Laura Flaherty, PT

Laura Flaherty, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Fort Walton Beach, 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, specializing in creating long-term health plans, coordinating screenings, and restoring movement and function. 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. Please call (850) 863-4747 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Laura PT is a physical therapist in Fort Walton Beach, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is focused on the prevention of injury and the promotion of optimal physical function. She works with patients of all ages, helping them build strength, improve mobility, and prevent future problems. Dr. Laura PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis is a long-term consequence of untreated or poorly managed joint injuries. Proactive physical therapy treatment after trauma is key to minimizing this risk.
• Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: Regular check-ups and proactive physical therapy interventions for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia can help prevent falls, maintain independence, and improve quality of life by addressing muscle weakness and spasticity.
• Spondylolysis: Spondylolysis, a condition where a vertebra cracks, can be better managed and prevented by focusing on activities that strengthen your back and core, reducing strain and the likelihood of further damage or more serious injury down the road.
• Cervicogenic Headache: Managing stress and maintaining proper neck mechanics are crucial preventative measures against cervicogenic headaches, ensuring you stay active and pain-free.
• Elbow Osteophyte: An elbow osteophyte, or bone spur, can develop gradually and, if left unmanaged, may limit your elbow's range of motion, highlighting the importance of early detection and preventive physical therapy.
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) highlights the importance of comprehensive pre-surgical planning and choosing the right surgical approach to minimize the risk of needing further interventions.
• Trigger Thumb: Prevent the progression of trigger thumb and its debilitating effects by addressing underlying causes like repetitive strain and seeking physical therapy intervention at the first sign of discomfort.

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

• Educational Therapy: Take charge of your movement with educational therapy, learning exercises and strategies to prevent future injuries and improve your overall function.
• Supartz® Injection: To maintain your joint health and mobility, consider Supartz injections as a proactive measure to reduce discomfort and improve function.
• Hydrotherapy: Take a proactive step towards injury prevention and improved mobility with hydrotherapy, using the buoyancy and resistance of water to gently strengthen your muscles and joints.
• Injection Therapy: As a proactive measure, injection therapy can address the root cause of your pain, reducing the need for more extensive treatments and promoting faster healing.
• 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.
• Stress Management: Reduce your risk of injury and improve your recovery process by incorporating stress management into your wellness routine.
• Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection: This minimally invasive procedure can help diagnose the source of your neck pain by temporarily reducing inflammation, aiding in determining the best course of action.

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. Laura 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:

• Following a sports injury, a patient proactively engaged in physical therapy, minimizing the risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
• By proactively managing their condition through consistent physical therapy, a patient with hereditary spastic paraplegia maintained mobility and independence, significantly improving their overall quality of life.
• A patient, recognizing the risk of spondylolysis, proactively engaged in a strengthening program guided by a physical therapist. This approach helped them significantly reduce strain on their back, preventing further damage and enabling a healthier, more 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. Laura PT:

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 illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Laura PT will be a comprehensive assessment. She 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 just 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 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, different from acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

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. Laura PT can assess your workstation setup and provide expert ergonomic recommendations, as well as teach stretches and exercises to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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

Yes, a physical therapist like Dr. Laura 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 help prevent falls.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Laura PT's home exercise program is a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue progress between sessions and prevent the issue from returning after therapy is complete. It's a crucial part of your recovery and empowers you to take an active role in your healing.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, offered by Dr. Laura 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.

405 Racetrack Rd NE Ste 101
Fort Walton Beach FL 32547
Phone: (850) 863-4747

Laura Flaherty, 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): 1184853038

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. Laura 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.