Kristen Hanak, PT

Kristen Hanak, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Edgewater, 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 serves as a vital 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Kristen PT's practice focuses on all ages. She strives to provide patients with proactive, comprehensive care, from injury rehabilitation to long-term wellness plans. Her commitment to collaborative care and evidence-based medicine ensures a personalized approach for each patient. Kristen Hanak, PT is a physical therapist in Edgewater, FL, and patients should call (386) 423-9322 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Kristen PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Spinal Demyelination: Spinal demyelination, the damage to the protective coating around your spinal nerves, can be detected early through regular checkups, helping prevent serious mobility issues later.
• Spina Bifida: Prenatal folic acid supplementation is crucial in preventing spina bifida, highlighting the critical role of preventive measures in reducing the incidence of this birth defect.
• Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golf Elbow): Early detection of tennis or golf elbow is crucial to prevent long-term pain and disability, ensuring you can continue enjoying your favorite activities.
• Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): Because Reiter's syndrome can cause painful joint inflammation, proactive management through lifestyle changes and consistent physical therapy reduces the chance of chronic pain and limitations.
• Hip Muscle Strain: A hip muscle strain, often preventable with proper stretching and strengthening exercises, can significantly impact your mobility and daily life, so early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term issues.
• Excision of Tibia or Fibula: Excision of the tibia or fibula, while sometimes necessary, highlights the importance of early detection and management of bone fractures or infections to prevent more extensive surgical interventions.
• Elbow Bursitis: Managing elbow bursitis effectively reduces the likelihood of persistent pain and potential complications such as stiffness and reduced elbow 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. Kristen PT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Epidural Cortisone Injection: An epidural cortisone injection is a proactive measure to reduce inflammation and pain in your spine, helping you regain movement and function.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation: Take a proactive step towards better mobility – electrical muscle stimulation can help retrain muscles after injury or surgery, restoring movement and reducing pain.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: Take control of your chronic back pain; spinal cord stimulation may be a proactive option to help reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
• Craniosacral Therapy (CST): Boost your body's ability to self-heal and prevent future problems by experiencing craniosacral therapy, a gentle method that assesses the rhythmic motion of the craniosacral system, identifying potential areas of dysfunction before they become severe.
• Cold Laser Therapy: Boost your body's natural healing process with cold laser therapy; this non-invasive treatment can help prevent complications and promote optimal recovery from musculoskeletal injuries.
• Prolozone® Injections: Prolozone® injections may help strengthen weakened ligaments and tendons, proactively reducing your risk of future injuries.
• Pain Rehabilitation and Management: Proactively address pain before it limits your daily life—our pain rehabilitation and management services focus on identifying the root cause and providing effective solutions.

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. Kristen 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 diligently following a proactive physical therapy plan, a patient was able to identify early signs of spinal demyelination, significantly reducing the risk of future mobility issues and gaining peace of mind.
• By meticulously following a proactive prenatal health plan, including folic acid supplementation, a family felt confident knowing they were taking the best steps to reduce the risk of spina bifida. This proactive approach brought them significant peace of mind throughout their pregnancy.
• By proactively addressing potential tennis or golf elbow issues, a patient ensured they could continue their favorite activities without pain or long-term disability. Early intervention, guided by a physical therapist, significantly reduced the risk of future problems.

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. Kristen PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

Dr. Kristen PT is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and improving quality of life. She uses hands-on care, education, and exercise 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. Kristen 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 will be 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. Kristen PT, focuses 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.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Kristen PT 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.

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. Kristen 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," strengthens muscles, preparing you for surgery and speeding recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome for your new joint.

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Kristen PT, including joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization. It helps reduce pain, improve movement, and prepare the body for effective therapeutic exercise.

2568 S Ridgewood Ave
Edgewater FL 32141
Phone: (386) 423-9322

Kristen Hanak, 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): 1659484921

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. Kristen 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.