Maria Gattorno, PT

Maria Gattorno, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Orlando, FL, and 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, understanding that 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 her commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, and a supportive environment ensures you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health.

Dr. Maria PT's focus on prevention extends beyond immediate injury management. She recognizes the importance of holistic well-being and works closely with patients to understand their unique needs and goals. As a physical therapist in Orlando, FL, she is dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain their best possible physical function. Patients should call (407) 282-5809 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Maria PT provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Maria 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. Maria 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. Maria 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 Cord Injury: Spinal cord injury rehabilitation focuses on restoring lost function, preventing secondary complications, and improving overall well-being; early intervention is critical for success.
• Rib Fracture: Protecting your ribs through proactive measures like proper posture and injury prevention techniques can significantly reduce your risk of fractures and the need for extensive rehabilitation.
• Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment, Open: Early detection of foot and ankle fractures is crucial to prevent long-term mobility issues and chronic pain, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any suspected injury.
• Patellar Disorders: Addressing patellar tracking issues and muscle imbalances through targeted physical therapy prevents pain and maintains healthy knee function, avoiding costly surgeries.
• Achilles Tenotomy: While an Achilles tenotomy is a surgical solution, proactive management of Achilles tendinitis through physical therapy and proper footwear choices can significantly reduce the risk of requiring this procedure.
• Hand Injury: Protecting your hands through preventative measures like proper workplace ergonomics and safety gear can significantly reduce the risk of injury and the need for extensive rehabilitation.
• Back Sprain: Managing a back sprain effectively through rest, physical therapy, and ergonomic adjustments prevents it from becoming a chronic condition, impacting your quality of life.

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

• Shoulder Injection: A shoulder injection can help pinpoint the source of your shoulder pain, allowing for targeted treatment and preventing long-term problems.
• Epidural Cortisone Injection: For persistent back pain impacting your daily life, an epidural cortisone injection may be a proactive treatment to reduce inflammation and improve your range of motion.
• Cognitive Assessment: By assessing your cognitive function, we can detect early signs of cognitive decline, allowing for timely intervention and potentially preventing future problems.
• Cranial Osteopathy: Cranial osteopathy is a gentle hands-on approach that can help identify subtle restrictions in the skull and surrounding tissues, potentially improving overall head and neck health.
• Cell Based Therapy: To prevent future mobility issues, cell-based therapies may help regenerate damaged tissues to restore movement and function, enhancing the effectiveness of your physical therapy.
• Supartz® Injection: As part of your proactive joint health plan, Supartz injections can help lubricate your joints, reducing pain and improving range of motion.
• Carpal Tunnel Injection: Early detection of carpal tunnel syndrome is key; a carpal tunnel injection can assist in diagnosis and initiate prompt treatment to prevent irreversible damage.

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. Maria 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 proactively addressing potential risk factors and engaging in regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of spinal cord injury, ensuring a future of greater mobility and independence.
• By practicing proper lifting techniques and strengthening core muscles, a patient significantly reduced their risk of rib fractures, ensuring a more active and pain-free lifestyle.
• By recognizing the early signs of potential foot and ankle injury and promptly seeking care, a patient avoided the need for open fracture treatment, ensuring a quicker recovery and preserving long-term mobility.

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. Maria 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 provide 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. Maria PT will be a comprehensive evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and goals, then perform a thorough 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.

How does physical therapy help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Maria PT's physical therapy for chronic back pain focuses on preventing future episodes, not just treating the current pain. We'll identify the root cause and create a personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and education on posture and body mechanics to empower you to manage your pain long-term.

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

Yes, Dr. Maria PT and many physical therapists are specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation. They can treat common causes of dizziness, like BPPV, with specific head maneuvers and improve balance through targeted exercises to prevent falls.

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

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Dr. Maria PT and our team use specific, repetitive exercises to stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself after a stroke. This leads to improved walking, balance, and strength, maximizing independence and reducing the risk of falls. We work closely with you to create a personalized plan for regaining lost function.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled physical therapy technique where a thin needle is inserted 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.

1417 N Semoran Blvd Ste 106
Orlando FL 32807
Phone: (407) 282-5809

Maria Gattorno, 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): 1265704399

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. Maria 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.