Kathryn Fitzgerald, PT

Kathryn Fitzgerald, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, 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. 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. Kathryn PT 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. As a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, she understands the importance of proactive care in maintaining well-being. Her focus extends beyond treating injuries to include strategies for injury prevention and the promotion of long-term health, making her a valuable resource for individuals seeking to improve their quality of life. Patients should call (813) 972-2000 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kathryn PT provides consultations primarily in English. Her approach to care emphasizes patient education and active participation, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. She is committed to fostering a partnership between patient and practitioner, aiming to help patients achieve and maintain optimal physical function for a healthier, more active life.

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

• Cauda Equina Syndrome: Managing underlying conditions like spinal stenosis through regular checkups and physical therapy can significantly reduce your risk of developing cauda equina syndrome.
• Cervical Stenosis: Addressing neck pain and stiffness promptly can help prevent the development or worsening of cervical stenosis, a condition that can severely limit mobility.
• Osteosarcoma of the Spine: Osteosarcoma of the spine is a rare bone cancer that, while difficult to prevent entirely, can be better managed through regular checkups and early detection, potentially reducing long-term complications.
• Degenerative Joint Disease in the Shoulder: Managing degenerative joint disease in your shoulder proactively with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications helps prevent disability and improves your long-term quality of life.
• Craniospinal Trauma: Managing craniospinal trauma effectively, including prompt treatment and physical therapy, helps restore movement and function, preventing chronic complications.
• Tibia or Fibula Stress Fracture: Early detection of a tibia or fibula stress fracture is crucial; prompt treatment and rest minimize long-term complications and help restore full function.
• Bone Spur: Managing risk factors like poor posture and repetitive movements through regular physical therapy can significantly reduce your chances of developing painful bone spurs and maintain your 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. Kathryn PT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Insertion: This procedure involves inserting a small pump to deliver pain medication directly to your spinal cord, a proactive step to significantly reduce debilitating pain and enhance your mobility.
• TheraLase® Cold Laser Therapy: Take a proactive step towards faster healing and reduced pain with TheraLase® Cold Laser Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation.
• Psychoeducation: Take control of your recovery by learning about your injury and how to best manage it through our psychoeducation sessions.
• Peripheral Nerve Block: By temporarily numbing specific nerves, a peripheral nerve block helps your physical therapist precisely locate the source of pain and guide your recovery plan, promoting better long-term outcomes.
• Grip and-or Muscle Group Pull Test: Protecting your body starts with understanding its capabilities. This test evaluates your muscle power to prevent future injuries and improve overall function.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: For persistent back pain unresponsive to other treatments, spinal cord stimulation offers a proactive pathway to regain comfort and movement.
• Muscle Energy Technique: Muscle Energy Technique can help you identify and correct underlying muscle issues that may be contributing to pain or limited movement, before they become bigger problems.

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. Kathryn 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 prioritizing regular checkups and physical therapy, a patient proactively managed their spinal stenosis, significantly reducing the risk of cauda equina syndrome and enjoying a healthier, more active lifestyle.
• By addressing neck pain early with a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing or worsening cervical stenosis, allowing them to maintain their active lifestyle.
• By adhering to a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and screenings, a patient significantly lowered their risk of potential long-term complications associated with osteosarcoma of the spine. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to focus on a healthier future.

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. Kathryn PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Kathryn PT is a licensed physical therapist who specializes in restoring function and improving quality of life. She uses hands-on care, education, and exercise to help prevent injuries, manage pain, and restore movement after an illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Kathryn PT will be a comprehensive assessment. We 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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Kathryn PT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing on 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, benefiting both men and women.

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.

What is 'manual therapy'?

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

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Kathryn 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 prevent falls.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," helps strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and achieve the best possible outcome from your new joint.

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Kathryn Fitzgerald, 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): 1639548068

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. Kathryn 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.