Marissa Gagliano

Marissa Gagliano is a Physical Therapist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Physical Therapy care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Tampa, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is committed to helping all ages achieve optimal wellness through a collaborative, evidence-based approach, recognizing 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.

Dr. Marissa Gagliano, a physical therapist in Tampa, FL, believes in the power of proactive health management. Her approach to care emphasizes a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health journey. She works closely with patients to develop personalized plans, incorporating preventative measures and restorative exercises to promote lasting well-being. Patients should call (813) 972-2000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Marissa Gagliano provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: Early recognition of symptoms associated with thoracic spinal cord injury is crucial for timely intervention, minimizing long-term disability and improving your quality of life.
• Excision of Metacarpal and Carpal: Proper hand and wrist care, such as ergonomic adjustments and strengthening exercises, can reduce your risk of developing conditions that may lead to metacarpal and carpal excision surgery.
• Arm Injuries: Protecting your arms from injury starts with understanding potential risks and taking proactive steps to prevent them, ensuring you maintain full arm function for years to come.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Because ankylosing spondylitis can lead to chronic pain and stiffness, focusing on preventive strategies such as regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to manage it.
• Lumbar Compression Fracture: A lumbar compression fracture, a break in one of your lower back bones, often happens silently and can be prevented with proactive bone health measures like weight-bearing exercise and sufficient calcium intake.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): An enlarged prostate, or BPH, can cause urinary problems, but early detection and proactive management through lifestyle changes and medical intervention can help prevent serious complications down the line.
• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Recognizing the symptoms of CTE, a brain disorder linked to repetitive head trauma, early on is key. Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and prevent further decline in brain function.

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

• Atlas Orthogonal Technique: To prevent headaches and neck pain stemming from upper spinal misalignment, consider the Atlas Orthogonal Technique, a precise chiropractic method that helps restore proper head and neck positioning.
• Functional Movement Screening: Proactively assess your body's movement patterns with a functional movement screen to uncover weaknesses and prevent future injuries, enabling you to stay active and healthy.
• Injection Therapy: Injection therapy can help proactively manage pain and inflammation, allowing you to stay active and prevent further injury.
• Musculoskeletal Function Test: Proactively assess your body's strength and flexibility with a musculoskeletal function test to catch early signs of dysfunction and maintain optimal physical health.
• Injury Prevention: Take control of your health by participating in injury prevention screenings that assess your movement patterns and identify potential weaknesses.
• NormaTec Compression Treatment: Boost your recovery and proactively manage muscle fatigue with NormaTec Compression Therapy; its targeted compression helps flush out metabolic waste and reduce inflammation.
• Spine Rehabilitation Exercises: Strengthen your spine and prevent future back pain with targeted exercises designed to improve posture and core stability.

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. Marissa Gagliano 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 understanding early warning signs, a patient developed a personalized plan, effectively minimizing the chances of a thoracic spinal cord injury. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered them to live their life to the fullest.
• By focusing on hand and wrist strengthening exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of needing metacarpal and carpal excision surgery, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain healthy hand function.
• By understanding repetitive strain risks and incorporating preventive exercises into their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future arm injuries, maintaining their 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. Marissa Gagliano:

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in movement and function. They help improve your quality of life through hands-on treatment, education, and exercises. PTs play a key role in injury prevention, pain management, and restoring function after illness or surgery.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy evaluation?

Your first visit with Dr. Gagliano 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.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

Yes, physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis management. While it can't reverse arthritis, a targeted exercise program from Dr. Marissa Gagliano can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain, helping to prevent disability and maintain an active life.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. It's a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and issues related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, benefiting both men and women.

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, unlike acupuncture, and can be a valuable tool to accelerate your recovery.

How can physical therapy help after a stroke?

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in stroke recovery by using specific exercises to retrain the brain and body. Our therapists guide you through repetitive movements, fostering neuroplasticity to help regain lost function, improve walking, balance, and strength. This ultimately aims to maximize your independence and reduce the risk of falls.

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and improve your overall fitness, helping to speed recovery after joint replacement surgery. Post-operative physical therapy is equally crucial, beginning soon after surgery, to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the recovery process.

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Marissa Gagliano 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): 1205554839

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. Marissa Gagliano 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.