Jessica Costakes, PT

Jessica Costakes, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Saint Augustine, FL, and 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 serves as a crucial 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages. Please call (904) 824-1478 to confirm if Dr. Jessica PT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Jessica PT, a physical therapist in Saint Augustine, FL, is dedicated to empowering patients to achieve and maintain optimal physical health through proactive, comprehensive care. Her approach emphasizes prevention, working closely with patients to develop personalized strategies for injury prevention, maintaining mobility, and promoting overall well-being. She is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where each patient feels empowered to take an active role in their health journey. Dr. Jessica PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Spine Fractures, Traumatic: Preventing spine fractures starts with understanding your risk factors, like osteoporosis, and taking steps to protect your bones through exercise and diet.
• Thoracic Compression Fracture: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a thoracic compression fracture, such as back pain and stiffness, allows for prompt medical attention, reducing the risk of long-term complications and improving recovery.
• Central Vestibular Vertigo: Central vestibular vertigo can significantly affect your balance and coordination; proactive health screenings and lifestyle adjustments can help prevent its onset or manage its progression.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Protecting your joints from the damaging effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding your risk and seeking early medical attention, enabling physical therapists to help preserve your mobility.
• Low Back Pain: Protecting your back health is crucial; understanding the risk factors for low back pain and implementing preventive measures can help you avoid future issues.
• Extremity Injuries: Protecting your extremities through proactive measures like proper lifting techniques and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of injury and the need for extensive rehabilitation.
• Thoracic Spine Myelopathy: Understanding the risk factors for thoracic spine myelopathy, such as spinal stenosis, and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce your chances of developing this debilitating condition.

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

• Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection: This procedure helps manage severe pain stemming from the middle and upper spine by reducing inflammation around the spinal nerves, allowing for a more proactive approach to pain management.
• Impairment Rating Evaluation: Before long-term issues arise, an impairment rating evaluation helps identify and quantify your physical limitations, allowing for early intervention and better recovery outcomes.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injection: Hyaluronic acid injections can proactively lubricate your joints, reducing friction and preventing future pain and stiffness.
• Alternative Therapy: Alternative therapies offer a holistic approach to wellness, helping you identify and address the root causes of pain and stiffness before they become major problems.
• Pre-Operative Physical Therapy: Pre-operative physical therapy is a valuable assessment that identifies potential problems before surgery, helping tailor your treatment and increase the chance of a successful outcome.
• Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Insertion: To proactively address severe, persistent pain, an intrathecal pump may be surgically implanted to precisely deliver medication to the spinal cord, bypassing many of the side effects of oral medications.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Proactively address emotional and mental health challenges that can impact your physical recovery and overall well-being.

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. Jessica 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 understanding their osteoporosis risk and incorporating strength training into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their chance of a spine fracture, gaining confidence in their ability to stay active and healthy.
• Recognizing the early signs of back pain and stiffness, a patient proactively sought physical therapy guidance, significantly reducing their risk of a thoracic compression fracture and enjoying a more active lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured a smoother recovery and maintained their overall well-being.
• By implementing a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing central vestibular vertigo, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain balance and coordination. This proactive approach allowed them to confidently engage in their daily activities without fear of sudden dizziness.

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. Jessica 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 provide 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. Jessica 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.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Jessica PT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program will include core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics. This approach promotes long-term pain management and well-being.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Jessica PT to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and relieve muscle tension. This helps reduce pain, improve movement, and prepare the body for more effective therapeutic exercise.

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

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, not traditional Chinese medicine, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and prepare you for surgery, speeding up recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome for your new joint.

190 Southpark Blvd Ste 100
Saint Augustine FL 32086
Phone: (904) 824-1478

Jessica Costakes, 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): 1992814545

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. Jessica 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.