well-being.
• By incorporating proactive physical therapy into their routine, a patient significantly reduced the risk factors associated with cervical stenosis, ensuring a healthier future free from debilitating neck pain. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and the confidence to embrace an 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 Peterson:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Heather Peterson and her team of Physical Therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who are experts in movement. They help improve your quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed exercise. They play a key role in preventing injuries, managing pain, and restoring function after an illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Heather Peterson will be a comprehensive assessment. We 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 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 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. Heather Peterson can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Heather Peterson's physical therapy helps prevent injuries by identifying muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns through a functional movement screen. A personalized exercise program is then created to correct these issues before they cause problems.

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, unlike acupuncture, and can be a valuable 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. Heather Peterson can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Peterson's physical therapy focuses on helping stroke survivors regain lost function through targeted exercises. These exercises promote neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to rewire itself and improve strength, balance, and walking ability. The goal is to maximize independence and reduce the risk of falls.

5535 S Williamson Blvd
Port Orange FL 32128
Phone: (888) 265-2680

Heather Peterson 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): 1174998090

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 Peterson 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.