Kelly Yerkes, PT

Kelly Yerkes, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, 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 understands the crucial role general physical therapists play in preventive health. This includes collaborating to create long-term health plans, coordinating screenings, and restoring movement and function, guiding patients through injury rehabilitation and empowering them to maintain optimal wellness for life. She serves all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

As a physical therapist in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Kelly PT understands that proactive care is paramount to maintaining well-being. Her practice focuses on prevention, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and personalized strategies to avoid future health issues. 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. Please call (904) 543-4021 to confirm if Dr. Kelly PT is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Kelly PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Achilles Tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis, a painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can be prevented by regularly stretching your calf muscles and wearing supportive footwear, reducing your risk of injury and long-term problems.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Managing existing spinal cord injuries through physical therapy and lifestyle changes can significantly slow disease progression, reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Hip Fracture: Early detection of hip fracture risk factors, like osteoporosis, allows for timely intervention and can reduce the likelihood of a fall and subsequent fracture.
• Shoulder Bursitis: Shoulder bursitis, an inflammation of the shoulder's fluid-filled sacs, can be prevented with proactive measures like proper posture and regular stretching to avoid overuse and injury.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have long-lasting effects, but early intervention and rehabilitation significantly improve recovery and prevent further complications.
• Achilles Tenotomy: Early intervention for Achilles tendon problems can prevent the need for more invasive procedures, such as an Achilles tenotomy, illustrating the benefits of prompt physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.
• Jaw Sprain: A jaw sprain, often caused by trauma, can be prevented through proper head and neck support during activities and early intervention ensures faster healing and prevents long-term jaw problems.

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

• Rehabilitation After Stroke or Trauma: Take proactive steps to regain strength and mobility after a stroke or trauma through specialized rehabilitation programs.
• Cold Laser Therapy: As part of your proactive wellness plan, consider cold laser therapy to reduce pain and accelerate healing after injuries, allowing for quicker return to normal activities.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: This evaluation objectively assesses your child's learning to detect any underlying conditions that could lead to physical limitations or developmental delays, enabling early intervention and improved outcomes.
• Supportive Counseling: Supportive counseling helps you develop coping strategies to manage pain and improve your overall well-being, preventing emotional distress from impacting your recovery.
• Craniosacral Therapy (CST): Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that can help improve your body's natural healing processes and prevent future musculoskeletal issues by addressing restrictions in the craniosacral system.
• Medical Branch Block: Proactively manage pain and improve function by utilizing a medical branch block; this procedure can target specific nerves to alleviate pain and accelerate your recovery.
• Gonstead Technique: Prevent future spinal problems by proactively addressing potential issues with the Gonstead Technique. This precise examination helps identify areas of spinal dysfunction to avoid pain and mobility limitations.

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 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 consistently stretching and wearing supportive shoes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of Achilles tendinitis, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
• By following a personalized physical therapy program and incorporating preventive lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced the risk factors associated with spinal cord injury, gaining greater confidence and control over their health.
• By proactively addressing osteoporosis risk factors through physical therapy, a patient significantly reduced their chances of a hip fracture and gained the peace of mind to enjoy an active lifestyle.

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 PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. They provide hands-on care, education, and exercises to 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. Kelly PT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We 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 personalized prevention and recovery plan.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

Yes, in many cases. Physical therapy, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be just as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step that often prevents the need for more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Kelly PT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you with a personalized program. This includes core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes, not just temporary relief.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Kelly PT and our team use specific, repetitive exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself after a stroke. This leads to improved walking, balance, and strength, maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls. We work closely with you to achieve your individual recovery goals.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Kelly PT's home exercise program is a critical part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent the issue from returning after therapy. This empowers you to actively manage your condition long-term.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Kelly PT, focuses on the muscles supporting the pelvic organs. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for various conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pregnancy/postpartum issues, benefiting both men and women.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

Yes, physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. While it can't reverse arthritis, a targeted exercise program from Dr. Kelly PT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

3901 University Blvd S
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 543-4021

Kelly Yerkes, 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): 1376013532

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 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.