Iris Otero, PT

Iris Otero, PT 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 practices at her clinic in Tampa, FL. As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Iris PT 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. She serves all ages, and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey.

Dr. Iris PT's focus is firmly rooted in preventive care, recognizing the crucial role of proactive measures in maintaining overall well-being. She works closely with each patient to develop personalized plans, addressing individual needs and goals. As a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, Dr. Iris PT is committed to providing the highest quality care, utilizing the latest research and techniques to help patients achieve their health objectives. Patients should call (813) 926-4346 to confirm if Dr. Iris PT is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Iris PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Traumatic Injuries: By addressing risk factors and practicing preventive measures, you can significantly decrease your chance of experiencing a traumatic injury and the associated need for physical therapy.
• Whiplash: Understanding whiplash risk factors, like poor posture and weak neck muscles, allows for proactive strengthening exercises and injury prevention strategies.
• Tremor: Catching tremors early can help prevent falls and maintain your independence, so schedule a check-up with your doctor if you notice any involuntary shaking.
• Neck Pain: Protecting your neck through proper posture and exercise helps avoid pain and maintain mobility, preventing future limitations.
• Upper Extremity Disorders: Preventing upper extremity disorders starts with understanding your risk factors and taking steps to protect your shoulders, arms, and hands from overuse and injury.
• Femoral Neck Fracture: While a femoral neck fracture requires medical attention, proactive management of bone density and fall risk through lifestyle changes and regular checkups can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing this break.
• Peripheral Nerve Disorders: Regular checkups and attention to any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your limbs can help detect peripheral nerve problems early, enabling timely intervention and preventing severe consequences.

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

• Epidural Block: An epidural block is a procedure that can proactively reduce pain and inflammation, allowing you to participate more fully in physical therapy and recovery.
• Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for Lymphedema: Take a proactive step towards managing lymphedema with Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), a specialized treatment program designed to reduce swelling and improve your quality of life.
• Amputee Rehabilitation: Amputee rehabilitation helps you regain strength, mobility, and independence after limb loss, focusing on adapting to your new body and preventing further complications.
• Medical Acupuncture: Take charge of your musculoskeletal health by exploring medical acupuncture; it can help restore movement and function, preventing chronic pain.
• Non-Cosmetic Botox® Injection: Non-cosmetic Botox® injections can help prevent long-term disability by targeting muscle dysfunction early and improving your quality of life.
• NeuroKinetic Therapy®: Take a proactive step towards injury prevention with NeuroKinetic Therapy®; it pinpoints muscle weaknesses and movement limitations to guide your personalized strengthening plan.
• Psychoeducation: Proactively understand your condition and develop coping strategies to improve your physical therapy outcomes with our psychoeducation program.

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. Iris 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 participating in a tailored physical therapy program focusing on fall prevention, a family significantly reduced their risk of future traumatic injuries, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their ability to age healthily.
• Recognizing potential whiplash risk factors, a patient proactively incorporated strengthening exercises and posture improvements into their daily routine, significantly reducing their likelihood of injury and promoting long-term neck health.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and following a personalized physical therapy plan, a patient successfully managed early tremors, maintaining their mobility and independence.

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. Iris PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Iris PT is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. She uses hands-on care, education, and exercise to 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. Iris PT will be a comprehensive assessment. We 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 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. Iris PT 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. Iris PT 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 help prevent falls.

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

Yes, Dr. Iris PT is an expert in pediatric physical therapy. She 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.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Iris PT's physical therapy 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 created. This approach is designed to provide lasting relief and prevent pain from returning.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, offered by Dr. Iris PT, focuses on the muscles supporting the pelvic organs. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pregnancy/postpartum issues, benefiting both men and women.

10960 Sheldon Rd
Tampa FL 33626
Phone: (813) 926-4346

Iris Otero, 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): 1346681970

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. Iris 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.