Karen Gwardys

Karen Gwardys is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Port Orange, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She 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. Please call (800) 330-7711 to confirm if Dr. Karen Gwardys is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Karen Gwardys, a physical therapist in Port Orange, FL, is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach emphasizes a proactive and preventative strategy, working in partnership with you to identify potential risks and develop personalized plans to promote optimal physical function. Dr. Karen Gwardys is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Non-Traumatic Rupture of Achilles Tendon: A non-traumatic Achilles tendon rupture, often caused by gradual wear and tear, highlights the importance of regular physical activity and stretching to prevent tendon injuries.
• Wrist Injuries: Early detection of wrist problems, like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, is key to preventing long-term damage and disability.
• Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: Protecting yourself from lumbosacral radiculopathy involves understanding risk factors like poor lifting techniques and maintaining a healthy weight, enabling early intervention and preventing debilitating chronic pain.
• Overuse Injuries: Managing overuse injuries early on can prevent the condition from progressing, reducing the chance of chronic pain, extended recovery periods, and potential for permanent limitations.
• Broken Arm: Preventing falls and other accidents that can cause broken arms is crucial for maintaining mobility and independence as we age; proactive measures like home safety assessments can significantly reduce your risk.
• Ankle Laxity: Preventing long-term ankle issues begins with identifying and addressing ankle laxity. Early intervention with physical therapy can improve stability and reduce the chance of recurring sprains.
• Sports Injuries: By addressing sports injuries promptly and undergoing appropriate rehabilitation, you can restore movement and function, preventing the development of chronic conditions and promoting long-term well-being.

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

• Rehabilitation Therapy - Inpatient Rehabilitation: Inpatient rehabilitation helps you regain strength and mobility after an injury or illness, getting you back to your daily life faster.
• Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback helps train your brain to function better, proactively improving focus and potentially preventing future cognitive issues.
• Work Reintegration: This program assesses your ability to perform job-related tasks and designs a personalized plan to address any limitations, helping you avoid future workplace injuries.
• Fire and Sliding Cupping: To maintain your physical well-being, fire and sliding cupping may help identify areas of muscle restriction or inflammation, addressing them before they become significant problems.
• Impairment Rating Evaluation: Take charge of your health by getting an impairment rating evaluation; it helps measure the impact of your injury or condition on your daily activities, enabling us to create a tailored recovery plan.
• Lumbar Selective Nerve Root Block: This procedure helps prevent unnecessary surgery or prolonged pain by precisely identifying which nerve is causing lower back pain.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: A wheelchair evaluation helps determine the best wheelchair type and features to support your mobility and prevent further injuries or discomfort.

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. Karen Gwardys 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 incorporating a tailored stretching routine and focusing on gradual increases in physical activity, a patient significantly reduced their risk of a non-traumatic Achilles tendon rupture, fostering a sense of confidence and proactive health management.
• By proactively addressing potential wrist issues through targeted exercises and stretches, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing painful and debilitating conditions, ensuring a continued active lifestyle.
• By understanding proper lifting techniques and maintaining a healthy weight, a patient proactively reduced their risk of lumbosacral radiculopathy, gaining confidence in their ability to manage their well-being.

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. Karen Gwardys:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving quality of life. They use hands-on care, education, and exercise to help 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. Gwardys 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 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. Gwardys's physical therapy approach focuses on preventing future back pain episodes by identifying the root cause. A personalized program combining core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics will empower you to manage your pain effectively and prevent future issues.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Physical therapy plays a vital role in stroke recovery by utilizing specific, repetitive exercises to retrain the brain and body. These exercises encourage neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself and regain lost function. Our therapists focus on improving walking, balance, and strength, ultimately maximizing independence and reducing fall risk.

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

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles, preparing you for surgery and speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. Dr. Gwardys and her team will work with you to create a personalized plan.

5535 S Williamson Blvd Ste 774
Port Orange FL 32128
Phone: (800) 330-7711

Karen Gwardys 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): 1164771234

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. Karen Gwardys 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.