Marcie Howkins, PT

Marcie Howkins, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Coral Gables, 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 committed to partnering with patients to achieve optimal wellness. 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 (395) 444-0074 to confirm if Dr. Marcie PT is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Marcie PT is a physical therapist in Coral Gables, FL, dedicated to delivering evidence-based, collaborative care. Her approach emphasizes a supportive environment where patients are actively involved in their health journey. She understands that preventive care is crucial for long-term health and well-being, and she's committed to creating personalized plans that address individual needs and goals. Dr. Marcie PT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Preventing FBSS starts with accurate diagnosis and conservative treatment of back pain, avoiding unnecessary surgeries that can lead to more complications.
• Cervical Spine Disorders: Early detection of cervical spine problems, often through simple self-assessments and check-ups, is key to preventing long-term pain and disability.
• Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Pain: Regular checkups and proactive pain management strategies for MS, including physical therapy, are crucial to prevent limitations in daily activities.
• Back Sprain: Understanding your individual risk factors for back sprains – like weak core muscles or poor posture – allows for targeted preventative strategies to avoid future episodes.
• Stiffness: Managing stiffness through regular physical activity and targeted exercises may reduce the risk of falls and enhance overall mobility.
• Balance Disorders: Early detection of balance problems can help physical therapists create a personalized plan to improve stability and reduce your risk of falls and fractures.
• Neck Pain: Neck pain can be a warning sign of underlying issues, so addressing it early can prevent more serious problems down the road.

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

• Strength & Conditioning Coaching: Strength and conditioning coaching can help prevent injuries by building muscle strength and improving body mechanics.
• Interferential Current Therapy: Interferential current therapy uses mild electrical currents to ease pain and reduce muscle spasms, helping you proactively manage discomfort and prevent further injury.
• Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment: Cooled radiofrequency treatment is a non-surgical procedure that can help prevent chronic pain by targeting and deactivating specific nerves.
• Botox® for Cervical Dystonia: Take a proactive step towards managing cervical dystonia symptoms and improving neck mobility with Botox® injections.
• Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection: A thoracic epidural steroid injection is a procedure that can help reduce pain and inflammation in your upper back and chest, allowing you to proactively manage your condition and regain your mobility.
• Stretches to Prevent Injuries: Protect your muscles and joints from strain and injury by mastering targeted stretches that build strength and flexibility.
• Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT): Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) is a gentle, whole-body approach to assess your spinal alignment and nervous system function, helping prevent future health problems.

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. Marcie 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 addressing back pain early with physical therapy, a patient avoided surgery and significantly reduced the risk of developing Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential cervical spine issues through regular check-ups and exercises, a patient reduced their risk of future pain and discomfort, gaining confidence in their overall well-being.
• By following a proactive physical therapy plan, a patient effectively managed MS-related pain, maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle and preventing further limitations. This proactive approach ensured greater independence and quality of life.

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. Marcie PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve quality of life by providing 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. Marcie 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, like with chronic back pain, rotator cuff tears, or knee osteoarthritis, can be as effective as surgery in reducing pain and improving function. It's a powerful, non-invasive first step, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Marcie PT's physical therapy approach for chronic back pain focuses on identifying the root cause and empowering you to prevent future episodes. A personalized program combining core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics will help you manage your pain and improve your overall well-being.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Marcie 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 your problem from returning after therapy is complete.

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

What is 'manual therapy'?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by Dr. Marcie PT to address pain and improve movement. It includes techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization to restore joint motion and reduce muscle tension. This prepares the body for more effective therapeutic exercises.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Marcie 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 is then created to correct these issues and prevent future problems.

2931 Coral Way
Coral Gables FL 33145
Phone: (395) 444-0074

Marcie Howkins, 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): 1346383163

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. Marcie 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.