Marissa Hawkins, PT

Marissa Hawkins, PT is a Physical Therapist practicing at her Gainesville, FL clinic, 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 vital partner in preventive health, committed to creating long-term health plans, coordinating screenings, and restoring movement and function. 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.

Dr. Marissa 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, recognizing that proactive care is key to preventing future issues. As a physical therapist in Gainesville, FL, Dr. Marissa PT is dedicated to providing exceptional care, and patients should call (352) 273-7004 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Marissa PT provides consultations primarily in English, and is a valued member of the weprevent.org community, committed to promoting preventive health practices. Her dedication to proactive, comprehensive care, combined with her commitment to empowering patients, makes her an exceptional partner in your journey toward optimal wellness.

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

• Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: Regular checkups with your healthcare provider, including appropriate screenings, are essential for early detection of spinal health issues that can lead to thoracic spinal cord injury, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Nerve Root Injury and Plexus Disorders (incl. Pinched Nerve): Early detection of nerve root or plexus issues, often signaled by persistent pain or numbness, is crucial to prevent permanent damage and maintain mobility.
• Repeated Shoulder Dislocation: Preventing future shoulder dislocations requires understanding your risk factors and proactively engaging in physical therapy to improve shoulder stability and reduce your chances of recurrent injury.
• Congenital Deformity: Regular check-ups and early detection of congenital deformities are crucial for implementing timely physical therapy, minimizing long-term complications, and optimizing physical development.
• Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golf Elbow): Preventing tennis or golf elbow (epicondylitis) starts with understanding your risk factors and taking steps to modify activities that strain your elbow, allowing you to maintain your active lifestyle.
• Joint Stiffness: Managing joint stiffness is a key step in maintaining overall mobility and preventing long-term disability, preserving your independence for years to come.
• Work-Related Injuries: Addressing work-related injuries promptly through physical therapy helps prevent chronic pain and the need for extensive treatment later.

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

• Yoga Therapy: Strengthen your core and improve your body awareness through yoga therapy, promoting better posture and preventing back pain.
• Spine and Sports Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: Enhance your athletic performance and reduce your injury risk through spine and sports musculoskeletal rehabilitation; we'll assess your movement and address any weaknesses.
• Chronic Pain Management: Discover a path to lasting relief from chronic pain through physical therapy; restore your movement and reclaim your life.
• Pediatric Developmental Therapy: Give your child the best start with pediatric developmental therapy—a proactive approach to identifying and addressing any challenges impacting their physical development and reducing the risk of long-term problems.
• Ligament Reconstruction: Protecting your joint's long-term health, ligament reconstruction helps restore proper alignment and function after a significant injury.
• Acupuncture: Improve your overall health and reduce the risk of injuries through acupuncture; it's a complementary therapy that can assist in relieving pain and improving joint function.
• Electrical Stimulation: As a proactive measure to manage chronic pain, electrical stimulation can help reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life by stimulating nerves and muscles.

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 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 prioritizing regular checkups and screenings, a patient proactively identified potential spinal health issues, reducing their risk of thoracic spinal cord injury and gaining peace of mind about their future well-being.
• By proactively addressing early signs of pain and numbness, a patient significantly reduced the risk of nerve damage and maintained a full range of motion, leading to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors and engaging in a proactive physical therapy program, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of future shoulder dislocations, achieving greater confidence and peace of mind in their daily activities.

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 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 exercise 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. Marissa PT will be a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your medical history and goals, and 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. Marissa 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 to prevent falls.

What is the goal of a home exercise program?

Dr. Marissa 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.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy, provided by Dr. Marissa PT, is a specialized area of physical therapy focusing 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.

I have arthritis. Can physical therapy actually help?

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

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

Pre-operative physical therapy, or "prehab," can strengthen muscles and improve your overall health before surgery to speed recovery. Post-operative physical therapy is critical to restore range of motion, build strength, and ensure the best possible outcome from your new joint, starting soon after surgery. Dr. Marissa PT is here to help you every step of the way.

3450 Hull Rd
Gainesville FL 32607
Phone: (352) 273-7004

Marissa Hawkins, 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): 1568874618

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 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.