Maria Lontoc, PT

Maria Lontoc, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her clinic in Lutz, 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 trusted partner in preventive health, committed to helping all ages 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.

Dr. Maria PT's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a physical therapist in Lutz, FL, she is dedicated to providing patients with the knowledge and tools they need to prevent future issues and maintain optimal physical function. Patients should call (813) 949-0003 to confirm if Dr. Maria PT 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:

• Joint Disorders: Protecting your joints through regular exercise and healthy weight management can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint disorders later in life.
• Charcot Disease: Protecting your feet from Charcot disease starts with managing underlying conditions like diabetes and regularly inspecting your feet for any signs of damage – early detection is key to preventing severe foot problems.
• Excision of Radius or Ulna: While sometimes necessary, a radius or ulna excision highlights the importance of preventive care for bone health, including regular check-ups and injury prevention strategies.
• Back Sprain: A back sprain, often caused by sudden movements or overexertion, highlights the importance of proactive back strengthening exercises to prevent future injuries.
• Stress Fracture: Stress fractures, small cracks in your bones, are often preventable by strengthening muscles, improving technique in activities, and taking adequate rest to allow your bones to heal.
• Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): Managing Reiter's syndrome effectively through prompt medical care and physical therapy helps prevent the progression of joint inflammation, safeguarding your ability to move freely and comfortably.
• Bunion: Regular foot check-ups and addressing any early signs of a bunion can halt its progression and help you maintain comfort and 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. Maria PT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Chiropractic Subluxation Adjustments: Proactively address potential spinal misalignments with chiropractic subluxation adjustments to help maintain optimal spinal health and prevent future pain.
• Myofascial Release Therapy: Prevent chronic pain and stiffness by utilizing myofascial release; this therapy targets the connective tissue to restore optimal muscle function and range of motion.
• Diversified Technique: Enhance your body's ability to heal and recover faster with our diversified techniques, which combine multiple strategies for optimal results.
• Epidural Cortisone Injection: To proactively manage persistent back or leg pain, an epidural cortisone injection can help reduce inflammation and improve your mobility.
• Shiatzu Massage: As a preventative measure, Shiatsu massage can improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of falls and other mobility-related issues.
• Pain Management: Proactive pain management helps identify the root cause of your discomfort and prevent it from becoming a long-term problem.
• Facet Blocks: As a preventative measure against chronic back pain, facet blocks can help determine if irritated facet joints are the culprit, allowing for early intervention and preventing long-term disability.

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 incorporating regular exercise and a balanced diet into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing painful joint disorders, achieving lasting joint health and mobility.
• By diligently monitoring their diabetes and regularly inspecting their feet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Charcot disease, gaining peace of mind about their foot health.
• By actively participating in a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced the risk of needing a radius or ulna excision, empowering them to maintain a healthy, 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. Maria PT:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement. They help improve your quality of life through hands-on care, education, and exercises. PTs play a crucial role in preventing injuries, managing pain, and restoring 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 assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, followed by a 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 identifying the root cause and preventing future episodes. A personalized program including core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and posture education will empower you to manage your pain effectively and maintain a healthy back.

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, not traditional Chinese medicine, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Maria PT's home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery. It's a personalized set of exercises designed to help you continue improving between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

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

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

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

Yes, Dr. Maria PT is an expert in pediatric 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.

1900 Highland Oaks Blvd
Lutz FL 33559
Phone: (813) 949-0003

Maria Lontoc, 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): 1235130055

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.