Kathleen Richards

Kathleen Richards is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Fort Walton Beach, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she's 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 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 (850) 863-4747 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kathleen Richards is a physical therapist in Fort Walton Beach, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, understanding that prevention is key to a fulfilling life. Her focus on preventative care extends beyond addressing immediate issues, encompassing the creation of personalized plans for optimal well-being. Dr. Kathleen Richards provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hip Flexor Strain: Proper warm-up routines before physical activity significantly reduce your risk of developing a hip flexor strain, preserving your mobility and preventing more serious injury.
• Pellegrini-Stieda Syndrome: Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome is a condition where calcium deposits form near your knee, often after a knee injury, and early diagnosis through regular check-ups can help prevent long-term stiffness and pain.
• Sports Injuries of the Knee: Managing knee sports injuries effectively prevents chronic pain, further damage, and the need for extensive rehabilitation later on.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Syndrome: ISCS can cause significant limitations in movement and function, but early intervention with physical therapy can help prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
• Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): Understanding your risk factors for Reiter's syndrome, such as prior infections, and seeking early medical attention are critical steps in preventing serious joint damage and maintaining overall health.
• Traumatic Amputation: Following proper safety procedures and wearing protective equipment can significantly reduce the risk of injuries leading to amputation.
• Dystonia: By addressing dystonia early through targeted physical therapy, you can reduce the risk of painful muscle spasms and maintain mobility.

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

• Kinesio® Taping: Improve your athletic performance and prevent future injuries by using Kinesio® taping to support your muscles and enhance your body's natural healing capabilities.
• Lymphedema Therapy: Protect yourself from the limitations of lymphedema; this therapy helps identify and manage fluid retention, ensuring you maintain mobility and function.
• TheraLase® Cold Laser Therapy: Boost your recovery and prevent future injuries with TheraLase® Cold Laser Therapy, which helps reduce inflammation, pain, and promotes tissue regeneration.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): OMT is a screening tool used to detect subtle musculoskeletal restrictions that might otherwise lead to pain or limited mobility, enabling early intervention.
• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy helps you develop strategies and techniques to perform daily activities safely and efficiently, preventing falls and injuries.
• Kinesio Taping Method: Kinesio taping supports muscles and joints, helping you proactively prevent injuries during exercise or daily activities.
• Strain-Counterstrain: Strain-counterstrain is a preventative measure used to detect and treat subtle muscle restrictions, enhancing your body's natural ability to heal and avoid future 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. Kathleen Richards 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 tailored warm-up exercises into her routine, a young athlete significantly reduced her risk of hip flexor strain, ensuring she could continue her favorite activities without interruption.
• By attending regular physical therapy sessions and focusing on injury prevention exercises, a patient proactively managed their knee health, significantly reducing the risk of developing Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a pain-free and active lifestyle.
• By strengthening their knee muscles and improving their flexibility, a young athlete significantly reduced their risk of future sports injuries, allowing them to focus on their sport without worry.

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. Kathleen Richards:

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 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. Richards will be a comprehensive assessment. She will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a physical evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and flexibility. This 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'm having joint replacement surgery. When should I start PT?

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and improve your body's readiness 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 from your new joint. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physical therapists to address pain and movement limitations. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization, helping to restore joint motion and improve muscle function. This approach prepares the body for more effective therapeutic exercises.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy that treats the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery for both men and women.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled physical therapy technique where a thin needle is inserted into a muscle trigger point to release tension and relieve pain. It's based on Western anatomy and physiology, differing from acupuncture, and is a tool to accelerate your recovery.

I feel dizzy and off-balance. Can a physical therapist help?

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Kathleen Richards can help. Many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation and can treat common causes of dizziness, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises to prevent falls.

405 Racetrack Rd NE Ste 101
Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Phone: (850) 863-4747

Kathleen Richards 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): 1841921624

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. Kathleen Richards 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.