Kimberly Umstead, PT

Kimberly Umstead, 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 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 and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, 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. Kimberly PT understands the importance of proactive health management. Her approach emphasizes the restoration of physical function and the prevention of future issues. She works closely with patients to develop personalized plans that address their specific needs and goals, promoting a holistic approach to well-being. Patients should call (904) 953-2000 to confirm if Dr. Kimberly PT is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Kimberly PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hip Tendinitis: Hip tendinitis, or inflammation of the hip tendons, can be prevented through regular stretching and strengthening exercises to improve hip stability and reduce strain.
• Cervical Spondylitis: By understanding your risk factors for cervical spondylitis, such as age and poor posture, you can take proactive steps to reduce the chances of developing this condition.
• Leukodystrophy: Leukodystrophy's effects on motor skills highlight the importance of regular developmental checks in children, facilitating early diagnosis and supportive care to prevent functional limitations.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear: While some ACL tears are unavoidable, proactive strengthening and conditioning of the muscles surrounding the knee can reduce the chance of injury significantly.
• Exertional Compartment Syndrome: Preventing exertional compartment syndrome involves recognizing symptoms like pain and numbness during or after exercise, and adjusting your workout routine to reduce stress on your muscles.
• Ankle Sprains and Strains: Ankle sprains and strains can be prevented through regular stretching and strengthening exercises, alongside wearing supportive footwear, to maintain ankle stability.
• 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.

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

• Pain Management: Investing in pain management is investing in your future mobility; it helps uncover underlying issues and empowers you to regain full movement and functionality.
• Muscle Energy Technique: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) helps improve muscle imbalances and flexibility, proactively preventing future injuries and enhancing your overall physical performance.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments: A comprehensive geriatric assessment is a proactive checkup that helps identify potential health problems early on, allowing for timely interventions to maintain your independence and quality of life.
• Balance Testing: This quick balance assessment helps identify areas for improvement, allowing us to create a personalized plan to enhance your stability and reduce your fall risk.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injection: To proactively address joint discomfort, hyaluronic acid injections replenish the natural fluid in your joints, easing pain and improving function.
• EMG (Electromyography): Prevent long-term muscle problems by scheduling an EMG. This assessment helps diagnose conditions early, preventing further damage and enabling faster recovery.
• 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.

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. Kimberly 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 following a tailored physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced their risk of hip tendinitis, regaining their mobility and enjoying a more active lifestyle. This proactive approach gave them peace of mind knowing they were well-equipped to manage their hip health.
• Understanding their risk factors for cervical spondylitis, a patient proactively addressed posture and lifestyle, significantly reducing the likelihood of future issues and gaining peace of mind.
• A family was relieved to learn that regular developmental screenings, guided by a physical therapist, identified subtle signs of potential leukodystrophy early, enabling proactive interventions and reducing the risk of long-term functional limitations. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered them to confidently navigate the future with a supportive care plan.

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. Kimberly PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in movement and helps improve your 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. Kimberly PT will be a comprehensive assessment. 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 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 the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Kimberly PT's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Kimberly 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.

My child seems clumsy or behind in motor skills. Can PT help?

Yes, pediatric physical therapists are experts in child development. Dr. Kimberly PT can perform a developmental screening to identify any delays and create a fun, play-based therapy program to help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence.

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. Kimberly PT can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," helps strengthen muscles before surgery, which can speed 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.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Kimberly Umstead, 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): 1386311819

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. Kimberly 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.