Laura Markham, PT

Laura Markham, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Naples, 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 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 serves all ages, and patients should call (239) 624-8250 to confirm if Dr. Laura PT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Laura PT, a physical therapist in Naples, FL, is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health journey. Her approach centers around proactive strategies to prevent injuries and maintain optimal function. Understanding the importance of personalized care, Dr. Laura PT works closely with each patient to develop a tailored plan to meet their unique needs. She understands that optimal wellness extends beyond the immediate treatment of injuries; it involves education, support, and the development of long-term strategies for maintaining health and preventing future issues. 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:

• Chondromalacia: By strengthening the muscles around your knee and improving your posture, you can reduce the risk of developing chondromalacia and maintain healthy knee function.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Early diagnosis and treatment of IT band syndrome, often through physical therapy, is key to preventing the pain from becoming persistent and impacting your daily life.
• Bicep Injuries: Protect your biceps by engaging in regular strength training with proper form to build muscle strength and prevent injuries from occurring.
• Osteoporotic Spine Fractures: Don't let brittle bones lead to spine fractures – proactive steps toward preventing osteoporosis through diet, exercise, and medication if needed, can safeguard your spine's health and mobility.
• Jaw Fracture: A broken jaw, or jaw fracture, can be prevented by wearing a mouthguard during contact sports to reduce the risk of injury and subsequent complications.
• Cauda Equina Syndrome: Preventing serious complications from cauda equina syndrome relies on prompt medical attention, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving nerve function.
• Foot And Ankle Osteophyte: Don't wait for foot and ankle pain to become unbearable. Proactive management of osteophytes through physical therapy exercises, supportive footwear, and lifestyle changes can help prevent severe complications and maintain your 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. Laura PT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Botox® for Upper Limb Spasticity: Take proactive steps to manage upper limb spasticity with Botox® injections, improving your range of motion and daily function.
• Therapeutic Massage: As a proactive measure to maintain your health, therapeutic massage can help identify and treat muscle imbalances, promoting better posture and reducing injury risk.
• Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT): Protect your body's ability to move freely by exploring EPAT, a treatment that uses shockwaves to address the root causes of musculoskeletal pain and improve tissue regeneration.
• Epidural Implants: To proactively address persistent back or leg pain, epidural implants offer a targeted treatment that may reduce inflammation and improve your quality of life.
• Lymphedema Therapy: Early detection of lymphatic system issues is key! Lymphedema therapy can help identify fluid buildup before it becomes a significant problem.
• Lymphatic Massage: Lymphatic massage helps improve circulation and reduce swelling, making it a valuable tool for preventing complications from injuries or surgery.
• Rehabilitation After Stroke or Trauma: Rediscover your independence and regain essential life skills through targeted rehabilitation following stroke or traumatic events.

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 physical therapy program, a patient strengthened the muscles around their knee and improved their posture, significantly reducing their risk of developing chondromalacia and maintaining healthy knee function. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and enabled them to continue their favorite activities without pain.
• By working with a physical therapist to address potential IT band syndrome triggers, a patient proactively managed their pain, ensuring they could continue their active lifestyle without interruption. This proactive approach allowed them to avoid the debilitating effects of persistent pain.
• By consistently practicing proper form during strength training, a patient significantly reduced their risk of bicep injuries, enjoying a pain-free and 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?

Dr. Laura 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 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. We 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 prevent injuries?

Dr. Laura PT can perform a functional movement screen to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, or poor movement patterns that could lead to injury. A personalized exercise program can then be created to correct these issues before they cause a problem, proactively preventing future injuries.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Laura PT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes by identifying the root cause. A personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and posture education will empower you to manage your pain and avoid recurrence.

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

Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, strengthens muscles to prepare for surgery and speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy, starting soon after surgery, is crucial to restore range of motion, build strength, and optimize your new joint's function. Our team at Dr. Laura PT is here to guide you through every step of the process.

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.

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

Yes, Dr. Laura PT is an expert in child development. She 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.

1726 Medical Blvd Ste 101
Naples FL 34110
Phone: (239) 624-8250

Laura Markham, 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): 1013047471

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.