Helena Svanstrom, PT

Helena Svanstrom, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Lutz, 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, featured on weprevent.org. 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.

Dr. Helena PT's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands the importance of proactive strategies for well-being and is committed to helping you achieve and maintain your optimal physical function. As a physical therapist in Lutz, FL, Dr. Helena PT is dedicated to providing exceptional care, focusing on preventative measures and restoring health and mobility. Patients should call (813) 345-4558 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Helena PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Thoracic Spina Bifida: Regular checkups and monitoring for thoracic spina bifida can help detect potential complications early, allowing for timely physical therapy to minimize long-term disability.
• Myelomalacia: Early intervention for myelomalacia, often through physical therapy, is key to managing symptoms, slowing progression, and maintaining mobility.
• Neurological Injuries: Many neurological injuries are preventable by addressing underlying conditions and engaging in regular physical activity to improve strength, balance, and coordination.
• Toe Sprain: Ignoring a seemingly minor toe sprain can lead to chronic pain and instability; early assessment and treatment from a physical therapist are key for preventing further injury and maintaining foot health.
• Musculoskeletal Pain: Early detection and treatment of musculoskeletal pain are crucial for preventing chronic pain, limiting disability, and preserving your independence and ability to perform daily activities.
• Pediatric Neurological Disorders: Physical therapy plays a vital role in preventing further complications and improving motor skills in children with neurological disorders, ultimately promoting their independence.
• Back Pain: Managing back pain effectively minimizes the risk of long-term disability and improves your quality of life.

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

• Core Stabilization Exercise: Invest in your long-term well-being with core exercises designed to improve stability, reduce pain, and enhance your quality of life.
• Occipital Nerve Block: Prevent long-term head pain and improve your quality of life with an occipital nerve block; it helps diagnose and treat nerve irritation at the base of the skull as a proactive pain management strategy.
• Gonstead Technique: Take a proactive step towards better spinal health with the Gonstead Technique, a chiropractic approach that helps identify and address spinal misalignments before they cause pain or limited movement.
• Orthopedic Procedure: As part of a comprehensive plan to improve mobility and reduce pain, an orthopedic procedure might be recommended to repair damaged tissues and restore functionality.
• Mobility Exercise: Prevent future pain and discomfort by participating in regular mobility exercises; they strengthen muscles and enhance joint function.
• Dorsal Column Stimulation: If you're experiencing persistent pain impacting your mobility, dorsal column stimulation may be an option to explore as it targets the spinal cord to potentially alleviate discomfort and improve physical function.
• Occupational Therapy: Take a proactive step toward better daily functioning by getting an occupational therapy evaluation; it can reveal hidden challenges and prevent future difficulties.

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. Helena 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 diligently following a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and physical therapy, a family significantly reduced the risk of complications associated with thoracic spina bifida, fostering a sense of peace and empowerment.
• A patient, proactively working with a physical therapist, implemented a tailored exercise program to strengthen their muscles and improve their overall health, successfully reducing their risk of myelomalacia progression. This proactive approach provided them with the peace of mind to confidently pursue their desired activities and maintain an active lifestyle.
• By addressing underlying health concerns and incorporating strength training into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of neurological injury, gaining a renewed sense of physical well-being and confidence.

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. Helena PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and helps improve your quality of life. They use 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. Helena PT 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 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Helena PT to address pain and movement limitations. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue massage to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and prepare the body for further therapeutic exercise.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Helena PT, is a specialized treatment focusing on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical approach for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Helena PT's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent future problems. This program empowers you to actively participate in your healing and maintain your gains long after therapy ends.

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

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Helena 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.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

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

21756 State Road 54 Ste 102
Lutz FL 33549
Phone: (813) 345-4558

Helena Svanstrom, 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): 1235235326

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. Helena 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.