Maria Williams, PT

Maria Williams, PT is a Physical Therapy provider dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Ocala, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she serves as 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, and she serves all ages.

Dr. Maria PT's practice focuses on preventative physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. As a physical therapist in Ocala, FL, she works closely with patients to develop personalized strategies for maintaining optimal physical function and preventing future injuries. Her collaborative approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, restoring function and promoting long-term wellness. Patients should call (866) 236-1808 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:

• Jaw Sprain: Early detection of jaw sprain symptoms, such as pain and limited movement, allows for prompt treatment and helps prevent chronic jaw pain and dysfunction.
• Pediatric Spine Deformities: Addressing spinal deformities in children helps manage potential risks of reduced mobility and respiratory issues, promoting a healthier active life.
• Osteoarthritis: Early diagnosis and ongoing management of osteoarthritis through physical therapy and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing disability and improving quality of life.
• Joint Fracture: Understanding your risk factors for joint fractures, and taking steps to mitigate them through lifestyle choices and medical care, significantly reduces your chances of experiencing one.
• Degenerative Spine Disorders: Protecting your spine from further degeneration involves understanding your risk factors and adopting preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and practicing core strengthening exercises.
• Turf Toe: By addressing turf toe promptly with physical therapy and appropriate treatment, you can prevent the development of chronic instability, stiffness, and potentially, arthritis in the big toe joint.
• Knee Osteophyte: Knee osteophytes, or bone spurs, are bony growths that can develop in your knee joint, and early detection through regular check-ups can help prevent significant pain and limited mobility later on.

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:

• Spinal Nerve Block: Taking a proactive step towards better back health, a spinal nerve block can help diagnose the exact cause of your nerve pain, guiding your physical therapist in creating a personalized treatment plan.
• Orthovisc Injection: To prevent further knee pain and disability, Orthovisc injections may help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis and restore comfortable movement.
• Alternative Therapy: Explore alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage to proactively manage pain and improve your range of motion, potentially preventing future injuries.
• Stress Management: Invest in your health by developing healthy coping mechanisms to prevent stress-related physical limitations.
• 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.
• Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection: This injection helps to alleviate neck pain by targeting inflammation around the spinal cord, allowing you to regain movement and function sooner.
• Heat Therapy: Heat therapy can ease discomfort and accelerate recovery from minor injuries, enabling a quicker return to your normal activities.

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 recognizing early signs of jaw pain and limited movement, a patient proactively addressed potential jaw sprain, reducing the risk of chronic pain and dysfunction. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and empowered them to maintain a healthy jaw.
• By working with a physical therapist, a family proactively addressed potential spinal deformities in their child, reducing risks and promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle for the future. Early intervention provided peace of mind and empowered the family to take control of their child's well-being.
• By focusing on joint-strengthening exercises and a balanced diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for osteoarthritis, gaining confidence in maintaining an 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?

Dr. Maria PT is a licensed physical therapist, a movement expert who helps improve your quality of life. She provides 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 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.

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, such as BPPV, with specific head maneuvers. They can also improve balance through targeted exercises, helping to prevent falls.

How does physical therapy help prevent injuries?

Dr. Maria 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, proactively preventing future problems.

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, 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 progress between sessions and prevent the problem from returning after therapy is complete.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," strengthens muscles to prepare for surgery and speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical, starting soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. Our skilled therapists will guide you through every step of the process.

4511 SW 48th Ave
Ocala FL 34474
Phone: (866) 236-1808

Maria Williams, 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): 1346680287

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.