Kelly Vara

Kelly Vara is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care at her clinic in South Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she partners with patients to create long-term health plans, coordinating screenings and restoring movement and function. General physical therapists are your primary partners in preventive care, collaborating to guide you through injury rehabilitation and empowering you to maintain optimal wellness for life. She serves all ages. Please call (305) 397-8308 to confirm if Dr. Kelly Vara is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kelly Vara is a physical therapist in South Miami, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. Her practice emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. This includes proactively addressing potential health issues, fostering personalized strategies, and creating a strong partnership to achieve optimal physical well-being. Her focus is on prevention, working with individuals to improve and maintain their overall health and function.

As a practitioner of physical therapy, Dr. Kelly Vara understands the importance of a holistic approach. Her commitment to preventive care extends beyond the immediate injury or ailment. She recognizes the importance of proactive health management and empowers patients to make informed decisions about their well-being. Dr. Kelly Vara provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Intra-Articular Fracture: Understanding your personal risk for intra-articular fractures, such as through bone density testing, helps you take steps to prevent them and maintain joint health.
• Sternum Fracture: A sternum fracture, or broken breastbone, highlights the importance of proactive injury prevention, especially in high-impact activities, to avoid this painful and potentially serious condition.
• Tendon Disorders: Managing tendon injuries effectively through physical therapy can help prevent the condition from worsening, allowing you to regain full function and mobility.
• Lumbar Radiculopathy: By strengthening your back and core muscles and maintaining a healthy weight, you can lessen your risk of developing lumbar radiculopathy, a source of significant lower back pain.
• Torticollis, Familial: Regular monitoring for symptoms of familial torticollis, such as head tilt, can prevent the development of severe postural issues in children.
• Osteosarcoma of the Spine: Understanding family history and genetic predispositions can help manage the risk of osteosarcoma of the spine, and prompt medical attention upon noticing any concerning symptoms can minimize long-term consequences.
• Cartilage Damage: Protecting your joints through regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing cartilage damage, a leading cause of joint pain and limited 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. Kelly Vara offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• McKenzie Method: The McKenzie Method is a system of exercises and assessments that helps identify the source of your back or neck pain and teaches you how to manage it yourself, preventing future problems.
• Pediatric Developmental Therapy: Proactively safeguard your child's development by seeking pediatric developmental therapy; it screens for developmental delays and helps ensure they reach their full motor potential.
• Physical Therapy: Take a proactive step towards a healthier, more mobile you with physical therapy; it helps identify movement limitations and creates a personalized plan to prevent future injuries.
• Joint Fluid Test: Take a proactive step towards joint health: a joint fluid test can detect inflammation or infection, guiding your physical therapist in creating the most effective treatment plan.
• Botox® for Cervical Dystonia: Take a proactive step towards managing cervical dystonia symptoms and improving neck mobility with Botox® injections.
• Acupuncture: Proactively address pain and stiffness with acupuncture, a therapy that can help prevent future injuries by restoring balance and promoting natural healing.
• Fall Prevention and Safety Program: Prevent falls and maintain your active lifestyle by participating in our Fall Prevention and Safety Program, which focuses on improving strength, balance, and coordination.

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. Kelly Vara 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 personal risk factors through bone density testing and following a proactive physical therapy plan, a patient gained peace of mind, knowing they were taking steps to protect their joints and prevent future intra-articular fractures.
• A patient, committed to proactive injury prevention, learned proper techniques for high-impact activities, significantly reducing their risk of a sternum fracture and gaining confidence in their ability to safely participate in desired activities.
• By proactively addressing potential tendon issues with a tailored physical therapy program, a patient successfully avoided a more severe injury, maintaining their active lifestyle. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and enabled them to confidently participate in their favorite activities.

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. Kelly Vara:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and improving 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. Kelly Vara 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 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. Kelly Vara's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. This includes a personalized program of core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics. The goal is not just temporary relief, but long-term pain management and prevention.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Kelly Vara's physical therapy can help prevent injuries by identifying muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns through a functional movement screen. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they cause a problem.

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. Kelly Vara 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," can strengthen muscles before surgery, speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. Dr. Vara's team will work with you to develop a personalized plan for your specific needs.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Kelly Vara 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.

5900 SW 73rd St Ste 104
South Miami FL 33143
Phone: (305) 397-8308

Kelly Vara 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): 1346741527

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. Kelly Vara 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.